ROOFING ESTIMATING & TAKEOFF SERVICES

Quickly estimate your commercial roofing project with Dekr Estimating's efficient takeoff services. A reliable roofing plan is essential before starting construction to prevent future complications. Our expert roofing estimator guarantees swift and precise estimates, saving time and cost.

Roofing Estimating
Roofing Estimating

ROOFING ESTIMATING SAMPLES

Roofing Estimate
Roofing Estimate

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Dekr Roofing Contractors Estimates

Our skilled roofing estimators work efficiently with various roofing types, including:

Commercial Roofing Estimating

Commercial roofing estimating involves evaluating expenses and materials required for commercial building roof installations and repairs. This estimation includes the following:

Residential Roofing Estimating

Residential roofing estimating involves accurately assessing costs and materials needed for home roofing projects. This estimation includes:

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Industrial Roofing Estimating

Industrial roofing estimating involves figuring out the costs and materials needed for big industrial roof projects and maintenance. This estimation includes the following:

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Dekr’s Roofing Contractors Estimate Services

Dekr Estimation provides roofing estimating services to different types of contractors like general contractors, roofing contractors, membrane roofing contractors, shingles contractors, steep contractors, damp proofing and waterproofing contractors, roof windows and skylights contractors, and roofing contractors. We offer estimates for various projects, including green roofs and green walls, flashing and sheet metal work, membrane roofing, damp roofing and waterproofing, steep roofing, shingles roofing, roof windows, and skylight installation, as well as common roofing materials. With roofing, Dekr also offers construction takeoff services. We have skilled experts and specialized Roofing Cost Estimators who are certified by American organizations like the American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE) and the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS). They are proficient in division 7 trades, mainly focused on roofing projects. We provide for division 7 trades:

  • Man-hours required
  • Updated marked-up drawings
  • Roofing estimate spreadsheets
  • Costs for materials, labor, and equipment
  • Summary of takeoffs, including total costs for materials, labor, equipment, overhead, profit and a detailed review of what's included and excluded.

Types of Roofing

Dekr Estimation deals with various types of roofing, which include:

Standing Seam Metal Roof

A standing seam metal roof uses metal panels with raised seams. It’s modern, strong, and lasts long. Standing seam metal roofing has hidden fasteners with vertical legs. The flat area between the legs is wide. The seams, or vertical legs, are raised above the flat part of the panel.

Standing Seam Membrane

Most standing seam metal roofs use 24 gauge steel. This is a high-quality system that can last over 40 years. The parts are designed to work together. These panels are the most expensive and use top-quality paint.

EPDM Membrane Roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer)

EPDM roofing is rubber roofing for flat or slightly sloped roofs. It’s flexible, lightweight, and lasts over 30 years. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It’s a very durable synthetic rubber used for roofing on low-slope buildings. EPDM roofing has four layers, making it one of the most long-lasting options available.

EPDM Membrane

EPDM membranes are chemically stable, so they don't stick well. New technology allows a special roof coating to bond strongly to the membrane, even in areas with standing water.

Green Roofing System

A green roof is covered with plants and soil. It’s eco-friendly, saves energy, and manages rainwater. Green roofs look natural and are good for the environment. Green roofs, also called vegetated or living roofs, are covered with plants. They have a waterproof layer, soil, and vegetation on top of a regular roof.

Types of Insulation Used in Green Roofing 

Standards for flat and green roof construction focus on different types of green roofs based on foot traffic and weight. They are different from the planting types we discussed earlier. The standards usually divide green roofs into two categories: non-trafficked roofs and pedestrian roofs. Roof gardens, which are leisure spaces with more foot traffic, may also be called roof terraces, but this term isn’t used in the standards.

Types of Membrane 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a cost-effective plastic. It is rigid, strong, and offers moderate electrical insulation.

 

Modified Bitumen (MB) sheets come in two types: APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene). These are waterproofing materials, made by modifying bitumen with the respective polymers.

 

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) is used in the automotive industry for parts like body panels, trim, and interior components. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to impacts, weather, and chemicals.

 

Ethylene-propylene-diene Terpolymer (EPDM) is designed for tough conditions. It resists high temperatures and harsh chemicals, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles are common in homes. They’re affordable, easy to install, and come in many colours. They protect against the weather and last for 15 to 30 years. One of the oldest types of underlayment is asphalt-saturated felt, also called tar paper. It’s made from organic materials like paper fibres and wood, which have a cellulose base. These materials are soaked in asphalt to make them waterproof and durable.

Asphalt shingle roofing protects against wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. The system includes materials like asphalt shingles, underlayment, leak barriers, starter strips, and hip and ridge components. Each of these parts makes up a certain percentage of the overall product.

Types of Asphalt Roofing Systems

There are two types of asphalt roofing systems: Built-Up Roofing (BUR) and Modified Bitumen. These systems have multiple layers, making them durable and thicker. The most common single-ply roofing membranes are EPDM, TPO, and PVC.

Flat Roofing System

Flat roofs have little or no slope. They’re common in commercial buildings and modern homes. Flat roofs need good drainage to prevent water buildup. The most common types of flat roofing materials include EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane known for its durability and flexibility. It resists UV rays, ozone, and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for flat roofs.

Flat Roofing Membrane

Roofing provides a continuous watertight covering to protect a building's interior. Membrane roofs are mainly used for flat roofs because they are watertight, which is essential when water can't drain quickly.

EPDM membranes come in different thicknesses: 45 mil (1.14 mm), 60 mil (1.52 mm), and 90 mil (2.29 mm). While 45 mil EPDM is less commonly recommended for flat roofs, it can be suitable in some cases.

Types of Flat Roofing

Membrane roofing offers advantages over older flat roofing methods like Built-Up Roofs (BUR). There are three main types of roof membranes

  • Modified Bitumen
  • Thermoset
  • Thermoplastic Membranes.

TPO Roofing System (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

TPO roofing is a single-layer membrane made of rubber and plastic. It’s energy-efficient, durable, and easy to install. It’s great for flat or low-slope roofs. TPO is made from ethylene propylene rubber. It combines the benefits of a rubber roof with hot air-weldable seams for added strength. The two main types of single-ply membranes for commercial roofing are Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM).

Membrane of TPO Roofing System

Membrane roofing creates a watertight covering to protect a building's interior. It is mostly used for flat roofs, where immediate water shedding is not possible.

 

Common thicknesses for membranes are 45 mil, 60 mil, and 90 mil, but using less than 60 mils is not recommended. EPDM sheets are large, up to 20 to 30 feet wide, which makes installation faster than with other membranes. Black EPDM membranes are often adhered to flat roof assemblies.

Tile Roofing System

Tile roofs use clay, concrete, or slate tiles. They’re durable, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. Tile roofs add a unique look to homes but can be heavy and expensive. Tiles are made from natural, recyclable materials like terracotta (clay), slate, and concrete. These roofing materials are highly durable and fireproof, which makes them stand out from the competition.

Membrane of Tile Roofing System

Many contractors prefer a temperature-resistant, self-adhering underlayment like Tarco PS200HT. It's designed for use under metal and tile roofs. The modified bitumen compound is specially formulated to withstand the high temperatures found under these types of roofs.

Single Ply Membrane Roof

Single-ply membrane roofs are flat roofs made from synthetic materials. They’re lightweight, flexible, and waterproof. These roofs are popular for commercial buildings. Single-ply roofing is wide sheeting designed for low-slope roofs. It has fewer seams than asphaltic rolled roofs and doesn't need torches or hot asphalt for installation. Single-ply systems also include prefabricated accessories for easy installation.

Membrane of Single Ply 

Single-ply roofing is a complete system made from strong, flexible membranes of synthetic polymer. The membrane thickness ranges from 1.1mm to over 2mm. Some products are homogenous, while others are reinforced with glass fiber or polyester, depending on their use.

Types of Single-Ply Membranes

There are two main types of single-ply membranes: thermoplastic and thermoset. PVC systems are strong and long-lasting. TPO membranes are durable and cost-effective. EPDM systems are flexible and budget-friendly in warm climates.

 

Single-ply membranes are recyclable and energy-efficient. They provide good insulation, lowering heating and cooling costs. At the end of their life, they can be recycled, which helps reduce landfill waste.

Shingle Roofing Scope

Shingles are attached to roof rafters and come in various materials, including wood, slate, flagstone, metal, plastic, and composite materials like fiber cement and asphalt. Ceramic roof tiles, commonly used in Europe and parts of Asia, are still called tiles.

Adhesives 

Adhesives are used with asphalt shingles to prevent wind from lifting their edges. The adhesive is applied during manufacturing and cures in the sun once the shingles are installed. 

Insulation Materials

  • Fiberglass.
  • Mineral wool
  • Cellulose
  • Natural fibers
  • Polystyrene
  • Polyisocyanurate
  • Polyurethane
  • Perlite

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is made of very fine glass fibers and is a common insulation material. It comes in various forms: blankets (batts and rolls), loose-fill, rigid boards, and duct insulation.

 

Manufacturers now offer medium- and high-density fiberglass batt insulation with higher R-values than standard batts. These denser products are used for insulating tight spaces, like cathedral ceilings.

Mineral Wool Insulation Materials

Mineral wool contains about 75% post-industrial recycled content. It is fire-resistant without needing extra chemicals and is available as blanket (batts and rolls) or loose-fill insulation.

"Mineral wool" usually refers to two types of insulation rock wool and slag wool.

 

  • Rock wool: Made from natural minerals like basalt or diabase.
  • Slag wool: Made from blast furnace slag, which is waste from molten metal.

Cellulose Insulation Material

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, mainly newsprint, with a high recycled content of 82% to 85%. The paper is shredded and fiberized, making it compact and effective for filling building cavities.

 

Manufacturers add mineral borate, sometimes mixed with ammonium sulfate, to provide fire and insect resistance. When installed correctly, cellulose insulation stays in place and does not settle over time.

Polystyrene Insulation Materials

Polystyrene is a clear plastic used for foam board, beadboard, concrete block insulation, and loose-fill insulation made of small beads. Molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS) is used for foam boards and also comes as small beads. These beads fill concrete blocks or hollow walls but are very light, attract static electricity, and are hard to handle.

Polyisocyanurate Insulation Materials

Polyisocyanurate, or polyiso, is a type of closed-cell foam plastic with a low-conductivity, hydrochlorofluorocarbon-free gas inside. Polyiso insulation comes in liquid, sprayed foam, and rigid foam board forms. It can also be made into laminated panels with different facings. Foamed-in-place polyiso is often cheaper and may perform better because it moulds to all surfaces.

Polyurethane Insulation Materials

Polyurethane is a foam insulation material with low-conductivity gas inside its cells. It comes in closed-cell and open-cell types. Closed-cell foam has high-density cells filled with gas, helping it expand and fill spaces. Open-cell foam has less dense cells filled with air, giving it a spongy texture and a lower R-value.

Perlite Insulation Materials

Perlite insulation is often used in attics of homes built before 1950. Perlite is made from tiny, lightweight pellets created by heating rock pellets until they pop. This loose-fill insulation can be poured in or mixed with cement to make lightweight, less heat-conductive concrete.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Scope

Choose and install asphalt shingles carefully when putting on new roofs or repairing old ones. This helps prevent water leaks from damaged or blown-off shingles in high winds, hurricanes, wildfires, or severe winter weather.  Typical Asphalt Roofing Shingle Sizes

 

Width: 13 1/4 inches (metric) or 12 inches (imperial)

Length: 40 inches (metric) or 36 inches (imperial)

Thickness: Approximately 1/8 inch; fiberglass shingles are thinner than tar paper shingles.

Components of Shingles

Framing: This includes roof trusses that support the roof's weight. The structure must be strong enough for the roofing material used, such as ceramic tiles or slate.

 

Insulation: Insulation is found in the attic to reduce heat loss. It’s placed on the attic floor or between rafters in a finished attic.

 

Ventilation: Essential for removing heat and moisture from the attic. Proper ventilation prevents damage to framing, insulation, and sheathing, and avoids mold and mildew.

 

Roof Deck: The material on top of the roof trusses, usually plywood.

 

Water Shield: A peel-and-stick layer that creates a waterproof barrier against ice and water buildup near the eaves.

 

Underlayment: Felt or fiberglass paper covering the roof deck. It’s water-resistant and helps prevent water leakage.

 

Shingle Starter Strips are installed at the eaves to prevent wind uplift. They can be purchased or made by cutting regular shingles.

 

Roofing Material: The visible layer of the roof is available in various materials like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, tiles, metal sheets, or rubber for flat roofs.

 

Ridge Vents: Located at the roof’s peak, allowing warm, moist air to escape from the attic.

 

Flashing: Sheet metal used to prevent water penetration at seams where materials meet, such as along eaves (drip edge), chimneys (step flashing), skylights, and vents.

For New Construction

For new construction, you may install these roofing:

 

Seal the Roof Deck: Install a self-adhered membrane over the entire deck (use #15 felt as a bond break). Install 4-inch-wide roof deck flashing tape over panel seams and cover with #30 felt or synthetic underlayment. Install a two-layer #30 felt underlayment system.

Install Drip Edge: Place at eaves and rakes.

Install Flashing: At roof penetrations and roof-wall intersections, integrated with roofing and wall underlayment.

Install Shingles: Based on the local wind speed, use high-wind-rated shingles (consider impact-resistant and solar-reflective shingles).

Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

  • Use 6 nails per shingle.
  • Properly locate and drive nails (no staples).
  • Use hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners near salt or brackish water.

Enhance Shingle Securement

Apply asphalt roof cement beneath shingles and starter strips along eaves, rakes, hips, ridges, and open valleys.

For Wildfire-Prone Areas

Choose Fire-Resistant Materials: Use Class A-rated materials like fiberglass-reinforced asphalt shingles, fiber-cement shingles, galvanized metal with gypsum, slate, or concrete/clay tiles with bird-stopping.

Design Considerations: Choose a simple roof design to reduce ember trapping.

For Cold Climates and High-Snow-Load Regions

Install Self-Adhering Membrane: Along roof eaves. Ensure proper air sealing, insulating, and ventilation of the attic to prevent ice dam formation.

How to Install Asphalt Shingles

Dekr Roofing simplifies things by covering the basic steps and the purpose of each roofing component. However, it’s not a replacement for hands-on training, and Dekr advises that only trained roofing professionals should do the work. 

Step 1: Prioritize Safety in Roofing Projects

The first step in any roofing project is safety. Working on a roof has fall risks and other safety concerns. Dekr Estimation advises using qualified professionals who are trained in roofing safety. Also, check local building codes to make sure the roof meets all requirements.

Step 2: How Shingles Work to Shed Water

Asphalt roofing shingles use gravity to move water away from the roof. When shingles and other roof parts are properly arranged and overlapped, the roof will effectively shed water. “To shingle” means to lay out or arrange things so they overlap. Let’s look at how this overlapping sequence works in roof construction.

Step 3: Deck Preparation

Before installing roofing materials, ensure the roof deck is smooth, well-fastened, dry, and free of gaps or holes. A clean, flat deck will help the new roof look smooth and flat.

Step 4: Starting with the Drip Edge

We start with the bottom layer of roofing components. Asphalt shingles are the top layer, but what’s underneath matters too. The first material installed is the drip edge. It creates a clean edge and protects the roof deck from water damage by preventing water from flowing back up.

Step 5: Adding Ice and Water Protection to Your Roof

In cold climates, your roof needs extra protection, just like you need boots in winter. An ice and water protector is a thin, self-adhering membrane installed over the drip edge. It helps prevent ice dams and is often required by local codes. The membrane should extend 1/4″-3/4″ over the eaves and up the roof at least 24″ from the wall. It should also cover any roof valleys. This protector seals around shingle fasteners, adding extra water-shedding protection.

Step 6: Installing Roof Underlayment

Next, install the roof underlayment, which can be asphalt-saturated felt or synthetic. Both types protect under the shingles. While asphalt shingles handle the main water-shedding, underlayment adds extra protection. Felt should be laid in horizontal rows, overlapping the eave ice and water protector by 4″ and the valley membrane by 6″. Dekr’s RoofGard-Cool Grey Synthetic Roof Underlayment provides extra protection for your roof.

Step 7: Flashing and Valley Installation for Leak Prevention

Roofs are most likely to leak where shingles are penetrated, interrupted, or meet walls, so these areas need flashing to direct water down the slope. For open valleys, line them with corrosion-resistant metal before installing shingles. Closed valleys are completed during shingle installation. Dekr recommends using open metal valleys for better performance. Before applying shingles, complete the underlayment and valley flashing with 28-gauge galvanized metal or similar material. Center a 36″ strip of ice and water protector in the valley, overlapping pieces by at least 6″, and secure the metal valley liner with nails at the edges, sealing overlaps with asphalt plastic cement. Snap chalk lines in the valley and lay shingles over the flashing, trimming them to the lines, nailing them 2″ back, and using asphalt plastic cement at the valley ends. Flash around plumbing stacks, vents, and where shingles meet walls or chimneys. Use ice and water protector membranes for skylights and other tricky areas, ensuring that flashing and shingles work together for complete protection.

Step 8: Installing Asphalt Shingles

Once the preparation beneath the shingles is complete, it’s time to shingle the roof. Start at the bottom and work your way up, overlapping each row. Begin with a course of starter shingles at the eaves. These can be purchased or cut from standard shingles. Starter shingles provide seal and water protection at shingle joints. Professional contractors often use starter strips along rake edges for a straight start and better wind resistance.

 

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for exposure, offset, and nail placement. Proper nail placement is cru important for wind resistance and warranty coverage. For closed valleys, shingles are laid across the valley, with each course extending at least 12″ into the valley. Trim shingles on the adjoining side to 2″ back from the valley centerline.

Step 9: Installing Ridge and Hip Caps

Once the field shingles are in place, you’re ready to install the hip and ridge caps. These caps cover the roof’s peak and hips to ensure water sheds correctly. For ridges, start at the end opposite the prevailing wind direction to enhance wind resistance. For hips, begin at the bottom and work up. Use longer nails for ridge caps to ensure they penetrate through the caps and the underlying shingles. Seal and cover the nail heads with asphalt roof cement to prevent leaks.

Our Roofing Installation Services

Your safety is our top concern. We work to eliminate leaks, improve air quality, and keep your family and employees safe and comfortable. Dek provides these roofing installation services:

 

  • Shingle Roofing
  • Slate and Tile Roofing
  • Cedar Roofing
  • Metal Roofing
  • Flat Roofing
  • Sustainable Roofing
  • Repair and Maintenance

Dekr Estimation provides roofing estimation services in United States. In the US, we serve in the following markets: Illinois, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Alabama, Washington, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Virginia, Oregon, Nebraska, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Minnesota Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Utah, Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio, Wisconsin, Vermont, Hawaii.