You call in to your local roofing company and you just want a price. A simple phone call to get a ballpark estimate - shouldn't be difficult right?
Nope. Sorry, you have to get an estimate.
Why is that?
Let’s walk through the layers that go into a professional roofing estimate by a roofing company that isn't cutting corners.
Preface: We Can Use Technology to Speed Things Up But We Still Get on the Roof
You might be the homeowner that just wants pricing fast.
We can use tools like Hover and EagleView to generate quick-measure estimates.
These tools provide detailed aerial reports with:
- Facet breakdowns
- Roof dimensions
- Pitch and slope data
- Ridge, valley, eave, and rake measurements
- Even 3D visualizations of the home’s roof layout
It’s a great way for us to get a starting point and put pricing in front of the customer quickly, especially when you're still in the planning or budgeting phase.
We recommend to follow up with an on-site verification to:
- Confirm measurements
- Inspect the decking from inside the attic
- Check for rotting wood or signs of past water damage
- Assess ventilation and structural issues that software can’t detect
Even the most advanced report can’t see through shingles or check for soft spots on the roof deck.
So while Hover and EagleView help us move fast, it’s the boots-on-roof and eyes-in-the-attic approach that ensures your estimate is not just quick, but accurate.
So, let's get into the process.
1. It's Not Just Shingles On The Roof
When estimating a roof, roofing contractors SHOULD measure far more than just the square footage. Here are some of the components commonly assessed:
- Facets: These are the individual flat surfaces of the roof. A home can have multiple facets depending on its architectural complexity.
- Ridges, Valleys, Rakes, Eaves: These features affect how water flows off the roof and must be handled differently. For example, valleys often require ice and water shield membranes, while rakes and eaves get starter strips and drip edges.
- Step Flashing: A critical waterproofing layer used around chimneys, walls, roof intersections or even pipe flashing.
- Waste Factor: An additional percentage added to account for cuts and scrap materials, often due to complex roof shapes.
Example: In one project, the roof had 6 facets, 64 linear feet of ridge, 45 feet of valleys, 89 feet of eaves, 80 feet of rakes, and 76 feet of step flashing which all contribute to material needs and labor time.
2. On-Site Inspection: What Roofing Professionals Look For
During a site visit, roofing sales reps should inspect:
- Decking condition: Is it wood, plank, or plywood? Are there signs of rot or unevenness?
- Ventilation: Are there enough ridge vents, power fans, or gable vents? Proper airflow prevents moisture damage and increases shingle lifespan.
- Obstructions: Skylights, chimneys, satellite dishes, or steep pitches all complicate labor and material handling.
- Accessibility: Can crews easily access the roof or will extra equipment be needed?
On one job, for instance, there were 2 plumbing boots, 3 turbines, 5 hood vents, and multiple slopes with different walkability levels, which again, each affect the roofing estimate.
3. Materials Lists
The material list for a roof isn’t generic. Every component is selected to fit the exact home:
- Shingles: Color and style are chosen to match the house’s design. In this example, TAMKO Heritage shingles in Rustic Black are specified.
- Underlayment and Ice & Water Shield: Based on the pitch and code requirements, different layers of protection are installed.
- Ventilation & Flashing: Ridge vents, step flashing, drip edge (in white, black, or brown), and boots are ordered in precise lengths and quantities.
In one material list, for example, the contractor ordered:
- 20 squares of architectural shingles (1 square = 100 sq ft)
- 76 ft of step flashing
- 2 rolls of synthetic underlayment
- 2 rolls of ice & water shield
- 20 ridge vent sticks (each 4 ft long)
- Custom drip edge, nails, and button caps
4. Labor Is Calculated by A Number of Factors
Roofing labor isn't just “per square foot", it’s sometimes based on:
- The slope and walkability
- The number of days required to complete the job
- Setup and cleanup time
- Safety concerns for steep or high roofs
A straightforward ranch home might take a day or less, but a multi-facet colonial with multiple valleys and steep pitches could take significantly longer. Even with the same surface area.
5. A Visual Blueprint Tells the Full Story
Before a shingle is ever installed, roofing contractors might sketch out the home’s roof like a blueprint by:
- Labeling each section
- Measuring linear feet
- Planning material placement
For example, diagrams might include dimensions like “24E,” “22.5U,” or directional slopes to inform where materials start and finish.
Final Thoughts: You Shouldn't Trust Just A Ballpark Estimate
Roofing quotes reflect much more than a square footage estimate. They represent:
- Careful measurements
- Material planning
- Customization to your home’s unique structure
That’s why reputable roofing companies avoid “blanket pricing” and instead offer tailored quotes backed by expert 'boots on roof'.
So the next time you hear, “We’ll need to inspect before we can give you a price,” know that it’s not just a sales pitch, it’s the first step in protecting your home the right way.
At Cenvar...
We often hear surprised remarks when we show up with a ladder and get on your roof to inspect.
Who likes surprises?
Well, they’re found when estimates aren't detailed.
The details are found in a proper roof inspection / estimate.
Take a look at one of our commercials highlighting our trusted process.
We know what we're doing as we've served over 15,000 homeowners across VA, WV & TN since 2012 with a 4.9-star review rating.
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