A roofing estimate tells a customer what a roof job should cost before the ladders go up: the size of the roof in squares, the materials, the tear-off and the warranty. Use this free roofing estimate template to list it all, add tax and a deposit, and download a PDF or Word file. There is no account to create.
What it is
A roofing estimate is a written price for repairing, replacing or installing a roof. It states the roof size in squares, where one square is 100 square feet, the material, how many layers come off, the underlayment, flashing and vents, the labor and the disposal. Roofs hide problems, so a good estimate says what you will charge if damaged decking is found, and what is not included, such as interior repairs. Many places require a license and a permit for roofing, and some regulate contracts and deposits. If an insurance claim is involved, the property owner pays the deductible. In Texas, Colorado and other states, a roofer may not waive, rebate or absorb it.
What to include
- Your business details and license number.
- The customer's name and the property address.
- The job type and the roof material.
- The roof size in squares, and the pitch.
- How many layers you will remove.
- Underlayment, flashing, vents and ridge cap.
- The price to replace damaged decking.
- Labor, disposal and permit fees.
- The manufacturer's warranty and your workmanship warranty.
- The deductible notice, if insurance is involved.
- What is not included.
- How long the estimate is valid, and any deposit.
How to fill it in
- Add your details, your license number and a logo if you have one.
- Add the customer and the property address.
- Choose the job type and the roof material.
- Enter the roof size in squares. The squares helper turns square feet into squares with a waste allowance.
- Add the line items from the roofing list, using squares as the unit where it fits.
- Enter the price per sheet to replace damaged decking.
- Enter the warranties, and tick the insurance box if a claim is involved.
- Set the valid-until date and a deposit if you want one, check the preview and download the file.
Common mistakes
- Not saying how many layers will be removed.
- Leaving out the price for replacing damaged decking.
- Forgetting underlayment, flashing, vents or disposal.
- Not stating the manufacturer's warranty and your own.
- Offering to waive or cover an insurance deductible.
- Leaving out permit fees.
- Giving no roof size, so customers can't compare.
- Leaving off a valid-until date.
Need something else?
Tear-off, decking and insurance
- Say how many layers you will remove.
- Say what you charge to replace damaged decking.
- If an insurance claim is involved, the owner pays the deductible. Never offer to waive it.
- State the manufacturer's warranty and your own workmanship warranty.
Common questions about the numbers
The discount comes off the subtotal first. Tax is then worked out on the taxable items after the discount. The deposit is a share of the total, and the balance is what is left.
Frequently asked questions
What should a roofing estimate include?
Your details and license number, the customer and property, the roof size in squares, the material, the tear-off, the underlayment and flashing, the price for replacing damaged decking, warranties, what isn't included and how long the price holds.
What is a roofing square?
One square is 100 square feet of roof. Roofers price and order materials in squares. The helper on this page converts square feet to squares with a waste allowance.
Can a roofer waive my insurance deductible?
In Texas, Colorado and some other states, no. It is illegal for a roofer to offer to waive, rebate or absorb a deductible, and the owner must pay it. Texas also requires a deductible notice in contracts of $1,000 or more involving an insurance settlement.
What if damaged decking is found?
Say in the estimate what you charge per sheet to replace it. Then the customer knows what could change the price.
Do I need a license or permit?
Many places require both for roof work, but the rules vary. Check your local requirements and put your license number on the estimate.
Is a roofing estimate the same as a quote?
No. An estimate is a best guess that can change once the old roof is off. A quote is a fixed price. Many roofers use a price per sheet for decking to keep an estimate honest.
How long should a roofing estimate be valid?
Many roofers use 30 days, because material prices can change. Write the date on the estimate.
Official sources
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
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This page gives general information and a template. It is not legal or tax advice.
Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.