Compare Your Roofing Quotes
See what's included, what's missing, and which contractor is giving you the best value
FREE COMPARISON TOOL
Side-by-Side Quote Comparison
Enter your contractor names, check off what's in each quote, and we'll show you exactly where each one stands — including red flags and missing items.
Enter Your Contractor Names
Add the names of each contractor who gave you a quote. You can compare 2 or 3 quotes.
QUOTE CHECKLIST
What Every Roofing Quote Should Include
Before you sign anything, make sure your contractor's quote covers these 15 essential items. Missing even one can lead to unexpected costs or subpar work.
- Shingle brand, product & color specified
A professional quote names the exact shingle line, not just 'architectural shingles.' This lets you verify quality and compare apples to apples. - Underlayment type (synthetic vs felt)
Synthetic underlayment outperforms felt in durability and moisture resistance. The quote should specify which type is being installed. - Ice & water shield included
Most northern states require ice and water shield at the eaves. Any quote without it in a cold climate is a code violation waiting to happen. - Drip edge on all edges
Drip edge prevents water from wicking under shingles at the roof edge. It should be installed on rakes and eaves — not just one or the other. - New flashing (not reused)
Reusing old step flashing, valley flashing, or chimney flashing is one of the most common shortcuts. New flashing costs little but prevents major leaks. - Pipe boots replaced
Rubber pipe boots crack and deteriorate over time. Replacing them during a reroof costs almost nothing and prevents one of the most common leak sources. - Ventilation plan (ridge + soffit)
Proper attic ventilation extends roof life and prevents ice dams. The quote should specify ridge vent and soffit intake — not just 'adequate ventilation.' - Tear-off and removal included
A complete tear-off to the deck allows inspection of the sheathing. Layering over old shingles hides problems and voids most manufacturer warranties. - Dumpster, debris & nail sweep
Cleanup should be explicitly included. A magnetic nail sweep of your yard, driveway, and landscaping beds protects your family and pets. - Permits included
A licensed contractor pulls permits and schedules inspections. If a quote doesn't mention permits, the contractor may be cutting corners — or worse, unlicensed. - Decking repair pricing listed
Rotted decking is common and can't be assessed until tear-off. A good quote includes a per-sheet price so there are no surprise charges. - Workmanship warranty with years specified
The manufacturer warranty covers the shingles. The workmanship warranty covers the installation. Look for at least 10 years of workmanship coverage. - Manufacturer warranty tier specified
Major brands offer tiered warranties (e.g., GAF Silver Pledge vs. Golden Pledge). Higher tiers require certified installers and cover more. - Enhanced warranty available
Some manufacturers offer 50-year or lifetime coverage when installed by certified contractors. Ask if your contractor qualifies. - Written payment schedule
A clear payment schedule (e.g., 1/3 deposit, 1/3 at tear-off, 1/3 at completion) protects both parties. Never pay in full before the work is done.
NOT SURE ABOUT YOUR QUOTES?
Get a Free Roof Inspection
Still comparing? Let us give you a no-obligation inspection and a quote that covers every one of the 15 items above. We'll explain exactly what your roof needs — no pressure, no surprises.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Roofing Quote Comparison FAQs
How many roofing quotes should I get?
We recommend getting at least three written quotes from licensed, insured contractors. This gives you enough data points to compare pricing, materials, and warranty terms. Two quotes can work if both are from reputable contractors, but three helps you spot outliers — whether suspiciously low or overpriced.
What's the most important thing to compare?
Warranty coverage and material specifications. Price matters, but a quote with vague materials and no warranty details is a red flag regardless of cost. Look for specific shingle brand and product line, underlayment type, and written workmanship warranty terms. A detailed quote signals a contractor who plans the job properly.
Why do roofing quotes look so different?
There's no industry-standard format for roofing quotes. Some contractors provide a single line-item total, while others break down every material and labor cost. More detail is always better — it shows the contractor has actually planned your specific job rather than applying a generic price-per-square formula.
What's a red flag in a roofing quote?
The biggest red flags are: no mention of permits, no warranty details, reusing old flashing, no ice and water shield (required by code in cold climates), prices significantly below competitors (often means corner-cutting), and demanding more than 50% upfront. Also watch for quotes that arrive suspiciously fast without a site visit.
Should the cheapest quote win?
Almost never. The cheapest quote frequently cuts corners on materials (felt instead of synthetic underlayment), skips proper flashing, or uses subcontracted labor without oversight. Compare what's included in each quote — the cheapest per-item quote is a better value than the cheapest total price with missing items.
What is ice & water shield and why does it matter?
Ice and water shield is a self-adhesive waterproof membrane installed at vulnerable roof areas — eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. Building codes in cold-climate states require it at the eaves to prevent ice dam damage. It's your last line of defense if ice backs up under your shingles during winter.
What's the difference between workmanship and manufacturer warranty?
The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingles themselves (curling, cracking, granule loss). The workmanship warranty covers the installation — if a leak occurs because of improper flashing, nail placement, or ventilation, that's a workmanship issue. You need both. Some manufacturers void their warranty if installation doesn't meet their specifications.
How much should I pay upfront for a roof?
A reasonable deposit is 10–33% of the total cost, with the balance due at completion or in stages tied to milestones. Never pay more than 50% before work begins — a contractor demanding full payment upfront is a serious red flag. Reputable contractors have the cash flow and credit to purchase materials without requiring your full payment in advance.