When a major storm strikes, insurance adjusters flood in to inspect damage and get claim checks moving. But in the rush to move quickly, many storm damage insurance claims are written as placeholders—missing key repairs, code requirements, and upgrades that the homeowner is rightfully owed.
That’s where having the right roofing partner becomes critical. Homeowners across Oklahoma rely on local experts to uncover what the insurance company missed and ensure their homes are fully restored—not just patched up. If you’ve recently filed a claim, your initial inspection may not tell the full story.
Key Takeaways
| Insight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Initial claims are often rushed and incomplete | Insurance adjusters prioritize speed over accuracy, leaving out key damage and code upgrades. |
| Scott McCollum Sr. is a trusted expert | As McRoof’s Chief Solutions Officer, Master Haag Certified Inspector, and FORTIFIED Evaluator, he specializes in correcting flawed claims. |
| Supplementing a claim helps recover missed value | Scott rebuilds the scope of work from scratch, documenting everything the insurance company overlooked. |
| Attached vs. detached structures impact reimbursement | Attached carports must meet code and are covered; detached garages may not be unless specifically included. |
| Ordinance and law upgrades are paid when incurred | Insurance won’t pay for code upgrades unless they’re completed and properly documented. |
| FORTIFIED roofing offers long-term protection | Scott aligns repairs with FORTIFIED standards to ensure code compliance, safety, and insurance incentives. |
| Homeowners shouldn’t settle for a placeholder claim | With the right roofing partner, you can recover more, avoid out-of-pocket surprises, and rebuild stronger. |
When Storms Hit, Insurance Claims Get Rushed
In the aftermath of major storms, especially across Oklahoma and the Midwest, insurance adjusters pour into impacted neighborhoods. Their goal? Write up storm damage claims quickly so homeowners can get paid fast and begin repairs. But this well-meaning urgency often leads to incomplete or inaccurate insurance assessments.
That’s where Scott McCollum Sr. steps in.
As Chief Solutions Officer at McRoof, a Master Haag Certified Inspector, and an experienced FORTIFIED Roof Evaluator, Scott brings unmatched expertise to every project. With decades of experience and thousands of inspections under his belt, he knows what insurance adjusters miss—and how to get it corrected.
“These first inspections are rarely complete,” Scott explains. “Adjusters are under pressure to close claims fast, but that leaves homeowners with major gaps in coverage and repairs that fall short of what’s actually needed.”
Most initial summaries are best viewed as placeholders. They’re not the final say—and they often fail to account for full code compliance, hidden damage, and ordinance-required upgrades.
Why Initial Insurance Claims Often Miss the Mark
Adjusters Are Rushed—Homeowners Pay the Price
During large storm events, insurance companies fly in adjusters from across the country. These professionals often:
- Lack deep knowledge of local building codes
- Are focused on speed, not thoroughness
- Submit basic claim summaries to start the payout process
Scott has seen it time and again—missed damage, ignored code requirements, and no mention of critical upgrades that will be required later.
“These adjusters are writing what they can in 15 to 30 minutes. It’s not that they’re bad at their jobs—it’s that they’re not local, and they’re not responsible for building what they write,” Scott says.
Common Gaps Found in Initial Claim Summaries
| Missed or Underreported Item | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Decking upgrades under new code | Required by ordinance in many areas—but often omitted in original estimates |
| Ventilation and flashing replacement | Overlooked but crucial for proper roof function and FORTIFIED certification |
| Attached structures (carports, breezeways) | Often fall under main structure codes—if attached, they require full compliance |
| “Paid When Incurred” ordinance items | Insurance won’t reimburse unless the work is done and documented |
| Detailing of detached structures | Detached garages are not always covered under code upgrades—requires proactive review |
The Role of a Supplement: Scott’s Methodical Approach
Scott doesn’t just review a claim—he rebuilds the entire scope of work from scratch, using his Haag certification and FORTIFIED expertise to ensure nothing is missed.
“We go back in with fresh eyes, proper documentation, and a full understanding of what’s required by code, not just what’s convenient for the insurance carrier,” he explains.
This supplemental process includes:
- A second, full-scope damage inspection
- Photo documentation, measurements, and build-back specifications
- Identification of ordinance and law upgrades
- A detailed report submitted to the carrier for revision
Homeowners are often surprised to learn just how much was missed. But with Scott guiding the process, they’re not left guessing—they’re empowered and protected.
How the Right Roofing Partner Fills the Gaps
Turning Missed Damage Into a Corrected Claim
Once a rushed insurance summary is submitted, many homeowners think they’re locked into whatever the adjuster said. But Scott McCollum Sr. knows better. With a methodical approach to every storm damage insurance claim, he guides homeowners through a process called supplementing—a formal request to correct and expand the original estimate based on real, on-the-ground documentation.
In one recent case, a home hit during the March 23rd storm in Edmond was written off with a minimal claim. But as Scott and his team began work, it was clear the adjuster had missed several major issues, including:
- Unaddressed decking under the carport
- Inadequate documentation of venting and underlayment
- No inclusion of ordinance-mandated upgrades
“The adjuster didn’t account for the carport at all,” Scott noted. “But because it was attached to the home, it falls under current code and required a full redeck with solid sheathing. That changes everything.”
Understanding Ordinance and Law Provisions
Insurance companies are legally required to pay for code-mandated upgrades—but only once those items are incurred. That means they won’t release payment until the work is completed and properly documented.
Scott’s team handles that burden for the homeowner. Every compliance-related task—like installing drip edge, replacing old decking, or upgrading vents—is photographed, measured, and submitted back to the carrier.
| Upgrade Type | Trigger Condition | Reimbursed When |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Deck Redeck (Solid Sheathing) | Required when replacing shingles on spaced sheathing | Work is completed and documented |
| Drip Edge Installation | Required by IRC and local codes | After installation is verified |
| Intake and Exhaust Ventilation | Needed for FORTIFIED compliance and shingle warranties | After code-compliant systems are in place |
| Ice and Water Shield | Required at valleys and eaves under certain slopes | With photos and slope verification |
Detached vs. Attached: A Key Distinction
On that same Edmond home, the carport required full redecking because it was physically attached to the home. That brought it under the jurisdiction of the IRC (International Residential Code) and made the ordinance coverage apply.
However, the detached garage was a different story.
“Detached structures are not covered under ordinance and law,” Scott explains. “So if we find the same issues there, the cost becomes out-of-pocket unless the homeowner has an endorsement or we can prove functional dependence.”
This is where experience matters. Knowing how to document, explain, and negotiate these differences directly impacts what the homeowner pays—and what the insurance company must cover.
Protecting Your Investment with FORTIFIED Roofing
Going Beyond Basic Repairs
For Scott McCollum Sr., fixing a roof is never just about putting shingles back on. It’s about building better, meeting modern standards, and ensuring the next storm doesn’t send the homeowner back to square one.
That’s why McRoof specializes in FORTIFIED roofing systems—a nationally recognized standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
“FORTIFIED isn’t about bells and whistles,” says Scott. “It’s about installing a roof system that outperforms in wind, hail, and heavy rain—and gives the homeowner a real sense of security.”
What Makes a Roof FORTIFIED?
| FORTIFIED Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Enhanced roof deck attachment | Prevents deck uplift during high winds |
| Sealed roof deck | Keeps water out if shingles are blown off |
| Edge protection | Reinforced edges to resist wind-driven rain and shingle lift |
| Upgraded ventilation systems | Ensures proper airflow and compliance with code and warranties |
| Verified installation | Third-party or certified evaluator checks every detail |
Many of the same items missed in initial claims—like proper decking, edge flashing, and code-mandated vents—are automatically included in a FORTIFIED roof.
By aligning the supplement process with FORTIFIED standards, McRoof helps homeowners recover stronger—and in many cases, become eligible for insurance discounts or resale value boosts.
Don’t Settle for a Rushed Insurance Claim
A fast insurance payout might feel like progress—but if your storm damage insurance claim was based on a rushed inspection, you could be leaving thousands of dollars (and critical repairs) on the table.
Scott McCollum Sr., with his expertise as a Master Haag Certified Inspector and FORTIFIED Roof Evaluator, is proof that the right roofing partner can change everything. From identifying missed items to documenting code-mandated upgrades, Scott ensures no part of your home’s recovery is left to chance—or overlooked by the insurance company.
Whether it’s a carport requiring redecking, ventilation upgrades, or ordinance and law compliance, McRoof doesn’t guess—we prove it, document it, and fight for it.
Protect Your Home and Your Claim
If your roof was damaged in a recent storm and you’ve already filed a claim—or if you’re just starting the process—don’t navigate it alone.
👉 Schedule your free inspection with McRoof today
Let Scott and the team help you uncover missed items, maximize your coverage, and rebuild with resilience using FORTIFIED roofing standards.
Your roof deserves more than a patch.
It deserves a plan.