Why Roof Claims Get Reopened: Adjusters Sound Off on Contractor Tactics

A candid discussion on r/adjusters highlights a problem most property adjusters know well: roofing estimates that arrive heavily padded with line items that are rarely justified but frequently disputed. The original poster, a carrier adjuster with several years of experience, describes frustration with contractors who inflate scopes with routine asks for O&P, full flashing replacement, misapplied two-story charges, supervisor hours, and questionable code citations. While many contractors work collaboratively, a smaller but persistent group consumes outsized time and resources by forcing reopened claims and prolonging resolution.

Commenters across multiple roles adjusters, former adjusters turned contractors, and roofers themselves acknowledge that supplement inflation is often intentional. Several note that it costs contractors nothing to add extra lines and that approval inconsistency across carriers and individual adjusters makes the practice profitable. Others point to internal supplement writers paid on commission, creating incentives to push every possible line item regardless of job complexity or code requirements.

The thread also underscores how adjuster experience and consistency shape outcomes. Some contributors describe developing standard word tracks, code documentation practices, and estimate notes to preempt common supplement tactics such as ice and water shield claims or supervisory labor. Others argue that uneven training, remote inspections, and reliance on ladder assists contribute to bare-bones initial estimates that invite aggressive counter-scopes.

For adjusters, the takeaway is not just about contractor behavior but about system pressure points. Inconsistent claim handling, limited inspection time, and unclear carrier guidance can unintentionally reward inflated estimates. The discussion reinforces why clear documentation, local code knowledge, and confident communication with insureds are essential to keeping claims on track while maintaining trust.