Roofing estimate template (free) + the follow-up that closes it
A complete roofing estimate template covering squares, tear-off, decking, and warranty — plus how to follow up so your bid doesn't get shopped.
Roofing is the trade where estimates get shopped hardest. Homeowners collect three to five bids, compare them line by line, and often pick whichever contractor stayed in touch. Your template and your follow-up matter as much as your price.
The roofing estimate template
Header: company name, license and insurance details, contact info, and estimate number.
Property details: address, roof pitch, stories, total squares, and current material.
Scope of work: tear-off and disposal of existing layers, decking inspection and replacement allowance (price per sheet), underlayment, ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys, drip edge, starter and ridge, flashing, ventilation, and the shingle line and color.
Pricing: materials, labor, dumpster and disposal, permits, and any per-unit allowances stated separately.
Exclusions: rotted rafters, chimney masonry, gutter replacement, interior repairs.
Warranty: manufacturer material warranty plus your workmanship warranty in years — spell out both.
Terms: deposit, progress payments, insurance-claim handling if applicable, and an expiry date.
Insurance work vs retail work
For storm and insurance jobs, structure the estimate around the adjuster's scope and note supplements separately. Homeowners need to see clearly what the carrier pays and what their deductible covers.
For retail jobs, lead with the warranty and the crew, not the price. That is where you beat the low bidder.
Three tiers beat one number
Offer an architectural-shingle standard package, an upgraded impact-resistant option, and a premium system with an extended manufacturer warranty. Homeowners who see one price shop; homeowners who see three compare within your estimate.
The follow-up sequence for roofing bids
Day 1: send the estimate with drone or ladder photos of the actual damage. Photos are the single most persuasive element in a roofing bid.
Day 3: text check-in with an offer to walk through the line items.
Day 7: send a recent nearby job with photos and a review.
Day 14: mention the price expiry and current scheduling window.
Roofers who run this sequence consistently close noticeably more bids than roofers who send and hope. FollowUpDesk automates it per estimate — $29/month flat for unlimited users.
Mistakes that lose roofing bids
A one-page number with no scope. It invites the homeowner to assume every bid is identical and pick the cheapest.
No decking allowance. Surprise change orders destroy trust mid-job.
Skipping the workmanship warranty. It is the biggest differentiator you have and it costs nothing to state.
No follow-up. The bid you never chased is the bid your competitor closed.
See it in FollowUpDesk
Get started — $29/mo →
Skip the manual work — these are free, no card required
Frequently asked questions
What should a roofing estimate include?▾
License and insurance details, roof measurements in squares, tear-off and disposal, decking replacement allowance, underlayment and ice-and-water shield, flashing, ventilation, the shingle line, itemized pricing, exclusions, warranty terms, and payment schedule.
How do you price a roof estimate?▾
Price per square using measured roof area adjusted for pitch and waste, plus tear-off, disposal, permits, and a stated per-sheet allowance for damaged decking.
How long is a roofing estimate valid?▾
Typically 30 days, since shingle and lumber pricing moves. The expiry date also gives you a natural reason to follow up.
How many times should you follow up on a roofing bid?▾
Four touches over two weeks — day 1 send, day 3 check-in, day 7 social proof, day 14 expiry reminder — captures most winnable jobs.
Should the estimate mention the workmanship warranty?▾
Always. Manufacturer warranties are similar across bids; your labor warranty is what separates you from the lowest price.
Get the full FollowUpDesk CRM — $29/month
One pipeline for every lead, AI follow-ups for every quote, review requests on autopilot. Cancel in one click.
Free tools require no card · Pro is $29/month, cancel anytime