The Critical Role of Building Code in Roofing: Why Contractors and Adjusters Must Get It Right

In the roofing industry, few topics hold as much weight as building code compliance. For roofing contractors and public adjusters, understanding building codes isn’t just an administrative hurdle; it’s essential for accurately scoping projects, documenting claims, and ensuring that roofs are built to last. When it comes to justifying costs for insurance claims, a solid knowledge of building codes can be the deciding factor in getting the claim paid—and getting it paid promptly.

Building codes set safety, durability, and performance standards that all roofing projects must meet. These codes govern everything from materials and installation techniques to ventilation and drainage. For contractors and adjusters, knowing these requirements is crucial for ensuring each project is code-compliant, avoiding costly rework, and reducing liability. Insurance carriers are often resistant to approving claims without clear evidence of why certain repairs or upgrades are necessary. When contractors and adjusters can cite specific codes and demonstrate compliance, they’re better equipped to justify their estimates, speed up claim approvals, and deliver roofs that meet industry standards.

Addressing Decking Replacement: A Commonly Excluded But Essential Item

Take decking replacement as an example. When replacing a roof, it’s often necessary to replace or overlay existing decking that doesn’t meet code-required thickness or structural standards. However, carrier adjusters rarely include this item in their initial scope, leaving contractors and adjusters to prove its necessity. By documenting the condition of the existing decking with photos and measurements, and citing relevant codes and manufacturer installation instructions, roofing professionals can show why decking replacement is essential. This proactive approach ensures that carriers have the information they need to consider the associated costs upfront, avoiding unnecessary delays.

Avoiding Oversights in Key Roof Components

In addition to decking, certain components of a roofing system require careful attention to avoid potential oversights that can affect both project quality and claim approvals. For example, some roofing systems must be replaced in their entirety, as partial repairs may compromise the system’s integrity. Other key elements include removing old underlayment, addressing any issues with the decking, and replacing damaged flashings instead of reusing them. These items are often overlooked during scoping, but understanding their importance and documenting their condition can be critical for demonstrating compliance and securing claim coverage.

Standard Documentation Protocol: Capturing Code Requirements Effectively

To support their claims, roofing contractors and adjusters must be diligent in documenting the existing conditions of each roofing component. Adopting a standard documentation protocol can ensure that every roof is documented consistently, regardless of whether all details are ultimately needed in the claim. This approach involves inspecting and recording the condition of each component, prescribing solutions for repair or replacement, and noting the specific code requirements for each element. Having this detailed documentation on hand provides a robust foundation for any claim, showing insurance adjusters precisely why certain repairs are needed and how they meet regulatory standards.

Proactive Code Documentation: Streamlining the Claims Process

One of the most significant benefits of code knowledge is the ability to streamline the claims process. By including code-required items directly in the initial scope and referencing applicable codes, contractors and adjusters present a well-rounded claim to insurers from the start. This comprehensive approach can save time, reducing the need for prolonged negotiations or repeated requests for clarification. For adjusters, receiving a complete package with all code-related documentation means faster approval decisions, as they have the full picture from the outset.

The Consequences of Overlooking Code Requirements

Failing to adhere to building codes presents significant risks for contractors and their clients. Without a thorough understanding of code requirements, contractors may overlook critical elements, exposing themselves to potential liability if the roof fails or doesn’t pass inspection. Fines and lawsuits from non-compliance can be costly and even jeopardize the business’s viability. More commonly, though, the real financial impact lies in the reduced margins and increased costs that contractors face when code requirements aren’t addressed thoroughly in initial scopes, leaving policyholders to bear inappropriate costs or forcing contractors to cover these expenses themselves.

Conclusion

In an industry as technical and regulated as roofing, building code knowledge is indispensable for contractors and public adjusters. It empowers them to scope projects thoroughly, document estimates accurately, and expedite claim approvals. Most importantly, it allows roofing professionals to deliver quality, compliant roofs that provide value and security to clients.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of building codes, resources like the Building Experts Institute offer specialized courses designed to help roofing professionals build correctly and secure the compensation they deserve. By investing in building code knowledge, contractors and adjusters not only improve their claim success rates but also enhance their reputation as trusted industry experts.