A roofing estimate template helps roofers explain material choices, roof size, tear-off, labor, decking allowances, warranty coverage, and payment terms. It gives homeowners the detail they need to compare estimates confidently.
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Download the sample roofing estimate PDF to see how materials, labor, allowances, and notes can be presented in a client-ready format.
Sample Roofing Estimate Line Items
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-off and disposal | 25 sq | $50 | $1,250 |
| Synthetic underlayment | 25 sq | $30 | $750 |
| Architectural shingles | 28 sq | $120 | $3,360 |
| Installation labor | 25 sq | $80 | $2,000 |
| Decking repair allowance | 1 | $300 | $300 |
How to Price a Roofing Estimate
Roofing is priced by the square (100 sq ft), with the roof’s own geometry driving material and labor:
- Measure in squares, with waste. Order shingles to the roof area plus waste for hips, valleys, and starter — the sample orders 28 squares of shingle for a 25-square roof.
- Price by pitch and access. Steep pitch and multi-story roofs are slower and riskier, so labor per square rises with them.
- Carry a decking allowance. You can’t see rotten decking until tear-off; a stated allowance keeps the estimate honest and the surprise small.
Worked example. A 25-square reroof: $1,250 tear-off, $750 underlayment, $3,360 architectural shingles (28 sq with waste), $2,000 labor, and a $300 decking allowance total $7,660. Stating “assumes one existing layer and sound decking” is what protects both the price and the relationship when the old roof comes off.
What to Include
- Roof size in squares, pitch, stories, and access notes
- Tear-off, disposal, and cleanup
- Shingle brand, underlayment, flashing, vents, and fasteners
- Decking inspection and replacement allowance
- Manufacturer and workmanship warranty
- Payment schedule and estimate validity
Common Roofing Estimate Mistakes
- No decking allowance. Rotten decking hides under the old roof; a stated allowance turns a shock into an expected line.
- Not stating layer count. A second existing layer means more tear-off and disposal — note the assumption.
- Skipping flashing and vents. Cheap bids leave these off; itemize flashing, vents, and fasteners so your bid is the complete one.
- Blurring the two warranties. Manufacturer material warranty and your workmanship warranty are different — state both.
Recommended Terms
State whether the estimate assumes one existing roof layer and sound decking. List weather delays, rotten decking, permit fees, skylight work, and chimney flashing as separate or conditional items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new roof cost?
Asphalt shingle reroofs commonly run $350–$550 per square (100 sq ft) installed, so a typical 25-square roof lands around $8,000–$14,000 depending on pitch, layers, and decking condition. Premium materials and complex roofs cost more.
What is a roofing square?
A “square” is 100 square feet of roof area — the standard unit roofers price by. Material is ordered to the measured squares plus a waste factor for hips, valleys, and starter courses.
Why does a roofing estimate include a decking allowance?
Because rotten or damaged decking is hidden under the existing roof and only visible after tear-off. A stated allowance sets an honest expectation and keeps the added cost small and pre-authorized rather than a mid-job surprise.
Read the full roofing estimate guide, compare the construction estimate template, or browse all quote and estimate templates.