Most roofing contractors leave $2,000–$8,000 on every insurance job they run. Not because the damage isn't there. Because they're writing supplement letters in prose instead of code.
Insurance adjusters work inside Xactimate. When you submit a supplement that says "we need more money for ridge cap" it gets denied. When you say "per IRC R905.2.8.2, ridge cap requires minimum 6-inch overlap; not included in scope line item RFG SHIP — 94 linear feet at $5.40/lf" — it gets approved 88% of the time.
The difference: a supplement that ties each item to a specific code section and line code is easier for an adjuster to verify than one that just asks for more money.
The 10 IRC Citations Every Roofer Should Know
IRC R905.1 — General Roof Replacement Standards
Use when an adjuster scopes partial replacement. "Per IRC R905.1, roof covering replacement must bring the entire affected area into compliance with current code standards, not merely the area of visible damage."
IRC R905.2.8.1 — Starter Strip Required
"Per IRC R905.2.8.1, asphalt shingle installation requires a starter strip at eaves and rakes. Previous installation omitted this; replacement must include compliant starter strip per Xactimate line code RFG STARTR."
IRC R905.2.8.2 — Ridge Cap Minimum Overlap
"Per IRC R905.2.8.2, ridge cap installation requires minimum 6-inch overlap. This is not included in scope line item RFG SHIP and represents [X] linear feet."
IRC R905.2.8.5 — Drip Edge Required
"Per IRC R905.2.8.5, drip edge is required at eaves and rakes. Original installation did not include code-compliant drip edge; replacement requires RFG DRIP."
IRC R903.2 — Flashing at All Intersections
"Per IRC R903.2, flashing is required at all intersections of roof and vertical surfaces, valleys, and penetrations."
IRC R903.2.1 — Corrosion-Resistant Flashing
Use when adjuster says existing flashing is "still functional." "Per IRC R903.2.1, all flashings must be corrosion-resistant metal."
IRC R905.2.7 — Full Underlayment Coverage
"Per IRC R905.2.7, underlayment must cover the full deck area. Complete replacement is required to achieve code compliance."
IRC R905.1.2 — Ice Barrier in Cold Climates
"Per IRC R905.1.2, ice barriers are required where January mean temperature is 25°F or less. Ice and water shield is a code-required component — Xactimate line code RFG ICE."
IRC R908.4 — Recover vs. Replace
Use when adjuster scopes overlay. "Per IRC R908.4, recovering is prohibited when the structure already has two or more applications of roofing material. Inspection confirms two layers — full tearoff is required by code."
HAAG Engineering Standard — Functional Damage
"Per HAAG Engineering functional damage standards, hail diameter exceeding the functional damage threshold causes granule loss that reduces rated service life regardless of aesthetic appearance."
15 Xactimate Line Codes to Always Include
| Code | Description | Typical Value | Approval Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFG SEAL | Seal all penetrations | $85–$180 | Almost always approved — never skip |
| RFG MAS HS | Hand seal each tab (high wind) | $0.15/sf | Required in wind zones |
| RFG SHIP | Remove & replace ridge cap | $4.50–$7.20/lf | Cite IRC R905.2.8.2 |
| RFG GUTTER D | Gutter — detach & reset | $1.80–$2.40/lf | Include on every full replacement |
| RFG FLG AL | Aluminum step flashing | $3.20–$5.50/lf | Cite IRC R903.2 — strongest line item |
| RFG STARTR | Starter strip | $0.85/lf | Cite IRC R905.2.8.1 |
| RFG FELT | Remove & replace underlayment | $0.22–$0.35/sf | Include on 15+ year old roofs |
| RFG ICE | Ice & water shield | $0.55–$0.85/sf | Code-required in many states |
| RFG DRIP | Drip edge replacement | $2.20–$3.80/lf | Cite IRC R905.2.8.5 |
| RFG PIPE | Pipe jack/boot replacement | $85–$140 each | Per penetration — count every one |
| RFG PLYWD | Replace sheathing/decking | $2.80–$4.20/sf | Requires photo documentation |
| WTR EXT CLN | Exterior debris cleanup | $185–$350 | Include on all storm jobs |
| PNT PRIME | Prime fascia after metal flash | $0.65–$1.20/sf | Often overlooked |
| DEM RFGBD | Remove damaged decking | $0.35–$0.60/sf | Use when decking replacement needed |
| CLN DEBRIEF | Final clean & haul debris | $180–$380 | Separate from standard cleanup |
A note on the law
Whether a contractor may communicate with an insurer about a claim, and how, is set by state law. In many states, including Arizona and Wisconsin, a contractor may document damage and submit an estimate with the homeowner’s consent but may not negotiate the claim on the homeowner’s behalf, which is licensed public adjuster work. Check your state’s rules before you send anything to a carrier.