Our Roofing Estimating Services Designed to Help You Win More Bids
The roof is the single most critical component of a building’s envelope, defending against weather, determining energy efficiency, and protecting the entire structure below. Situated within CSI Division 07 (Thermal and Moisture Protection), roofing estimating is exceptionally high-risk because it deals with layered systems, complex perimeter detailing, non-negotiable wind uplift requirements, and high-cost, specialized materials.The roof is the largest source of potential long-term liability in any structure.
At Aris Estimating, we provide Definitive Roofing Estimating Services. We specialize in delivering granular, layer-by-layer takeoffs that meticulously quantify every square foot of membrane, every board of insulation, and every linear foot of critical detailing. We empower General Contractors, Roofing Subcontractors, and Developers to bid competitively, procure precisely, and guarantee the long-term performance and watertight integrity of their assets.
I. The Roofing Challenge: Layers, Slope, and Code Compliance
The primary difficulty in roofing estimating is accurately modeling the continuous, interlocking nature of multiple protective layers while accounting for slope, complex perimeter conditions, and adherence to localized wind and energy codes.
| Roofing Component | Primary Cost Driver | Critical Quantification Detail | Risk of Inaccuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membrane | Material Cost (Rolls/Gallons) | Roll Optimization (seam overlap/waste); Penetration Counting (vents, drains, curbs). | Water Intrusion (shortage of membrane/sealant); High Waste (unoptimized cuts). |
| Insulation | R-Value & Tapered System | Tapered System Layout (crickets/sumps); Density and number of layers; Fastener density. | Energy Code Failure; Drainage Failure (hydrostatic load risk). |
| Metal & Flashing | Perimeter & Penetrations | Linear footage of coping, fascia, and counter-flashing; Drain and scupper counts. | Wind Damage/Blow-Off (improperly secured metal); Leakage at edge details. |
II. Specialized Takeoffs by Roofing System
We treat every roof assembly as a unique, integrated system, applying specific waste logic, labor units, and code compliance checks.
A. Low-Slope (Commercial) Systems (TPO, EPDM, BUR)
These systems require the highest degree of technical detail due to layer density and code requirements.
- Membrane Quantification: Precise area takeoff for single-ply (TPO, EPDM, PVC) or multi-ply (BUR, Modified Bitumen), factoring in the required seam overlap and waste from roll dimensions. We calculate the gallons of adhesive or number of fasteners based on wind uplift zones.
- Tapered Insulation Layout: Accurate quantification of all rigid insulation boards. Crucially, we quantify the Tapered Insulation System including crickets, sumps, and valley fill, which must be priced separately from the flat field insulation. This guarantees positive drainage.
- Vapor Barrier & Protection Course: Takeoff of all underlying layers, including vapor retarders, separation sheets, and overburden protection course materials (pavers, ballast).
B. Fluid-Applied and Specialized Systems
- Liquid-Applied Membranes: Quantification by square footage, factoring in required mil thickness and the number of coats specified. Labor is assessed based on application method (roller, spray).
- Green Roof Components: Separation of costs for drainage layers, root barriers, filter fabric, growing media, and specialized edge restraints.
C. Steep-Slope (Residential/Commercial) Systems
- Shingles/Tiles: Square (100 SF) quantification for shingles or tiles, applying the waste factor based on roof pitch, valleys, and hips. We ensure accurate count of ridge cap pieces.
- Underlayment: Quantification of felt, synthetic underlayment, and specific Ice & Water Shield application (e.g., three feet up from the eave, in valleys), which is crucial for northern climates.
- Ventilation: Accurate count of ridge vents, static vents, and soffit vents necessary to meet code requirements and manufacturer warranties.
III. Critical Perimeter and Penetration Detailing
The roof perimeter and penetrations account for less than 5% of the surface area but often cause over 90% of failures.
- Metal Flashing: Detailed linear footage of coping (caps), counter-flashing, edge metal (drip edge/fascia), and gravel stops. We differentiate between standard metal and complex, custom-fabricated sheet metal.
- Penetrations and Curbs: Meticulous counting and dimensioning of all roof penetrations (pipes, vents, exhaust stacks, skylights, mechanical curbs) to quantify the required boot flashing, pitch pans, and sealant.
- Fluid-Applied Detailing: Quantification of specialized fluid-applied mastics and reinforced mesh layers around complex, non-standard penetrations.
IV. The Aris Estimating Advantage: Precision and Risk Mitigation
Our specialized service provides the confidence needed to manage the high material costs and critical functional requirements of Division 07.
- Slope and Pitch Factor: We use 3D modeling and apply pitch conversion factors to 2D plans, ensuring the estimate accounts for the true surface area of sloped roofs.
- Labor Unit Separation: Our detailed breakdown separates high-productivity “field” labor from low-productivity “detail” labor (work at penetrations and edges), providing accurate benchmarks for installation cost.
- Wind Uplift Fastener Density: We can assist in quantifying the required fastener pattern density based on the project’s ASCE 7 wind zone, a critical element of code compliance often missed in simple takeoffs.
- Substrate Risk Assessment: We account for required deck preparation (repair/priming) and confirm the structural capacity of the substrate to hold the new roof system and any specialized overburden (e.g., solar panels).
Ready to cap your project with financial certainty and a watertight budget? Partner with Aris Estimating for roofing estimates defined by layered precision, structural integrity, and risk mitigation.
