When replacing a roof, the focus is naturally on the shingles, underlayment, and decking. However, the components attached to the roof perimeter—specifically the gutters—present a significant hidden labor cost that insurance carriers routinely ignore.
If the home has gutters, and you are replacing the roof, you almost certainly need to supplement for GTR D&R (Detach and Reset Gutters).
The Mechanical Reality of Drip Edge
To understand why GTR D&R is necessary, you have to look at how drip edge is installed.
The International Residential Code (IRC R905.2.8.5) requires drip edge on all eaves. To function correctly, the vertical leg of the drip edge must extend down the face of the fascia board, directing water into the gutter.
If the gutter is already installed tight against the fascia, and often nailed or screwed through the old drip edge, it is physically impossible to remove the old drip edge and properly install the new drip edge without first loosening or removing the gutter.
The Carrier's "Work Around" Argument
Adjusters will often argue that a skilled roofer can simply "work around" the gutters, sliding the new drip edge behind them without detaching them.
The Reality: This is a recipe for disaster. Attempting to pry old drip edge out from behind a tightly fastened gutter, and then forcing new metal in, usually results in: 1. Bending and damaging the new drip edge. 2. Bending and damaging the aluminum gutter. 3. Failing to secure the drip edge properly, leading to wind blow-off or water wicking behind the gutter.
Insurance policies owe for the proper installation of materials according to manufacturer specifications and building codes, not for "hacks" or workarounds that compromise the system.
How to Justify GTR D&R
When supplementing for GTR D&R, your argument must be based on the mechanical necessity of installing the required perimeter metals.
1. Tie it to Drip Edge and Ice & Water Shield: In your supplement letter, explicitly link the GTR D&R line item to the installation of Drip Edge (RFG 175) and Ice and Water Shield (RFG 191). State clearly: "Gutters must be detached to properly install code-required drip edge and ice/water barrier at the eaves without damaging the existing gutter system."
2. Document with Photos: Take close-up photos showing how the existing gutter is fastened. If the gutter spikes or hidden hangers go through the existing drip edge, or if the gutter is tight against the fascia, these photos provide undeniable proof that detachment is required.
3. Calculate the Linear Footage: Measure the total linear footage of the gutters on the home. This is the quantity you will use for the GTR D&R line item.
Stop Giving Away Free Labor
Every time your crew struggles to work around a gutter, you are losing time and money.
EstimateDelta helps you capture this lost revenue. Our engine analyzes the estimate and looks for the presence of Drip Edge (RFG 175) or Ice and Water Shield (RFG 191). If these items are present, but GTR D&R is missing, EstimateDelta flags it as a high-probability omission.
The resulting Supplement Letter automatically includes the mechanical justification, explaining to the adjuster exactly why the gutters must be dropped to perform the approved work.
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