How to Read a Roofing Estimate (And Avoid Scams)
1. Contractor Licensing: Must show active Oregon CCB license numbersl Look them up on State OR website at https://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/.
2. Scope of Work: The proposal should clearly state whether existing roofing materials will be removed (tear-off) or covered with a new layer (overlay). It should also provide detailed information about the roofing system being installed, including all materials, components, and related work included in the project.
3. Material Specifications: Names specific brands, shingle types, and manufacturer warranties.
4. Ice and Water Shield: Specifies waterproof underlayment in targeted areas for added protection.
5. Ventilation Upgrades: Details intake and exhaust vents to prevent rot. 6. Flashing Replacement: Explicitly states replacing metal around chimneys and walls as well as the type of pipe jacks being used.
7. Cleanup & Disposal: Includes dumpster fees and magnetic sweeping for nails.
8. Payment Terms: States deposit amount, milestones, and final payment details.
9. Workmanship Warranty: Lists the contractor’s specific guarantee on their labor.
10. Saftey: details of what kind of permanent saftey will be left on the roof after job is complete (like permanent roof anchors).
🛡️ Red Flags to Watch For While Reviewing Your Quotes
- The “Today Only” Discount: High-pressure tactics designed to make you sign a contract immediately before you can research their CCB history or get competing offers.
- Unsolicited Door Knockers: Out-of-state crews who arrive in unmarked trucks immediately following a severe wind or hail storm.
- The “We Pay Your Deductible” Offer: It is completely illegal in most states for a roofing contractor to offer to absorb, waive, or write off your homeowners insurance deductible. Engaging in this is insurance fraud.
Check our list before you sign anything! As a local business, we are happy to look over any estimate you’ve received to make sure you are getting a fair deal. Call us or reply here to schedule a hassle-free roof assessment at https://portlandroofingco.com/ or call us today at 503-490-3994
Take a deep dive:
1. Active Contractor Licensing (Oregon CCB Number)
In Oregon, every legitimate residential roofing contractor must be licensed with the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). A reputable company will proudly display their active CCB license number directly on the header of their estimate.
What to look for:
- A clear, valid license number.
- Verify this number yourself on the official Oregon CCB license search website. Ensure the license status is active, the company name matches your estimate exactly, and they carry active workers’ compensation and liability insurance. If they are unlicensed, you assume all financial and physical liability for any accidents on your property.
2. Comprehensive Scope of Work
Your estimate must explicitly state how the contractor handles the existing roof structure. The phrase “Scope of Work” dictates exactly what labor is being performed.
What to look for:
- Tear-off vs. Overlay: The estimate must state that they will tear off all existing layers of old shingles down to the bare wood decking.
- Beware of cheap estimates that propose an “overlay” (nailing new shingles directly over old ones). While legal in some areas, overlays trap heat, void manufacturer warranties, hide underlying dry rot, and severely shorten the lifespan of your new roof.
3. Exact Material Specifications
Scam artists love vague descriptions like “install architectural shingles.” This allows them to quote you for premium products but substitute cheap, generic materials on the day of installation.
What to look for:
- Brand and Line Names: Look for specific manufacturer brands and lines (for example, CertainTeed Landmark Resawn Shake or GAF Timberline HDZ).
- Component Details: The estimate should break down all material components: the brand of underlayment, the specific starter shingles, hip and ridge caps, and leak barriers.
4. Ice and Water Shield Requirements
The Pacific Northwest sees substantial rain and occasional heavy freezing cycles. Protecting the most vulnerable areas of your roof from water backup is non-negotiable.
What to look for:
- Valleys and Eaves: The estimate must explicitly state the installation of a self-adhering, waterproof ice and water shield.
- This heavy-duty underlayment must be specified in roof valleys, around penetrations (like skylights), and along the lower eaves to prevent water damage from ice damming or wind-driven rain.
5. Ventilation Upgrades and System Details
A roof is a dynamic breathing system. Without proper ventilation, trapped heat and humidity will bake your shingles from the inside out, cause structural rot in your attic, and spike your energy bills.
What to look for:
- Intake and Exhaust: The estimate should clearly detail how the contractor will balance the ventilation system.
- Look for specifics on the installation of continuous ridge vents, box vents, or smart vents, alongside a confirmation that intake vents (soffits) are clear and functional.
6. Comprehensive Flashing Replacement
Flashing is the thin sheet metal installed to redirect water away from critical areas where the roof meets a vertical surface. Reusing old, rusted, or bent flashing is one of the most common ways cut-rate contractors save a buck.
What to look for:
- New Metal: The line items must explicitly state that old flashing will be removed and replaced with new metal.
- Ensure there are separate callouts for chimney flashing, step flashing along walls, counter-flashing, and brand-new drip edges along the entire perimeter.
7. Local Permit Costs and Handling
A roof replacement is a major structural alteration. Legitimate local jurisdictions require a building permit to ensure the work is inspected and meets strict local building codes.
What to look for:
- Contractor Responsibility: The estimate must explicitly confirm that the contractor will pull, file, and pay for all local city or county permits.
- If a contractor asks you to pull the permit as an “owner-builder,” it is a massive red flag. This usually means they are not licensed, are blacklisted by the local building department, or want to evade legal accountability for poor craftsmanship.
8. Property Cleanup, Protection, and Waste Disposal
Roof replacement is a messy, destructive process. Thousands of pounds of old asphalt, sharp metal, and thousands of nails will rain down around your home.
What to look for:
- Dumpster Fees: The quote must include all costs for heavy debris trailers or dumpster rentals, as well as final landfill disposal fees.
- Property Protection: Look for clauses detailing how they will protect your landscaping, windows, and decks (e.g., using plywood shields or tarps).
- Nail Cleanup: It should explicitly guarantee a meticulous cleanup, including the use of high-powered magnetic rollers to sweep your lawn and driveway for stray nails.
9. Transparent Payment Terms and Milestones
Predatory “storm chasers” will demand a massive chunk of money upfront—or even the entire insurance check—before dropping off a single ladder. Once they have your cash, they disappear or delay your job for months.
What to look for:
- Reasonable Deposit: A trustworthy contract outlines clear, milestone-based payment schedules. A typical structure is a small deposit down (often 33%-50% depending on local regulations and custom material orders), a mid-project payment upon material delivery, and the remaining balance due only after final inspection and your complete satisfaction.







