8 Questions to Ask When Getting Roof Estimates

Do you need a new roof? Have you started, or are you about to start getting roof estimates?

No matter where you are in the process, getting estimates is the start. However, that doesn’t mean you should be unprepared when a roofer shows up to estimate your new roof’s cost. 

So, what do you need to do? The simple answer is to ask the right questions. 

For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand everything they need to know before signing a roofing quote, estimate, or contract. That’s why I want to break down the questions to ask and what you need to be looking for in the answers. 

Let’s get to the 8 questions to ask when getting roof estimates. 

1. Can I see your paperwork?

You should always ask any roofer providing an estimate for proof they’re licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. These three pieces of paperwork protect your investment by ensuring a roofing project is done right. 

Reputable roofers have no problem showing proof, so I recommend asking for physical copies. Just keep in mind that each state’s requirements are different, and some areas may not require one or the other.

That’s why you need to research your local codes to learn the appropriate permits and paperwork required for your area. But even if one or another isn’t required, I still recommend looking for a roofer with all three to truly protect your roof investment. 

2. Do you have shingle certifications? 

Shingle manufacturers look for established roofing companies in a given area known for high-quality work to get certified in their products. These certifications allow roofers to provide the best material warranties and enhanced warranties a manufacturer can offer.

But what it really tells you is that they’re trusted to install their products to the right standards and specifications. So, you always need to ask if they’re certified by any of the major shingle manufacturers.

This isn't to say that not having certifications means a roofing company is bad. However, looking for certifications means you’ll get better warranties and learn who the shingle brands trust. 

3. What precautions do you take to protect my property?

Getting a new roof is a big home improvement project, so property damage is always possible. However, reputable roofing companies do everything possible to protect your property during a roof replacement. 

That’s why you need to ask any roofer providing an estimate how they’ll protect your property, such as your lawn, landscaping, windows, light fixtures, etc. The main way we do this is by securing tarps from the gutters to the ground to cover things around the roof line, but every roofer does things a little differently. 

Also, be on the lookout for a clause stating they’re not liable for damage in the fine print of their roof estimate. This will also help you determine if they’re telling you one thing but putting the opposite in writing. 

4. How long do you stand behind your work?

A workmanship warranty is provided by roofers to protect against any installation errors that lead to a leak or another problem. The length of a workmanship warranty varies from roofer to roofer, so it’s crucial to ask how long they guarantee their work.  

It could be anywhere from 2 to 25 years or even a lifetime (for the life of the materials). However, I recommend looking for at least a 10-year workmanship warranty from any roofing company providing an estimate.  

Workmanship warranties are in place to protect you, so don’t consider hiring one that doesn’t provide one in writing. And if you want to ensure they’ll honor it, check each roofer’s reviews to learn how problems or leaks were handled after installation.

5. Do you install drip edge per code?

Drip edge is a metal flashing installed on the roof’s edges (rakes and eaves) to prevent water from getting underneath roofing components. While leak prevention is its purpose, it’s also required by building codes. 

Not only should you ask every roofer about drip edge, but you also need to ask if they install it per code.

According to code R905.2.8.5 of the 2018 IRC: 

“A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Adjacent pieces of a drip edge shall be overlapped a minimum of 2 inches. A drip edge shall extend a minimum of a ¼ of an inch below roof decking and extend up a minimum of 2 inches. Underlayment must be installed over the drip edge along the eaves and under the underlayment on gables.” 

If the roofer you hire doesn’t install drip edge or install it incorrectly, your roof will not pass a home inspection. Just know you won’t need drip edge if you already have pre-bent aluminum fascia or rake molding.

6. Where do you install ice and water shield?

Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane installed in certain areas to protect the roof decking if water gets underneath the main roofing material. It’s incredibly important and should be included in every roof replacement. 

Obviously, you need to make sure ice and water shield is included in each estimate. However, you also need to ask a roofer where it’ll be installed. 

Ice and water shield must be installed in/around areas, like roof valleys, penetrations, against walls, and roof facets with a low slope. Asking where ensures they’re not just saying “yes” to a general question and that vulnerable areas will be protected.

7. What happens if decking needs to be replaced?

Roof decking is the foundation for your entire roof system made up of wooden boards. When these wooden boards are compromised or rotten, they must be replaced before installation can begin. 

However, a roofer can’t tell the extent of your decking’s condition until the old roof is torn off. That’s why you need to ask how rotten or compromised decking will appear on the estimate. 

Some roofing companies include it as a line item for the cost per sheet for any replacement decking. After the tear-off process, they should let you know how much is being replaced and that it’ll show up on the final invoice. 

The other way is to automatically include replacement decking, but you’ll be left paying for the decking materials whether they use them or not. Both ways are fine, it’s just important to know how it’ll be handled before signing a contract. 

Especially considering some roofers include it as a hidden fee to make their prices seem lower on the front end. 

8. Will you go over the estimate with me?

The most important part of getting a roof estimate is reviewing it. That’s why you need to ask every roofer providing one if they’ll go over it with you.  

They should automatically offer to go over every line item to ensure you know exactly everything you’re paying for, let you ask questions, and bring up any concerns. 

In my opinion, this is the best way to build the trust needed in the roofing industry between homeowners and roofing contractors. If they won’t do this with you, don’t even think about hiring them.

What do you need to consider before replacing your roof?

Now you know the 8 questions you need to ask when getting roof estimates. Asking these questions ensures you get the answers you need before signing on the dotted line. 

However, getting estimates is just the beginning of the roof replacement journey. There’s a lot more you need to know and think about when before starting the roof replacement process. 

That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the main things every homeowner needs to consider before starting the process. 

Check out 7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement to learn what you need to be thinking about when getting estimates for your new roof.