The 9 Xactimate Roofing Line Items Adjusters Always Exclude (And How to Get Every One Paid)

The Pattern Every Roofing Contractor Recognizes

If you've been doing storm damage roofing for more than a year, you've seen the pattern: the adjuster's Xactimate estimate comes in, and the same line items are missing every single time. Starter strip. Drip edge. Hip and ridge cap. Ice and water shield. O&P. It's not random — adjusters are trained to exclude these items because most contractors don't fight back.

Here are the 9 Xactimate roofing line items that adjusters routinely exclude, along with the exact IRC codes and Xactimate activity codes you need to get each one paid.

1. Starter Strip (RFG STRT)

Starter strip is required at all eaves and rakes per IRC R905.2.8.1. It is a separate material from field shingles and requires separate installation labor. Adjusters frequently include it in the field shingle price or exclude it entirely. Cite IRC R905.2.8.1 and the manufacturer's installation instructions in your supplement letter.

2. Hip & Ridge Cap (RFG RIDGCAP)

Hip and ridge cap is a separate material with separate installation labor. It is not included in the field shingle price. Adjusters often exclude it or use a low-cost generic cap instead of the manufacturer-matching cap required by most OEM warranties. Cite the manufacturer's installation requirements and the Xactimate activity code RFG RIDGCAP.

3. Drip Edge (RFG DRIP)

Drip edge is required at all eaves and rakes per IRC R905.2.8.5. It is a separate material and labor item. Adjusters frequently exclude it on the grounds that it "wasn't damaged" — but drip edge must be removed and replaced when the roof deck is exposed, per most manufacturer installation instructions. Cite IRC R905.2.8.5 and the manufacturer's installation guide.

4. Ice & Water Shield (RFG ICEWTR)

Ice and water shield is required in cold climates (where the average January temperature is 25°F or below) per IRC R905.1.2. It is also required in all climates at valleys, eaves, and penetrations per many manufacturer installation guides. Adjusters in warm climates frequently exclude it — cite the manufacturer's installation requirements, which often mandate ice and water shield regardless of climate.

5. Overhead & Profit (O&P)

O&P at 10% overhead + 10% profit is a standard, industry-recognized line item that Xactimate explicitly supports. Adjusters deny it on the grounds that roofing contractors are "direct" contractors — but O&P applies to any contractor coordinating materials, labor, and sublets. Cite Xactimate's own documentation and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) position statement on O&P.

6. Permit Fees

Most jurisdictions require a building permit for roof replacement. Permit fees are a legitimate, separately billable item. Adjusters frequently exclude them or include a nominal amount that doesn't reflect actual permit costs. Document the actual permit fee with the permit receipt and include it in the supplement.

7. Satellite Dish Detach & Reset

Any satellite dish, antenna, or rooftop equipment must be detached before the roof is replaced and reset afterward. This is a legitimate labor item that adjusters routinely exclude. Document the equipment and the time required for detach/reset.

8. Step Flashing (RFG FLASH)

Step flashing is required at all wall/roof intersections per IRC R903.2.1. It must be replaced when the roof is replaced — it cannot be reused with new shingles. Adjusters frequently exclude step flashing or include only a partial replacement. Cite IRC R903.2.1 and the manufacturer's installation requirements.

9. Decking Replacement (RFG DECKSHTH)

When the roof deck is damaged, rotted, or insufficient to meet current code requirements, decking replacement is required. Adjusters frequently exclude decking replacement or approve only partial replacement. Document the damaged areas with photos and measurements and cite the IRC section requiring solid decking (IRC R803.1).

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