The roof is an essential element of any structure. This multitasking feature doesn’t just look good. It also protects the building, its contents, and those who reside within its walls from the elements. When you need serious repairs or a roof replacement, you want to feel confident that you’re making the right choice. A roof estimate should provide you with much of the information that you need to move forward confidently. What should a roof estimate include?
Company Information
Roofing estimates include a section with basic information about the roofing company. This includes the company’s name and contact information. Many companies will also add the fact that they’re licensed and insured. Having this information readily available on the bid makes it easy for you to vet the company, reach out with questions, or move forward with the contract.
Roofing Materials
As Angi points out, roofing systems have different components. What should a roof estimate include?
Shingles
Shingles are a clear choice that will have a major impact on the price, quality, and lifespan of your new roof. Common options include asphalt, metal, and wood. Your contractor should specify the type of shingle and their manufacturer. They’ll also list the estimated quantity of shingles the job will require and provide a price. Don’t expect a precise count of shingles. Instead, they’ll be listed by square foot or by roofing square, which equals 100 square feet.
Underlayment
Underlayment is a protective layer that goes between your roof’s decking and the shingles. There are three main options: rubberized asphalt, asphalt-saturated felt, and synthetic underlayment. Your estimate should indicate which one your contractor plans to use, its manufacturer, its type, and its thickness. The quantity and cost should also be included in the estimate.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin metal used to direct water away from vulnerable areas of your roofing system. In some cases, the existing flashing may be reused. However, some flashing should not be reused, so there should always be at least some new flashing on the estimate. The estimate should include the type, thickness, and manufacturer of the flashing that your contractor intends to use. A quantity and cost, which may be a range, should also appear.
Ventilation
Roofing systems use passive ventilation, active ventilation, or a combination of both. Your estimate should explain the plan. It should also detail the materials and their costs.
Decking
What happens if the plywood decking beneath your roofing is rotten? Your roofing estimate should answer that question. Most estimates do so by covering the cost of replacing individual sheets of plywood, but different contractors have varying approaches.
Cleanup
Installing a roof is a messy business. A reputable roofer includes cleanup as part of the job. Therefore, many list cleanup among their services when putting together the estimate. They’ll describe what their efforts entail and note any relevant fees. For example, you might be charged the price of securing a dumpster.
Time and Labor
The labor section of a roofing estimate offers information on how much the contractor is charging for labor. Depending on the way the contractor breaks down their bid, you may also find information on the size of the team involved in the installation. This is also a popular place to list how long they expect the job to take, but some contractors place the timing of a job in its own section.
Guarantees and Warranties
Manufacturers of roofing materials generally offer a warranty. Many roofers also stand behind their work with a guarantee. You’ll often find a summary of that information on the roofing estimate. Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor for more information.
Payment Terms
What should a roof estimate include? Payment terms are an obvious answer. While an estimate isn’t a contract, a roofing contractor will often use an estimate to advise potential clients about what payment methods they accept, whether they offer financing options, if any specials or rebates are currently available, and where payment should be sent.
_____
Integrity is a central component of the way Taylor-Made Roofing does business. As a leading residential and commercial roofer in southwest Missouri, we’re committed to providing top-quality service to all our customers. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. If you’d like to request an estimate, ask questions about the estimate you received from us, or learn more about our services, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!