Question 1

What goes on a roofing estimate?

Accepted Answer

Roof measurements (squares of shingles), tear-off scope (single layer, full tear, deck replacement), underlayment type (synthetic, ice & water shield extent), shingle product + warranty class, flashing (chimney, valleys, step), ventilation (ridge vent, soffit, gable), gutters / drip edge, permits, debris disposal, and warranty terms. Most estimates also include a notes section calling out unknowns the contractor can't see (rotted decking, layered roofs that turn out to be 3 layers).

Question 2

How accurate should a roofing estimate be?

Accepted Answer

Within 10-15% of final invoice on residential reroof; tighter (5-10%) on commercial. The single biggest source of variance is decking — you can't see deck rot until you tear off, and rotted plywood adds $50-$80/sheet. Add a contingency line item ("Deck replacement: estimated $X — billed at actual") with the per-sheet rate stated, so the homeowner sees what the variance could be.

Question 3

How do I price by squares?

Accepted Answer

1 square = 100 sq ft of roof surface. Total cost per square varies by region and material: $400-$800/square for asphalt residential reroof, $1,000-$2,000+ for premium architectural shingles or metal. State squares + per-square cost + total: "34 squares × $625 = $21,250." Some states require itemized labor + materials; per-square pricing rolls them together but you can break out if needed.

Question 4

Should I include manufacturer warranty info?

Accepted Answer

Yes — manufacturer warranty is a key selling point. Specify the shingle product (GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, CertainTeed Landmark) and the applicable warranty (limited lifetime, golden pledge, system warranty). Some manufacturers require certified installers for the strongest warranties; if you're certified, surface that. Pair with your own labor warranty (5-25 years industry-standard).

Question 5

What's industry-standard for the labor warranty?

Accepted Answer

10 years for full reroofs is common; 25-year labor warranties are increasingly offered by certified installers as a competitive edge. Repair warranties are shorter (1-2 years). Specify what's covered (workmanship, leaks at penetrations and flashing) and what isn't (storm damage, mechanical damage, foot traffic). Issueable's terms section is the right place; reference it on every estimate.

Question 6

How do I handle insurance claims and ACV vs RCV?

Accepted Answer

When the homeowner has an insurance claim, the estimate must match the carrier's scope of work (matter of policy details). Note ACV (actual cash value, depreciated) vs RCV (replacement cost value) on the estimate. Many roofers help homeowners with the claim process; document this carefully — some states regulate "public adjusting" by contractors. State pertinent info in notes ("Insurance carrier: [X]; claim # [Y]; scope matches Xactimate estimate dated [Z]").

Question 7

Should I require a deposit on a reroof?

Accepted Answer

10-30% deposit at signing for residential reroofs is industry-standard, balance on completion. Some states cap the deposit (e.g. California limits residential home improvement deposits to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, on contracts under $10K). Check your state's contractor licensing rules; the deposit cap is one of the most-violated and most-prosecuted licensing rules.

Question 8

Should I quote ventilation as part of the reroof?

Accepted Answer

Always — and many roofers don't, which leaves money on the table and creates warranty issues. Inadequate ventilation voids most shingle warranties and shortens roof life. List ridge vent, soffit vent, gable vent (as needed) as separate line items. Walking the homeowner through the ventilation calculation (1 sq ft of net free vent area per 150 sq ft of attic floor, balanced intake/exhaust) sells the service.

Roofing Estimate Template

Built for Roofing Bids

Per-Square Pricing

Warranty Two-Tier

Insurance Match

Residential, Commercial, Storm Restoration

Residential Reroof

Commercial Roofing

Storm Damage Restoration

Roof Repair

Roofing Estimate FAQ