When you find hidden damage during tear-off, stop work on that area, photograph it before any repair with a wide shot and a close-up, measure the affected quantity, and notify the adjuster in writing the same day. Then send a supplement listing each item with photos, quantities, and the code or manufacturer requirement that makes the repair necessary.
- →Photograph before you fix — once decking is replaced, the evidence is gone
- →Wide shot for location, close-up for condition, tape measure in frame
- →Notify the adjuster the same day, in writing
- →Supplement with quantities in sheets or square feet
What usually shows up
| Finding | How to quantify | Typical support |
|---|---|---|
| Rotted or delaminated decking | Sheets or SF replaced | Photos + local code on deck condition |
| Missing ice and water shield | LF at eaves/valleys × width | Adopted code for the climate zone |
| Failed step or counter flashing | LF or count | Manufacturer install instructions |
| Multiple existing layers | Squares per extra layer | Photo of layer edge at eave |
| Deteriorated pipe boots | Count | Photos |
The documentation routine
- Stop on the affected area before replacing anything
- Take a wide photo showing where on the roof it is
- Take close-ups with a tape measure or marked sheet edges visible
- Mark the location on the roof diagram from your measurement report
- Count sheets or measure linear feet and write it down at the roof
- Email the adjuster the same day with photos and the quantity
Your homeowner contract should explain how hidden damage is handled and priced before work starts. That avoids a dispute later if the carrier doesn't approve every item.
Writing the supplement
Treat hidden-damage items like any other supplement line: photo, quantity, citation. Reference the original estimate and date of loss, and state that the items were found during tear-off on a specific date. See how to write a roofing supplement for the full format.
In RoofGenius, tear-off photos are classified and attached to the line items they support, so the supplement goes out with evidence already in place. See AI Supplements.