Most roofing estimates are intentionally vague. A vague estimate makes price comparison impossible and protects the contractor from accountability when corners get cut. The cheapest bid almost always becomes the most expensive roof.
Here's exactly what every roof estimate should specify, line by line, so you can compare bids apples to apples and know what you're buying.
The 14 Items Every Estimate Must Include
If any of these is missing or written as "as needed," ask for clarification before signing.
### 1. Tear-Off Scope — Number of Layers
The estimate should specify how many existing layers will be torn off. Most homes have one layer; some have two or three. Each additional layer adds disposal cost and labor.
Vague: "Tear off existing roof"
Better: "Complete tear-off of one existing layer of asphalt shingles down to the deck"
### 2. Deck Inspection & Replacement Allowance
After tear-off, the deck (OSB or plywood) is inspected. Some sections may be rotted from old leaks. Quality estimates include a per-sheet replacement allowance.
Vague: "Deck repair as needed"
Better: "Deck inspection included; rotted decking replaced at $X per 4x8 sheet, billed at completion only for sheets actually replaced"
### 3. Ice and Water Shield Linear Footage
This is the waterproof membrane that runs along eaves and valleys to prevent ice dam damage. Code minimum is 24 inches past the heated wall line. Quality installations extend it six feet up from every eave and run it the full length of every valley.
Vague: "Ice and water shield at eaves"
Better: "Ice and water shield (Owens Corning WeatherLock or equivalent) extending 6 feet up from every eave and full length of all valleys, total approximately X linear feet"
### 4. Synthetic Underlayment
The waterproof layer covering the rest of the deck. Should be synthetic (not the older felt paper). Brand and weight should be specified.
Vague: "Underlayment included"
Better: "Owens Corning RhinoRoof or Titanium UDL synthetic underlayment, full deck coverage"
### 5. Drip Edge
The metal trim along eaves and rakes that channels water into the gutter. Required by code. Should be aluminum, not galvanized steel (which rusts).
Vague: "Drip edge"
Better: "New aluminum drip edge at all eaves and rakes, color-matched to shingle"
### 6. Pipe Boot Replacements
The rubber gasket at every plumbing penetration. These fail every 10–15 years even when the surrounding shingles are fine. Should always be replaced during a re-roof.
Vague: (often missing)
Better: "All pipe boots replaced with Lifetime brand or equivalent, count: X boots"
### 7. Step Flashing & Wall Flashing
The L-shaped flashing along walls and chimneys. Should be replaced during re-roof, not reused.
Vague: "Re-flash chimney"
Better: "All step flashing and wall flashing replaced with new aluminum, counter-flashing assessed and replaced if compromised"
### 8. Starter Strip
The first row of shingles along the eave that creates the seal for the rest of the roof. Should be specific starter strip product, not cut field shingles.
Vague: (often missing)
Better: "Owens Corning ProEdge starter strip at all eaves and rakes"
### 9. Shingle Brand and Product Line
The actual shingle being installed. Should specify manufacturer, product name, color, and any upgrade tier (impact-resistant, designer, etc.).
Vague: "Architectural shingles"
Better: "Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration architectural shingles, color: Driftwood, lifetime limited warranty registered with manufacturer"
### 10. Ridge Cap
The top row of shingles along the ridge. Should be matching ridge-cap product, not cut field shingles (which fail faster and look worse).
Vague: "Ridge cap"
Better: "Owens Corning DecoRidge or matching dimensional ridge cap"
### 11. Ridge Vent or Box Vents
The exhaust ventilation at the top of the roof. Should specify which type and total linear feet or count.
Vague: "Ventilation as needed"
Better: "Owens Corning VentSure ridge vent, 40 linear feet, replacing existing box vents"
### 12. Permit Cost
The municipal permit fee, broken out as a separate line. Should match the city's published fee schedule.
Vague: (often buried)
Better: "Mentor city permit fee — $150 (paid to city of Mentor)"
### 13. Cleanup with Magnetic Sweep
After tear-off, hundreds of nails end up in the yard and driveway. Quality crews magnetic-sweep before leaving.
Vague: "Cleanup included"
Better: "Complete magnetic-sweep cleanup of yard and driveway, all debris hauled away, lawn left as-found"
### 14. Workmanship Warranty in Writing
The contractor's coverage on installation errors. Should be specified in years and what's covered.
Vague: "Lifetime workmanship warranty" without details
Better: "10-year workmanship warranty in writing — covers any failure caused by installation method (separate from manufacturer's lifetime shingle warranty)"
Red Flags in a Roof Estimate
Watch for:
- **A single-line "Roof Replacement: $X" with no breakdown.** No way to compare against other bids. The contractor is intentionally making comparison impossible.
- **"Tear off as needed" without specifying layers.** Lets the contractor skip tear-off entirely if they decide the existing roof is "good enough."
- **No brand names on materials.** Means the contractor will buy whatever's cheapest at the supply house that day.
- **No permit fee listed.** Either they're not pulling one (illegal in most cities) or they're hiding the cost.
- **Verbal-only warranty.** Doesn't survive contractor's bankruptcy or sale of the business. Get it in writing.
- **Demand for >25% deposit.** Standard mobilization deposit is 10–25% of total. Anything higher is a cash-flow play, not a legitimate cost.
How to Compare Three Bids
If you have three estimates and one is dramatically lower, ask each contractor specifically:
- Which line items am I getting that the cheap bid doesn't include?
- Is the cheap contractor proposing tear-off or layover?
- What grade of underlayment is each using?
- How much ice and water shield (linear feet)?
- What's the workmanship warranty term?
Most cheap bids are cheap because they're missing 2–4 of the 14 items above. The "savings" disappear within five years when something the cheap bid skipped fails.
What Our Estimates Look Like
Every Rockstar Roofing estimate is a single page that line-items all 14 items above with brand names, quantities, and unit costs. We give you a copy to take home and compare. We don't pressure you to sign on the spot.
If a competitor's estimate is hard to compare against ours, that's by design — and a reason to be cautious with that contractor.
Free Estimate
Call (440) 645-2003 or request a free written estimate. 9+ years writing transparent estimates across Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Summit, and Mahoning counties.
Sources & Further Reading
- Ohio Attorney General — Home Improvement Tips