A storm hits Tulsa. You file a claim. An adjuster comes out, inspects your roof, and sends you a PDF with a long list of confusing line items and a total at the bottom.
That document is called an insurance scope—usually created in a software called Xactimate. It looks official. It sounds comprehensive. But there’s a problem.
It’s often missing items. Misrepresenting your roof. Or flat-out wrong.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve reviewed hundreds of insurance scopes for Tulsa homeowners. We’ve found line items skipped, measurements miscalculated, and entire components of the roof left out—whether by accident or design.
This guide will teach you how to read your insurance estimate the way we do—line by line, component by component—so you understand what’s covered, what’s missing, and how to make sure you don’t get left with a partial roof or a partial payout.
What Is an Insurance Scope, Really?
An insurance scope of loss is the document your insurance company sends after an adjuster inspects storm damage. It details:
What part of the roof (or home) was damaged
What items will be paid for
The quantities and measurements involved
The cost breakdown
The depreciation (if applicable)
Your deductible
The amount they’ll issue now, and what they’ll pay later
It’s not a repair plan. It’s a starting point.
And just because it’s in writing doesn’t mean it’s complete.
Most scopes are built using Xactimate, a software that builds line items based on adjuster inputs and regional pricing. But unless the adjuster fully understands roofing systems—and codes in Tulsa—you’re likely missing things.
Tier-One Roofing reads your scope like a contractor, not an insurance rep. We walk your roof, match every item to the scope, and build a real plan that gets you everything you're owed.
What to Check First on Your Insurance Estimate
Before diving into line items, start with these four key sections:
1. Roof Measurements
Does the estimate reflect the actual square footage and pitch of your roof? If your roof is 30 squares but the estimate lists 22, you’re already behind.
2. Property Address and Dates
Check that the property address, claim number, and date of loss are correct. Incorrect data can delay or void payments.
3. Scope Title
Is it listed as “roof replacement” or “roof repair”? If the damage calls for full replacement, you don’t want to settle for patchwork.
4. Code Upgrade Allowance
In Tulsa, many code upgrades are required by law—like ventilation, ice and water shield in valleys, or drip edge. If your policy includes Ordinance & Law coverage, these should be paid for. If they're missing, that’s a red flag.
Line Items Most Commonly Left Off (That You Still Need)
Even when the adjuster is trying to be fair, we consistently see these critical components left off the scope:
1. Starter Strip Shingles
These are required at the eaves and rake edges of your roof. Without them, your shingles can lift or fail. Most scopes list shingles but skip starters.
2. Ridge Cap Shingles
Often not included—or listed at the same rate as field shingles, even though ridge caps are a specialty item with higher labor costs.
3. Ice and Water Shield
In valleys, around chimneys, and near penetrations—this waterproof membrane is code-required in many parts of Tulsa. It’s not optional.
4. Drip Edge
Edge metal protects fascia and directs water off the roof. If not listed, it's your cost to replace—or the old, corroded piece gets reused.
5. Flashing (Step & Counter)
If flashing is rusted, bent, or aged, it must be replaced. Many adjusters only list flashing if it’s visibly detached—which is not how water works.
6. Ventilation Upgrades
If your existing ventilation is out of code or underperforming, insurance should cover bringing it up to modern standards. This is often overlooked entirely.
7. Roof Tear-Off and Dump Fees
Some scopes include only the install cost—not the tear-off, haul-away, or disposal. If your contractor doesn’t catch this, those costs fall on you.
Tier-One Roofing’s process includes a full scope review that flags any missing or underpriced items before we ever touch the roof. That’s how we protect your claim—and your pocketbook.
Think your estimate looks light? We’ll cross-check your scope for missing materials and underpaid labor—at no cost, no pressure. Just answers you can trust.
RCV vs. ACV: Understanding What You’re Actually Getting Paid
Your scope may reference RCV (Replacement Cost Value) and ACV (Actual Cash Value).
RCV is the full cost to replace your roof at today’s prices.
ACV subtracts depreciation based on age or condition—leaving you with less.
Most insurance companies pay in two checks:
The ACV upfront, which is usually 50–70% of the total cost
The recoverable depreciation, paid after the work is completed and verified
If your roof is older, has wear and tear, or your policy is ACV-only, your first check may be your only one.
Tier-One Roofing helps you interpret these numbers and ensures you submit the right documents to recover the second check in full.
Unsure if you’re getting the full value from your policy? Call Tier-One Roofing. We’ll explain your depreciation breakdown and show you how to claim every dollar you’re entitled to.
Matching the Scope to Reality: Why We Walk the Roof Again
The scope you get from insurance is based on what the adjuster saw—not always what’s actually happening up there.
That’s why Tier-One Roofing walks the entire roof ourselves, with the scope in hand, looking for:
Missed soft decking
Damaged flashing or vents
Hidden hail bruising
Improper slope measurements
Rake/eave length miscalculations
Additional layers of roofing
Chimney or siding integration issues
We document everything with photos, line up our findings with the scope, and revise the estimate accordingly—before we start.
This makes the supplement process smoother and helps you avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs later.
Supplements: What They Are and Why They Matter
If we find items that weren’t included in your insurance estimate—but are required to complete the job properly—we file a supplement.
A supplement is a request to add items back into the scope, based on:
Code compliance
Real-world conditions
Missed line items
Manufacturer requirements
Labor increases not accounted for in Xactimate
Supplements aren’t tricks or gimmicks. They’re how honest contractors ensure you get paid for the roof your home actually needs, not the cheapest shortcut possible.
Tier-One Roofing handles supplement writing, photo documentation, and follow-up directly with your adjuster—so you don’t have to play middleman.
Insurance scope doesn’t tell the whole story. We fill in the gaps. Let Tier-One Roofing take the paperwork off your plate and help you get what your roof really needs.
Common Insurance Scope Red Flags
If you see any of the following, pause and get a second opinion before signing a contract or accepting the payout:
Line items for “repair” on a roof that’s clearly storm-damaged throughout
Suspiciously low material quantities or square footage
No mention of ventilation, flashing, or ridge components
Missing tear-off or underlayment items
Total replacement cost under $7,000 for a full roof in Tulsa
Policy says “ACV Only” with no mention of recoverable depreciation
We’ve helped homeowners renegotiate thousands of dollars in missed line items because they called us before they started—and because we knew what to look for.
Why This Process Fails Without the Right Contractor
Even with the best insurance coverage, the wrong contractor will cost you:
Materials skipped because they weren’t “on the scope”
Upgrades not claimed because no one filed a supplement
Manufacturer warranties voided due to improper install
Labor underpaid and made up by cutting corners
Adjusters unchallenged when they lowball the job
Tier-One Roofing isn’t here to push claims higher than they should be. We’re here to make sure your insurance company covers what’s fair and required—and that the roof we install will last, perform, and be covered moving forward.
Don’t let someone use your scope as a ceiling. Let us use it as a starting point—and fight for the roof you actually deserve. Tier-One Roofing is here to help, not hustle.
After the Scope: What Comes Next
Once your scope is accurate and approved, here’s what Tier-One Roofing does next:
Schedule material delivery and confirm start date
Re-walk the roof the day before install to confirm no changes
Install per manufacturer specs and building code
Photograph every step for insurance and warranty purposes
Complete post-install inspection and cleanup
Submit completion docs to insurance to release your depreciation
Review your warranty and provide digital records
We stay in touch long after install. If issues arise, adjusters call back, or your neighbors want the same help—you won’t be wondering where we went.