Frequently Asked Questions

No, and you should be wary of any contractor who offers to. Colorado Senate Bill 38 (SB38) explicitly prohibits roofing contractors from paying, waiving, rebating, or promising to waive all or part of any insurance deductible. This is considered insurance fraud.

Your deductible is your financial responsibility as part of your insurance policy. We can help you plan for this expense and may offer financing options, but the deductible must be paid by you. Contractors who “waive” deductibles typically inflate prices elsewhere or cut corners on quality.

The first check from your insurance company is typically the Actual Cash Value (ACV) - the depreciated value of your roof, minus your deductible. This is not your final settlement; it’s essentially a deposit.

Here’s how it works:

• ACV (first check): Replacement cost minus depreciation minus deductible
• Depreciation holdback: Released after work is completed
• Supplements: Additional funds for items missed in the initial estimate

The initial estimate often misses items like ice and water shield, proper starter strips, steep charges, or O&P (overhead and profit). We submit detailed supplement requests to capture these costs. Your final payout is typically higher than the first check.

A supplement is a formal request for additional funds to cover items that were missed or undervalued in the original insurance estimate. This is a normal and expected part of the claims process - not a confrontation with your insurance company.

Common items that require supplementation include:

• Ice and water shield (manufacturer requirement for warranty)
• Ridge and starter strips (often buried in waste factor)
• Steep pitch or high access charges
• Overhead and profit (when multiple trades are involved)
• Permit and inspection fees
• Code upgrades required by Denver/Aurora building codes

We provide Xactimate-format documentation that speaks the insurance company’s language, making it easier for adjusters to approve legitimate supplements.

Appraisal is a dispute resolution mechanism included in most Colorado insurance policies. It’s used when you and your insurance company can’t agree on the amount of loss (the value of the damage).

Here’s how it works:

1. You request appraisal in writing
2. You select an independent, competent appraiser
3. The insurance company selects their own appraiser
4. Both appraisers select a neutral umpire
5. If the two appraisers agree, that value is binding
6. If they disagree, the umpire decides

Appraisal is typically faster and less expensive than litigation. It addresses the value of the loss, not coverage disputes. If your supplements are being unfairly denied, appraisal can be an effective way to get fair compensation.

Class 4 shingles are premium roofing products tested under UL 2218 to resist impact damage from hail. During testing, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped from 20 feet. Class 4 shingles don’t crack under this impact.

These shingles use polymer-modified (SBS rubberized) asphalt, making them more flexible and durable than standard shingles. Brands include Owens Corning Duration FLEX, Malarkey Vista, and GAF Timberline HDZ.

The key benefit for Colorado homeowners: many insurance companies offer premium discounts of 20-28% for homes with Class 4 roofs. If you save $600/year on premiums, a $1,200 upgrade pays for itself in just 2 years - and your roof is better protected for the next hailstorm.

Yes, we offer free forensic roof inspections for potential storm damage. Our inspection process mirrors what insurance adjusters do:

• We mark test squares (10’x10’ areas) on each directional slope
• We count and document hail hits per square
• We check for mat fractures (the hidden damage that reduces roof life)
• We inspect soft metals (gutters, vents, caps) for collateral damage
• We photograph everything for documentation

After the inspection, we’ll give you an honest assessment. If damage doesn’t exceed your deductible, we’ll tell you - there’s no benefit to filing a claim that results in $0 payout. If damage warrants a claim, we’ll provide documentation to support it.

For non-storm-related inspections (like pre-purchase evaluations), we charge a modest fee for our time and expertise.

Most residential roof replacements take 1-3 days, depending on:

• Roof size: A typical 2,000 sq ft home takes 1-2 days
• Roof complexity: Multiple valleys, hips, and dormers add time
• Weather: We don’t work in rain or extreme conditions
• Inspections: Denver requires a mid-roof inspection before shingling

The timeline from first contact to completion is longer due to insurance processing:

1. Initial inspection: Same day or next day
2. Insurance claim filing: You initiate within 24-48 hours
3. Adjuster visit: 1-2 weeks typically
4. Supplement process: Additional 1-2 weeks if needed
5. Material ordering: 3-5 business days
6. Installation: 1-3 days
7. Final inspection: Usually same day or next day

We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate all scheduling around your availability.