Any roofing project is a major investment. As such, it’s important to find a good price from a qualified roofing contractor. Your contractor may provide a roofing estimate. This document roughly states how much your contractor believes the job will cost. It should also tell you everything you need to know about the project.

Roofing Estimate

To learn more about your roofing estimate, De Palma Construction, known for quality roof inspection services, gives an overview of what your estimate should cover.

Basic Company Information

Every roofing estimate should include the basic information of your roofing company, such as phone numbers and email addresses. It should also state the proposed timeline of the project, from the estimated start and completion date. At this point, you should also ask about their licenses and insurance. This is a great way to ensure your contractor’s legitimacy.

Keep in mind that hiring a contractor who lacks these qualifications may be risky, especially in financial and legal terms. You may also want your roofing estimate to include proof of bonding, which can protect you should your contractor fail to finish the job.

Detailed Expenses

Before you carry out the roof installation or replacement, you should know what exactly you’re paying for. Thus, be sure that your roofing estimate spells out all the expenses associated with the project. It may also help you to compare bids using previous estimates. At a minimum, your estimate should include the cost of labor, permits, materials, and clean-up and removal of construction debris.

The list should be extremely detailed to prevent any surprises or misunderstandings. Your contractor should cover how much it will cost to tear out your existing roof, install the underlayment, add new shingles and flashing, and repair the gutters.

Components of Your Roofing System

Roofs have many different components. While it may depend on your roofing work what needs to be replaced, your roofing estimate should still include information about the major components. Be sure to look out for the following four major categories:

  • Underlayment. This refers to the protective layer put over your roof’s decking. The roofing estimate should affirm the thickness, type, and manufacturer of the underlayment your contractor will use. There are three main types: asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and synthetic underlayment.

  • Shingles. These are typically priced per square foot. Like the underlayment, the estimate should include the type, manufacturer, and amount of shingles your contractor will use. There are many types of shingles, such as asphalt, metal, clay, among other things.

  • Ventilation. There are two types of ventilation: active and passive. Active ventilation pulls outside air into your home and pushes inside air out of your home, while passive ventilation uses natural forces such as wind and thermal buoyancy.

  • Flashing. This is the thin metal material used to direct water away from your chimney, walls, and roof valleys. The estimate should disclose the type of metal used, where the flashing will be placed, and if your existing flashing can be reused.

Now that you know what to expect on your roofing estimate, rest assured your roofing project will be finished in no time. For more inquiries regarding your roofing needs, get in touch with De Palma Construction. We provide storm damage repair services and many more. Call us today at (717) 638-1131 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.