When storm damage strikes your home, you expect your insurance company to cover the repairs. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the initial estimate from your insurance adjuster often doesn’t tell the whole story. That’s where something called an insurance supplement comes in.
If you’re in the middle of an insurance claim for roof, siding, or gutter damage — or you’re preparing for one — understanding how supplements work is key to getting the full coverage you’re entitled to.
What Is an Insurance Supplement?
An insurance supplement is a formal request made to your insurance company asking for additional funds that were not included in the original estimate. These additional funds typically cover:
- Missing line items (such as flashing, drip edge, underlayment, or house wrap)
- Code upgrades required by local or state building codes
- Labor or material costs that have increased since the time of the original estimate
- Previously hidden damage discovered after the tear-off or during repairs
- Incorrect measurements or miscalculations in the original adjuster’s report
Supplements are not about inflating costs — they’re about making sure your repairs are complete, code-compliant, and done right.
Why Are Supplements So Important?
Imagine this: your roof is damaged, your insurance carrier sends an adjuster, and you receive an estimate for a basic roof replacement. But once our team at Grand Rising Exteriors inspects the property thoroughly, we may discover that:
- The adjuster missed key items like valley liners, ice & water shield, or step flashing.
- Your local building code now requires decking replacement if the spacing is too wide or its damaged and needs replaced.
- The adjuster used outdated pricing or overlooked waste factor allowances.
Without a supplement, you’d be left covering those costs out of pocket — or worse, settling for incomplete or non-code-compliant repairs. Supplements make sure you get the full scope of work funded so that your home is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with local building laws.
How Long Do Insurance Supplements Take?
This part requires some patience.
Once we identify the missing or underfunded items, Grand Rising Exteriors prepares a supplement package that typically includes:
- Detailed photos and documentation
- Building code citations (when applicable)
- Manufacturer guidelines or documentation
- A revised scope of work and estimate (often through Xactimate)
After submission, it can take 7–21 business days to receive a response, depending on the insurance company, the complexity of the supplement, and their internal review process.
Pro Tip: We do our best to keep the timeline on the shorter end, but homeowners should expect a brief delay before scheduling materials and crews if a supplement is pending. This short delay ensures the project is funded properly — and done right the first time.
Insurance Supplements Help Keep Your Home Up to Code
One of the most important reasons supplements exist is to bring your home up to current code requirements.
For example:
- Drip edge, house wrap, and flashing are now required by the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted in Kentucky.
- Ice and water shield may be required in eaves, valleys, and roof penetrations.
- Your local code may require upgraded ventilation or decking replacement if the existing structure doesn’t meet spacing or material standards.
Many insurance adjusters do not include these required items unless your contractor brings them to their attention through a supplement. Without them, your repairs could be non-compliant, putting future coverage, home inspections, or resale value at risk.
Why You Need a Contractor Who Knows How to Handle Supplements
Insurance supplements aren’t just “extra paperwork” — they’re a specialized process that requires:
- Detailed documentation and photos
- A working knowledge of building codes
- Familiarity with insurance estimating platforms (like Xactimate)
- Persistence and follow-up communication with adjusters
At Grand Rising Exteriors, we have a dedicated team that handles the supplement process from start to finish. We know how to negotiate respectfully but firmly with insurance carriers, submit everything correctly the first time, and make sure no critical component is left behind.
Final Thoughts: Insurance Supplements Protect You
While they may take a little time, insurance supplements are one of the most important parts of the restoration process. They ensure that your repairs:
- Match the real-world scope of work
- Meet state and local building codes
- Are fully funded by your insurance carrier
- Protect the long-term value of your home
If you’ve suffered storm damage and have questions about insurance, scope of work, or whether your project needs a supplement — we’re here to help. At Grand Rising Exteriors, we advocate for our homeowners and take pride in making sure your restoration is done right, the first time.
