One of the most frustrating situations homeowners face after storm damage is receiving a partial insurance approval. Instead of covering a full roof replacement, the insurance company may only approve repairs to a small portion of the roof.

While this can feel like the end of the claim process, it often isn’t. Many partial approvals can be challenged, supplemented, or reopened when additional damage evidence or building code requirements are presented.

Understanding how this process works can help homeowners get the full scope of work their home actually needs.

Why Insurance Companies Approve Partial Roof Claims

Insurance adjusters typically approve partial repairs when they believe:

• Only a limited section of the roof was damaged

• The roof can be repaired instead of replaced

• Damage is below the insurance company’s replacement threshold

• Some damage is considered wear and tear rather than storm related

For example, an adjuster might approve replacing 10–20 shingles or repairing a small section of a slope instead of replacing the entire roof.

However, this initial estimate is often based on limited inspection time or missing documentation.

This is where contractors and supplements come into play.

Step 1: Review the Insurance Scope of Loss

After the adjuster inspection, the insurance company will provide a document called the Scope of Loss.

This document outlines:

• What the insurance company approved

• Labor and material pricing

• Depreciation

• Deductible

• What was not approved

A contractor experienced in insurance restoration will review this estimate and compare it with what is actually required to complete the roof correctly.

Many times the estimate is missing:

• Code upgrades

• Proper flashing replacements

• Ice and water shield

• Ventilation requirements

• Tear-off or decking costs

Step 2: Document Additional Damage

If the approved scope is incomplete, the next step is gathering additional documentation.

Contractors may perform:

ITEL Reports

Used to determine shingle manufacturer and availability for matching.

Repairability Tests

Used to determine whether shingles can be removed without damaging surrounding materials.

Brittle Tests

Used to show that shingles cannot be repaired due to age or brittleness.

Matching Reports

Used when discontinued shingles make spot repairs impossible.

If these tests prove repairs are not feasible, the insurance company may need to approve a larger replacement.

Step 3: Submit a Supplement

A supplement is a formal request asking the insurance company to revise their estimate.

Supplements often include:

• Additional damage photos

• Contractor inspection reports

• Code compliance documentation

• Updated material pricing

• Line-item corrections in Xactimate

This process often results in the insurance company approving additional work and payments beyond the original estimate.

Utah Building Codes That Can Impact Roof Insurance Claims

One of the most effective ways contractors challenge partial approvals is through building code requirements.

Insurance policies often include Ordinance or Law coverage, which means the insurance company must pay for upgrades required by building codes when repairs are performed.

Utah follows the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with state amendments, which governs roofing installations.

Several IRC code sections commonly affect insurance roof claims.

IRC Ice and Water Shield Requirements

In cold climates like Utah, roofs must include ice barrier protection to prevent leaks caused by ice dams.

According to IRC roofing code, an ice barrier must be installed from the roof edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.

This typically means:

• Ice and water shield on all eaves

• Coverage that extends well past the exterior wall

• Additional protection in valleys and penetrations

If a partial repair removes shingles at the eaves, the roofing contractor may be required to install this membrane to meet code.

If the insurance estimate did not include this material, it can be added through a supplement.

Why Repairs Sometimes Aren’t Possible

Insurance companies often assume roofs can simply be repaired.

However, several factors may prevent proper repairs:

Shingle Matching Issues

If the original shingles are discontinued, repairs may create visible mismatches.

Brittle Shingles

Older shingles may crack during removal, making repairs impossible.

Code Requirements

Replacing shingles in certain areas may require additional underlayment or flashing upgrades to meet current code.

Structural Concerns

Decking damage or ventilation issues may require additional work not included in the original estimate.

When these issues occur, a repair may no longer be viable, which can justify a full replacement.

Step 4: Request a Reinspection

If the insurance company initially denies or partially approves the claim, the next step is often requesting a reinspection.

During this inspection:

• The contractor meets the adjuster onsite

• Damage evidence is presented

• Code requirements are explained

• Additional areas of damage are reviewed

Many claims are revised during this stage.

Step 5: Escalating the Claim

If a reinspection still results in an unfair denial or partial approval, homeowners may have additional options.

These include:

Claim Escalation

Requesting a review from a senior adjuster.

Appraisal Process

A dispute resolution process defined in many insurance policies.

Public Adjuster Involvement

A licensed professional who represents the homeowner rather than the insurance company.

Why Having a Contractor Involved Matters

Roof insurance claims are technical, and small details can significantly affect the outcome.

Experienced roofing contractors often help homeowners by:

• Documenting storm damage

• Reviewing insurance estimates

• Identifying missing scope items

• Providing code compliance documentation

• Meeting adjusters during reinspections

This collaboration helps ensure that the final repairs are both insurance approved and code compliant.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a partial roof insurance approval does not necessarily mean the claim is complete. Many claims are revised after additional damage evidence or building code requirements are presented.

For homeowners in Utah, working with a roofing contractor who understands both insurance restoration and IRC building codes can make a major difference in the outcome of the claim.

If your roof was damaged by a storm and the insurance company only approved partial repairs, scheduling a professional inspection with us and we will help determine

whether additional coverage is warranted!