FAQ
Answers to common questions about Fulcrum Field Services’ limited asphalt shingle repairability assessment process, assignment scope, documentation, and role.
1
What does Fulcrum Field Services do?
Fulcrum Field Services performs limited asphalt shingle repairability assessments for insurance carriers. At each authorized assessment location, Fulcrum may remove one target asphalt shingle and install one replacement asphalt shingle solely as part of the authorized assessment. Fulcrum documents the assessment process, observed shingle repair response characteristics, assessment-related observations, and supporting photo/video documentation for the requesting carrier. The carrier handles the claim and Fulcrum solely documents the authorized assessment.
2
Who does Fulcrum work for?
Fulcrum provides assignment-specific documentation services for insurance carriers. Fulcrum is independent and does not advocate for a contractor, homeowner, public adjuster, claim outcome, or carrier outcome. Fulcrum’s role is limited to performing the authorized assessment, documenting the assessment process and results, and providing the completed report to the requesting carrier.
3
Does Fulcrum perform roof inspections?
No. Fulcrum does not perform general roof inspections, roof condition assessments, engineering analysis, causation analysis, code-compliance evaluations, workmanship evaluations, installation inspections, roof-wide fastening assessments, or system-wide roof evaluations. Fulcrum’s observations are limited to the authorized assessment location or locations actually assessed.
4
Does Fulcrum decide whether the roof should be repaired or replaced?
No. Fulcrum does not determine whether a roof should be repaired or replaced. Fulcrum does not provide repair recommendations, replacement recommendations, repair estimates, coverage opinions, claim decisions, policy interpretations, or claim-handling opinions. The insurance carrier handles the claim and makes claim-related decisions.
5
Does Fulcrum determine coverage or causation?
No. Fulcrum does not determine insurance coverage, interpret policy language, decide causation, accept or deny claims, communicate claim decisions, or make payment decisions. Fulcrum documents the authorized asphalt shingle repairability assessment and provides the completed documentation to the requesting carrier.
6
What is included in the assessment?
Depending on the assignment and field conditions, Fulcrum may document: the authorized assessment location or locations, target-shingle removal and replacement, limited manipulation of overlying or immediately surrounding shingles, if reasonably necessary, seal release behavior, mat transfer, pliability, granule loss, tearing, assessment-related response of immediately surrounding shingles or roofing materials, nail or fastener conditions directly encountered during the authorized assessment, if observed and relevant, field conditions at the time of assessment, and photo and video documentation.
7
Why may surrounding shingles be lifted, loosened, or hand-sealed?
Asphalt shingle replacement may require limited manipulation of overlying or immediately surrounding shingles to access fasteners and complete the target-shingle removal and replacement process. When reasonably necessary, Fulcrum may loosen, lift, separate sealant bonds, re-secure, and/or hand-seal overlying or immediately surrounding shingles. This limited work is part of the authorized assessment only. It is not a broader roof repair service, roof maintenance service, waterproofing service, or warranty.
8
Does Fulcrum provide a warranty or guarantee?
No. Fulcrum does not provide any warranty, guarantee, certification, assurance, or promise regarding the future performance of any roof, roof slope, roofing material, asphalt shingle, replacement shingle, surrounding shingle, sealant bond, fastener, repair area, assessment location, or roofing system. Any target-shingle removal, replacement-shingle installation, surrounding-shingle manipulation, re-securing, or hand-sealing performed by Fulcrum is performed only within the limited scope of the authorized assessment.
9
Can the carrier request a specific roof slope?
Yes. A carrier may identify a requested roof slope or slopes for assignment coordination and assessment planning. Fulcrum may consider the carrier-requested slope information, but final assessment location selection is made by Fulcrum on site based on access, safety, field conditions, and the limited purpose of the authorized assignment. Fulcrum does not accept outcome-driven instruction to assess a specific shingle, specific roof area, or location selected to create a predetermined outcome.
10
Will Fulcrum assess a slope already approved or paid for replacement?
No. Fulcrum will not perform an asphalt shingle repairability assessment on any roof slope identified by the carrier as already approved or paid for replacement. Carriers should disclose any roof slope or slopes already approved or paid for replacement before field performance.
11
How does a carrier start using Fulcrum?
A carrier can contact Fulcrum Field Services to request service or begin carrier onboarding.
The general process is:
1. Carrier requests service.
2. Fulcrum provides carrier onboarding documents for review.
3. Carrier completes the applicable authorization documents.
4. Carrier notifies the homeowner, tenant, or property access contact that Fulcrum has been assigned.
5. Fulcrum coordinates scheduling and access.
6. Fulcrum performs the authorized assessment when access and field conditions allow.
7. Fulcrum provides the report and supporting documentation to the requesting carrier.
12
Do Fulcrum’s results apply to the whole roof?
No. Fulcrum’s observations are limited to the authorized assessment location or locations actually assessed and should not be interpreted as a condition assessment, roof inspection, or conclusion regarding any roof slope, roof area, shingle course, individual shingle, or roofing material not specifically assessed. Observed shingle characteristics, sealant-bond behavior, pliability, fastening conditions directly encountered during the authorized assessment process, installation-related conditions directly encountered during the authorized assessment process, weathering, exposure, and repair response characteristics may vary between roof slopes, roof areas, shingle courses, and individual shingles, including shingles located on the same roof slope.
13
Can the homeowner or occupant refuse access?
Yes. A homeowner, tenant, occupant, or property access contact may refuse access, cancel the appointment, or revoke access. If access is refused, cancelled, revoked, blocked, or otherwise unavailable, Fulcrum may document the issue when feasible, notify the carrier, and leave the property.
14
What happens if a contractor, public adjuster, or other third party interferes?
If a contractor, public adjuster, property representative, or other third party attempts to control, redirect, interfere with, obstruct, prevent, or make unsafe Fulcrum’s authorized assessment, Fulcrum may stop work, document the issue when feasible, notify the carrier, and leave the site. Fulcrum does not argue claim positions, debate coverage, discuss repair obligations, or attempt to resolve claim-related disputes in the field.
15
What happens if weather, access, animals, or unsafe conditions prevent the assessment?
Weather, wet roof conditions, unsafe access, locked or restricted access, unrestrained animals, animal-related conditions that prevent safe access or safe field performance, threatening conduct, or other field limitations may delay, prevent, suspend, or stop the authorized assessment. Fulcrum will not perform an asphalt shingle repairability assessment when access, safety, or field conditions do not reasonably allow the authorized work to proceed.