Two roofing quotes for the same house can look completely different. One might be a single line with a total, the other a page full of terms like "squares," "starter," and "IWS." A good estimate tells you exactly what you are paying for. Here is how to read one, line by line.
Measurements: Squares and Pitch
- Square: roofing is measured in squares. One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. A 2,000-square-foot home might have 25 to 35 squares of roof, depending on its shape and overhangs.
- Pitch: how steep the roof is, written like 6/12 (rises 6 inches for every 12 inches across). Steeper roofs cost more because they take longer and need extra safety equipment.
- Waste factor: extra material for cuts at hips, valleys, and edges. Simple roofs might need around 10%, complex ones more. A waste line is normal, not padding.
Tear-Off and Disposal
Removing the old roof and hauling it away. If your house has more than one layer of shingles, removing the extra layers costs more. Make sure the estimate says how many layers are included.
Decking
Decking (also called sheathing) is the wood under the shingles. Damaged decking cannot be fully assessed until the old roof comes off, so good estimates include a per-sheet price for replacement. Ask how many sheets, if any, are included, and what each additional sheet costs. See what is roof sheathing?
Underlayment
- Synthetic underlayment or felt: the water-resistant layer over the decking. See synthetic vs felt.
- Ice and water shield (IWS): a self-adhering membrane used in valleys, around penetrations, and at other leak-prone areas.
Shingles and Accessories
- Shingles: the estimate should name the manufacturer, product line, and color, not just "architectural shingles."
- Starter strip: special shingles along the eaves and rakes that seal the first row.
- Ridge cap: shingles that cover the peaks. Many manufacturers require their matching ridge cap for full warranty coverage.
- Hip and ridge vents: if your roof uses ridge ventilation.
Flashing and Metal
- Drip edge: metal along the roof edges that directs water into the gutters. See our drip edge guide.
- Step and counter flashing: where the roof meets walls and chimneys.
- Valley metal: if your roofer uses an open valley design.
- Pipe boots: rubber or lead seals around plumbing vents. These crack in Texas sun and should usually be replaced with a new roof.
Ventilation
Box vents, turbines, ridge vents, or soffit vents. A good roofer will check your attic ventilation and recommend changes if needed. See roof ventilation in Houston.
Permits, Cleanup, and Warranty
- Permits: who pulls them and whether the fee is included.
- Cleanup: magnetic nail sweep of the yard and driveway, debris removal.
- Warranty: both the manufacturer warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty, in writing. See roof warranties explained.
Red Flags on an Estimate
- A single lump-sum price with no breakdown
- No brand or product line for the shingles
- No mention of decking, flashing, or underlayment
- No company name, address, or license and insurance information
- A large upfront deposit with pressure to sign today
JD Roofing Solutions provides detailed, written estimates so you know exactly what is included. Request a free estimate or call 832-295-3277.
