How to Read a Roofing Estimate

If you’ve filed a claim for storm damage to your roof, there’s a good chance your insurance adjuster handed you a repair estimate generated in Xactimate — the industry-standard software used to price property damage claims.

But here’s the problem:
Most homeowners don’t know how to read these estimates.
And that’s exactly how underpayments, missing items, and denied claims happen.
At MD Roofing, we don’t just repair roofs — we help you understand your insurance estimate and fight for the coverage you’re entitled to. Let’s walk through how to read a roofing estimate line by line, and what red flags to look for.

🧾 What is Xactimate?
​Xactimate is a software used by most insurance adjusters to calculate repair costs after property damage — especially storm-related roofing claims.
It breaks your claim down by:

• Specific line items
• Quantities (how much material/labor is needed)
• Unit pricing (cost per square foot, per shingle, per hour, etc.)
• Removal and replacement costs
• Labor minimums and waste calculations

The software is updated monthly by region — so pricing in Colorado Springs should reflect current local market rates. But that doesn’t mean the estimate is complete or correct.

📋 How to Read Your Roofing Estimate (Step by Step)1. Check the Scope of Work (Line Items)
Each line item should describe a specific task or material. Look for:
✅ Remove & replace asphalt shingles
✅ Ice & water shield
✅ Synthetic underlayment
✅ Flashing replacement
✅ Drip edge
✅ Roof vents
✅ Labor & disposal fees
​
🚩Red Flag: If the scope only shows “shingle replacement” but no underlayment or flashing, it’s incomplete.

Tip: We re-measure every roof using aerial tools or on-site measurements to catch underestimations.

2. Look at the Quantities
​The estimate should show how many squares (100 sq ft sections) of roofing are being replaced.
Also review:

• Linear feet of flashing
• Rolls of underlayment
• Quantity of vents or pipe jacks

If your roof is 30 squares but they’re only replacing 22, something’s off.



3. Unit Pricing & Labor Costs
Each task will have a unit price — for example:

• Asphalt shingles (R&R): $xxx per square
• Flashing: $xx per linear foot
• Labor: $xx per hour or unit

While Xactimate tries to stay current, many line item prices are still lower than actual market rates — especially in high-demand seasons.

4. Overhead & Profit (O&P)
If your claim involves multiple trades (roofing, stucco, windows, gutters), you may be entitled to 10% overhead and 10% profit — added to the total claim.
Red Flag: Insurance companies often exclude O&P unless a contractor requests it and proves it's necessary.
At MD Roofing, we handle multiple trades and document the need for O&P so you’re not stuck covering the gap.

5. Supplements: What’s Missing from the Estimate?
It’s common for initial estimates to leave out:
❌ Building code upgrades (drip edge, decking, ventilation)
❌ Waste factor allowances (especially for steep or complex roofs)
❌ Proper flashing or step flashing
❌ Painting, gutter tie-ins, or stucco repair
❌ Permit fees and inspections
Our team reviews every Xactimate estimate to find missing or underpaid items, and we submit supplements to the insurance company to correct them.

🧠 Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Go It Alone

• Most adjusters don’t climb the roof — they rely on drones or photos
• Their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line
• You deserve an experienced contractor who advocates for your best outcome

At MD Roofing, we review your estimate, re-inspect the damage, and work directly with your adjuster to ensure your home is fully restored — not halfway patched.

✅ Bottom Line: Don’t Settle for a Low or Incomplete Estimate
If your roof was damaged and your insurance adjuster gave you an estimate — let us review it. We’ll walk you through what’s covered, what’s missing, and what comes next.
Your only out-of-pocket cost should be your deductible. Not thousands in missed line items.

📣 Call to ActionNot sure if your Xactimate estimate is accurate?
Let MD Roofing review it — free of charge — and make sure you get the full scope of repairs you’re owed.
📞 (719) 591-2142
🌐 md360roofing.com
📍 Full-service storm restoration & insurance support