Roof and insurance terms for East Tennessee homeowners

These definitions reflect East Tennessee roofs, where big spring hail, mountain-wave winds, ice and snow, and metal cabin roofs shape most claims. Your policy and Tennessee law decide how each applies.

Actual cash value (ACV)

Replacement cost minus depreciation. On older roofs or ACV policies it can be the only payment.

Additional living expense (ALE)

Covers reasonable extra costs to live elsewhere after a covered loss. Rental property policies may cover lost rent instead.

Adjuster

The person who inspects and values the claim for the insurer, as an employee, independent or desk adjuster.

Appraisal clause

Lets each side choose an appraiser, with an umpire, to set the amount of a disputed loss.

Assignment of benefits (AOB)

A form transferring some insurance rights, such as payment, to a contractor.

Bruise (hail bruise)

A hit that fractures the shingle mat, sometimes with granules still in place. It may leak later.

Class 4 shingle

A shingle that passed the highest level of the UL 2218 impact test, a 2-inch steel ball. More hail-resistant, not hail-proof.

Cosmetic damage exclusion

An endorsement excluding appearance-only damage, such as hail dents on metal roofs that do not leak.

Coverage A

The dwelling limit, which percentage deductibles are based on.

Coverage B

Other structures, such as barns, detached garages, carports and fences.

Coverage C

Personal property inside the home.

Creased shingle

A shingle bent back by wind, leaving a fold line. Mountain-wave and storm winds cause them.

Decking (sheathing)

The plywood or OSB boards the roof is nailed to. Strong wind can lift it; rotten decking is often found at tear-off.

Declarations page

The policy summary listing limits, deductibles and endorsements.

Deductible

Your share of a covered loss, as dollars or a percentage of Coverage A.

Depreciation

The reduction in value for age and condition.

Drip edge

Metal edging at eaves and rakes that directs water away from the fascia.

Duties after loss

What the policy requires of you after damage, from prompt notice to records and inspections.

Endorsement

A form that changes the policy's coverage, such as a cosmetic exclusion.

Examination under oath (EUO)

Recorded, sworn questioning the insurer may require.

Exposed-fastener metal roof

Metal panels held by screws through the face of the panel, common on cabins and outbuildings. The rubber washers wear out and wind can loosen screws.

Flashing

Metal pieces that seal joints at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys.

Functional damage

Damage that impairs water shedding or shortens roof life.

Granule loss

Missing shingle surface granules. Random round spots suggest hail.

Hail size

Measured across the widest point; 1 inch or more is severe to the NWS.

High Wind Warning

An NWS warning for strong non-thunderstorm wind, often issued for the Blount and Sevier County foothills during mountain-wave events.

Holdback

Depreciation held back until repairs are done; recoverable depreciation.

Ice and water barrier

Self-adhering membrane at eaves and valleys that resists water backing up from ice dams.

Loss assessment coverage

Part of a condo or townhome (HO-6) policy that helps pay your share of an association's deductible or uncovered loss.

Loss draft department

The part of a mortgage company that handles insurance checks for repairs and releases the money, often in stages.

Matching

Tennessee's claim rules call for a reasonably uniform appearance when items are replaced, according to the policy.

Mountain wave

Strong wind that crosses the Smokies in stable air and plunges down the Tennessee side, hitting a narrow strip of the foothills. The NWS in Morristown says it happens mid-October to mid-April, most often in December.

Named-storm deductible

A deductible for named tropical storms, uncommon on East Tennessee policies but worth checking.

Ordinance or law coverage

Covers the added cost of meeting current codes, up to a limit.

Overhead and profit (O&P)

A general contractor's markup when several trades are involved.

Percentage deductible

A deductible equal to a percentage of Coverage A, such as 1% or 2%.

Proof of loss

A sworn statement of the amount claimed, if the policy requires it.

Public adjuster

A licensed adjuster you hire. Tennessee caps fees on personal claims at 15%, or 25% of the increase if hired after an offer.

R-value

A measure of insulation's resistance to heat flow. ENERGY STAR recommends about R-60 for uninsulated attics in climate zone 4A, which includes Knoxville.

Recoverable depreciation

Depreciation paid after repairs on a replacement cost policy.

Reinspection

A second inspection when you disagree with the first.

Replacement cost value (RCV)

Today's cost to replace with like kind and quality.

Right to cancel (Tennessee roofing law)

Tennessee requires residential roofers to give written notice that you can cancel a roofing contract within the stated time after your insurer denies all or part of the claim in writing.

Roof payment schedule

An endorsement paying a share of roof cost based on age and material.

Snow guard

A bracket or bar on a metal roof that holds snow so it melts off gradually instead of sliding off at once.

Soft metal

Gutters, vents, flashing and heat pump fins that dent first in hail.

Square (SQ)

100 square feet of roof.

Steep charge

Added labor for steep roofs, common on foothill homes and cabins.

Storm chaser

A traveling contractor soliciting door to door after storms.

Suit limitation clause

The policy's deadline to sue, often one year in Tennessee policies, which Tennessee courts generally enforce.

Supplement

A documented request to add items to an estimate.

Test square

A 10-by-10-foot area where hail hits are counted.

Underlayment

The layer under shingles or metal panels that backs up the roof covering.

Wind/hail deductible

A separate deductible for wind and hail, often a percentage in Tennessee.

Xactimate

Estimating software many insurers and roofers use to price repairs.