Last updated: 2026-03-26
Last updated: 2026-03-26
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Roofing Estimating Guide
Material pricing, labor rates, and line items every roofing estimate needs in 2026.
What Goes Into a Roofing Estimate?
A complete roofing estimate covers materials, labor, removal, and accessories. Missing a line item is how roofers lose money on jobs.
- Tear-off: $40-$60 per square for removal and dumpster fees
- Underlayment: $45-$65 per square for synthetic felt
- Shingles: $100-$250 per square for architectural (most common)
- Ridge cap: $5-$12 per linear foot
- Drip edge: $1.50-$4 per linear foot
- Flashing: $10-$25 per linear foot at valleys and walls
- Ice & water shield: $50-$100 per roll (eaves and valleys)
Always include a waste factor of 10-15% on materials. Complex roofs with hips, valleys, and dormers waste more than simple gable roofs.
Key Takeaways
- Architectural shingles: $100-$250 per square (material only)
- Tear-off adds $40-$60 per square
- Budget 10-15% waste on materials
Roofing Labor Rates by Region
Roofing labor runs $150-$500 per square depending on location, pitch, and material type.
- Asphalt shingles: $150-$300 per square labor
- Metal roofing: $250-$500 per square labor
- Tile/slate: $300-$500+ per square labor
- Steep pitch surcharge: 20-40% above 8/12 pitch
- Second story+: 10-20% height premium
Roofers typically work in crews of 3-5. A skilled crew can install 15-25 squares per day on a standard-pitch asphalt roof.
Key Takeaways
- Asphalt labor: $150-$300 per square
- Steep pitch adds 20-40% to labor
- Crew of 3-5 installs 15-25 squares/day
Permits, Inspections & Insurance
Roofing permits cost $100-$500 in most jurisdictions. Full tear-off and re-roof almost always requires a permit.
- Permit fees: $100-$500 depending on scope and jurisdiction
- Inspection: Usually included with permit (1-2 inspections)
- Insurance requirements: GL and Workers Comp required in most states
- Manufacturer warranty: Requires certified installer for full coverage
Some municipalities limit the number of shingle layers (usually 2 max). If the existing roof has 2 layers, tear-off is mandatory and should be reflected in the estimate.
Key Takeaways
- Permits: $100-$500 for re-roof
- Most areas limit shingle layers to 2
- Full warranty requires certified installer
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Your Company Info
Fill in your roofing company name, address, phone, email, and license number to brand the estimate with your business details.
Add Roofing Work Items
Select item types from the dropdown (tear-off, shingles, underlayment, ridge cap, flashing, etc.), enter quantities per square or linear foot, material costs, and labor hours.
Include Permit and Inspection Fees
Enter the permit cost for your jurisdiction. Most cities require a permit for full tear-off and re-roof projects, typically $100-$500.
Preview and Print
Click Preview to see a professionally formatted roofing estimate. Use the Print button to save as PDF or print a hard copy for your client.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you estimate a roofing job?
Measure the roof area in squares (1 square = 100 sq ft). For each square, estimate material cost (shingles, underlayment, accessories) and labor hours. Add tear-off costs if replacing an existing roof, include permit fees, and apply a 10-15% waste factor on materials. A typical 20-square architectural shingle roof runs $7,000-$14,000 total.
How much do roofers charge per square?
For architectural asphalt shingles, expect $350-$700 per square installed (materials + labor). Breaking that down: materials run $100-$250/square and labor runs $150-$300/square. Metal roofing is higher at $400-$1,200 per square depending on the panel type. These prices include standard underlayment but not tear-off or accessories.
What should a roofing estimate include?
A complete roofing estimate should list: tear-off and disposal, underlayment, shingles or roofing material (with brand/model), ridge cap, drip edge, flashing at walls and valleys, ice and water shield at eaves, ventilation, permit fees, labor, payment terms, warranty details, and any exclusions (like structural repairs or gutter work).
How long does a roof replacement take?
A standard residential roof replacement takes 1-3 days for a crew of 4-5 roofers. A simple gable roof on a single-story home can finish in 1 day. Complex roofs with hips, valleys, dormers, or steep pitches take 2-4 days. Weather delays, structural repairs, or multiple shingle layers requiring tear-off can extend the timeline.
Do I need a permit to replace a roof?
In most jurisdictions, yes. A full tear-off and re-roof requires a building permit and at least one inspection. Permits typically cost $100-$500. Some areas allow overlay (new shingles over old) without a permit, but most limit roofs to 2 shingle layers maximum. Always check with your local building department before starting work.
Related Tools & Articles
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Turn this job into a full, priced estimate for your client.
Snap photos, talk through the scope, drop in your notes. The AI prices every line item with labor and material rates adjusted for your region, and checks the math.