Getting a free roof estimate
Getting a free roof estimate is the question on this page, and the ranges below tell you what is normal; a quote tells you what yours costs. Call (855) 812-6217 during business hours with your ZIP code and the words "getting a free roof estimate", and we match the job with licensed roofers near you. Quotes cost nothing and you hire only if you want to.
A free roof estimate should list materials, tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, permit, warranty and cleanup, each with a price. A quote that gives only one total is hard to compare.
Ruth has three quotes for a 2,000 sq ft asphalt roof: $11,200, $13,900 and $9,400. The lowest one has no decking line at all.
What a real estimate includes
- Shingle brand and line, by name, plus how many squares.
- Tear-off and how many layers. Disposal alone runs $1 to $5 per sq ft, per This Old House.
- Decking: a price per sheet and how many are included. Angi puts sheathing at $2 to $6 per sq ft.
- Underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge and starter strip.
- Flashing at walls, chimneys and vents: new or reused.
- Permit and who pulls it.
- Warranty on labor and on the shingles, in years.
- Cleanup, including a magnetic sweep for nails.
Disposal cost is from This Old House; decking from Angi.
Warning signs
The FTC describes a common pattern. Someone knocks on the door, says they can fix the roof, and pushes you to decide fast. They may ask for cash or offer to arrange financing.
Other flags: no written contract, no license number, a big deposit before materials arrive. In California, a home improvement down payment may not exceed $1,000 or ten percent of the price, whichever is less. See the FTC and the CSLB guide.
Comparing three
Line the quotes up item by item. Ruth's $9,400 quote skipped decking and used the old flashing. Adding those two items brought it close to the $11,200 one.
The FTC says to get three written estimates and check that each company has a license and insurance. Compare the labor warranty too; it is the one you will use.
Check a free roof estimate you already have
Not sure what this estimate means? Let us read it for you.
This is general information to help you understand the letter. It is not advice for your case.
Request yours
Use the form below to ask three licensed roofers near your ZIP to quote the same job. Have your roof size from the roofing calculator ready. See also roof inspection near me.
Questions people ask
Do roofers give free estimates?
Most do for a full replacement. Some charge for a detailed inspection report, or credit the fee back if you hire them.
What is the 25% rule for roofing?
A building code rule in some states, best known in Florida. When more than a quarter of a roof section is repaired, the code can require that section to meet current code.
How much should a 2200 sq ft roof cost?
For asphalt at $3.44 to $12 per sq ft, 2,200 sq ft of roof surface is about $7,600 to $26,400. Our roofing calculator narrows it for your slope and layers.
Roof estimate by address?
Some online tools measure from satellite images. A roofer still needs to walk the roof to see the decking, flashing and vents before a real price.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission, Home Repair Scams, consumer.ftc.gov, checked October 2026
- This Old House, How Much Does a Shingle Roof Cost? (updated March 2026), checked October 2026
- Angi, How Much Does Roof Decking Cost to Replace? (2026), checked October 2026
- Contractors State License Board, Building Official Information Guide, cslb.ca.gov, checked October 2026
Last checked October 2026
What to do now
- Run the calculator with your own footprint, slope and material, and write down low, likely and high.
- Call (855) 812-6217 with your ZIP code and the likely number, or send the job below. The Roof Cost Guide team answers during business hours and matches it with licensed roofers near you.
- Compare three written quotes line by line against your band before you sign anything.
Talk to a local roofer
Getting a free roof estimate is the question on this page, and the ranges below tell you what is normal; a quote tells you what yours costs. Call (855) 812-6217 during business hours with your ZIP code and the words "getting a free roof estimate", and we match the job with licensed roofers near you. Quotes cost nothing and you hire only if you want to.
Call (855) 812-6217 Call (855) 812-6217Outside business hours, send the quote form and a roofer calls you back.
Three local quotes, one request
Send the getting a free roof estimate job with your ZIP code, roof size and the material you want. Up to three licensed roofers near you quote the same job, and we send your details to them and no one else. Quotes cost nothing and you hire only if you want to.