Valley
The internal angle formed where two roof slopes meet. Valleys channel water runoff and are a common point of leaks if not properly flashed.
The internal angle formed where two roof slopes meet. Valleys channel water runoff and are a common point of leaks if not properly flashed.
Why Valleys Matter for Insurance Claims
Valleys handle more water volume than any other area of the roof, making them a critical inspection point during claims. Hail can dent valley flashing, wind can lift shingle edges along the valley line, and debris impact can tear through valley materials. Valleys are also where ice dams frequently cause backup leaks in cold climates. When documenting valley damage, photograph the full length of each valley and note whether the installation is open (exposed metal) or closed (shingle-covered).
Valley Components in Xactimate
A properly estimated valley includes multiple line items: ice and water shield membrane along the valley, valley metal flashing (for open valleys), and the additional shingle cutting and fitting labor. Each of these has a separate selector code in Xactimate under the RFG category. Valley measurements are in linear feet, and every valley on the roof should be individually measured from the ridge intersection to the eave. Omitting valley-specific line items is a common estimating error.
Valley Installation Methods
Open valleys use a continuous strip of metal flashing with shingles trimmed back on each side. Closed-cut valleys run one layer of shingles across the valley and cut the opposing layer along a straight line. Woven valleys interlace shingles from both slopes. Each method has different material and labor costs. The insurance estimate should match the installation method that was in place before the damage occurred, as like-kind-and-quality replacement is the standard.
Frequently asked questions
An open valley has exposed metal flashing running down the center, with shingles trimmed back on each side. A closed valley has shingles woven across or cut along the valley line with no exposed metal. Both methods have separate Xactimate line items.
Valleys concentrate water from two roof planes into a single channel, creating high-volume runoff during rain. Debris accumulation, improper flashing, and ice dams all increase leak risk in valleys. Even minor flashing displacement can lead to water intrusion.
Valley flashing and valley underlayment (ice and water shield) are separate line items measured in linear feet. The shingle waste generated by cutting along valleys should also be reflected in the waste factor for the overall estimate.
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