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How a Roofing Estimate is Put Together

christine • Aug 24, 2016
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This is the formula to put together a roof bid for your home


All roofing projects are different. Your neighbor and you may have similar homes but the details can be widely different. Dimensions and pitch vary by home plan & one roof could be more worn or weather damaged due to height and placement on property. Also you might want to add special features to your roof replacement such as ridge vent, solar panels (always popular in Austin) or architectural shingles and voila you've got a unique roofing project.


 

Get Quotes From Trusted Local Roofing Companies

 

The best way to find out the price of your new roof is to get a few quotes. Most of our local roofing companies will give Free Estimates. Note prices that are considerably lower as they may be cutting some corners (like drip edge). Today is the day of the internet review, do your research and ask your friends and family what they know about the local roofers. Hail damage is a constant with storms in Central Texas, thousands of roofs each year are replaced by the homeowner's insurance policies. So ask the roofer to look for signs of wind & hail damage while they are inspecting.

 

How a Roofing Project is Estimated

 

The dimensions of your roof are the first consideration. A roof is measured in "squares". 100 Sq. Ft. = 1 Square. Measure the perimeter of the outside of your home, now look at your roof overhangs (eaves & gables) how much do they hang over? If it is 1 foot on each side then increase your lengths &/ width by 2 feet. W x L = sub-total measurement. Next is the pitch there are simple tools to help find the pitch. Each pitch will increase the amount of materials needed differently see this chart for multiplication factors for each pitch -

 

2/12 pitch = 1.01 5/12 pitch = 1.08 10/12 pitch = 1.30 16/12 pitch = 1.67

 

3/12 pitch = 1.03 6/12 pitch = 1.12 12/12 pitch = 1.41 18/12 pitch = 1.80

 

4/12 pitch = 1.05 8/12 pitch = 1.20 14/12 pitch = 1.54

 

Sub total x pitch factor = Sub-sub total Sub-sub total x 1.1 (waste factor) = Total materials to be ordered (remember to divide this last number by 100 to = Squares)

 

 * The steeper the pitch the more expensive the roof will be as safety precautions increase with the pitch*

 

Materials - This is the fun part! There is no shortage of shingle options, tile or metal options. Colors and textures change the look and curb appeal of your home. 50 year warranties are also available and they increase the value of your home. Call local suppliers and ask them the price per square for the materials you like.

 

The age of the home matters and here's why. There are materials all around and under your roof; Examples are fascia, decking & soffit. These break down over time and the best time to replace them is when you are replacing your roof. Decking is unseen until the roof covering is pulled up.

 

2 stories or 1? Like the pitch, the second story on your project will increase the safety concerns of the job and therefore the price.

 

The style of the roof is also very important. An easy A frame house will have straight forward installation with minimal "special cuts" being made to the material. A roof that has many architectural intricacies increases "special cuts" made to the material increasing material waste and labor time. These roofs are referred to in the industry as "Cut Up".

 

Regional pricing is a real thing in roofing. The good news is you live in Texas, one of the least expensive regions, GO TEXAN!

 

Disposal is also needed when tearing off an old roof for replacement requiring dump trailers and a trip or 2 to the local recycling facility or dump.

 


 

Here is a chart that we put together for your convenience

 

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