Ultimate Xactimate Roofing Cheat Sheet: 1 Minute to Mastering Roofing Estimates with Ease

The “Ultimate Xactimate Roofing Cheat Sheet” is designed to help roofing contractors, adjusters, and estimators efficiently use Xactimate—the industry-standard software for insurance claims estimating, especially roofing jobs. Whether you’re new to Xactimate or looking for shortcuts, this guide condenses technical jargon, line items, measurement tips, and negotiation strategies to save time and ensure accuracy.

Key Components of the Cheat Sheet:

1. Commonly Used Roofing Line Items:
2. RFG 300: Roofing Tear Off, per square
3. RFG 220: Roofing Installation, per square
4. RFG850: Starter Course
5. RFG801: Ridge Cap
6. RFG295: Ice & Water Shield
7. RFG240: Felt Underlayment
8. RFG720: Drip Edge
9. RFG742: Pipe Jack (boot)
10. RFG845: Valley Metal
11. RFG215: Steep Charge (for slopes over 6/12)
12. Waste Calculation: Standard waste allowance is 10%-15%; complex roofs may require more.
13. Measurement Tips: Always measure the roof area (in squares) and include hips, ridges, valleys, and special features. Use drone imagery or satellite tools for accuracy.
14. Supplemental Items: Flashing, ventilation, code items (ice & water), painting, and property protection are often missed—add if applicable.
15. Estimate Breakdown: Review material, labor, removal, and overhead/profit line items for completeness.
16. Images & Documentation: Attach before/after photos, detailed diagrams, and notes directly to Xactimate to minimize claim disputes.
17. Negotiation Strategies: Reference local building codes and manufacturer specs when requesting supplements or defending line items to adjusters.

As a designer, I find that accurate estimation is not just about numbers, but about visualizing the project’s outcome for both client satisfaction and efficiency. Leveraging professional planning tools such as a roofing layout planner can streamline this process—transforming rough measurements and line items into tangible, visual reports that communicate value to both insurance companies and homeowners.

Tips 1:

When entering data into Xactimate, save custom line item templates for frequently used materials and labor. This helps speed up estimates for all roofing projects.

FAQ

Q: What is the best way to calculate roof squares in Xactimate?

A: Measure the total roof area (length × width), divide by 100 to get squares, and add waste percent (typically 10%-15%). Use satellite or drone tools for precision.

Q: Which Xactimate line item is used for roofing tear-off?

A: RFG 300 is the standard code for roofing tear-off, charged per square.

Q: How do I add steep charges in Xactimate estimates?

A: Use RFG215 for slopes above 6/12, selecting “Steep Charge” as an add-on for safety and workflow efficiency.

Q: What are common supplemental items often missed in roofing estimates?

A: Property protection, code upgrades (ice & water shield), additional flashing, ridge vent installation, and painting are frequently overlooked.

Q: Why attach images to roofing claims in Xactimate?

A: Attaching photos helps validate damages, supports scope, and prevents disputes with insurance carriers.