What makes a roofing invoice different
Roofing is priced in squares (100 sq ft of roof), and a lot of jobs are paid partly by insurance. Both shape the invoice.
- Quantities in roofing units: squares for shingles and underlayment, linear feet for drip edge and ridge vent, sheets for decking, rolls for ice and water shield.
- Tear-off and disposal listed separately from installation.
- Decking replacement as its own line, by the sheet. It's the most common surprise on a reroof, so agree the per-sheet price in the contract.
- Shingle brand and line, so the homeowner can register the manufacturer warranty.
- Permit cost and number, where your city requires one.
- Insurance claim number in the reference field, if a claim is involved.
- Workmanship warranty in years, separate from the manufacturer's.
- Your license or registration, if your state or city requires roofers to have one.
Typical roofing prices
| Item | Typical US price |
|---|---|
| Tear-off, per layer | $60–$120 per square |
| Architectural shingles, installed | $350–$600 per square |
| Synthetic underlayment | $25–$50 per square |
| Ice and water shield | $100–$175 per roll |
| Decking replacement | $75–$125 per sheet |
| Drip edge | $3–$6 per linear ft |
| Ridge vent | $7–$12 per linear ft |
| Pipe boot | $50–$100 each |
| Leak repair | $300–$900 |
| Dumpster and disposal | $450–$900 |
| Reroof permit | $150–$500, set by the city |
A complete reroof on an average house usually lands somewhere between $9,000 and $20,000 with architectural shingles, more for steep pitches, metal or tile.
Invoicing an insurance roof job
When a homeowner's insurance pays for storm damage, the insurer usually pays in two parts: the actual cash value first, then the recoverable depreciation once the work is done and they see your final invoice. That final invoice is what releases the second check, so make it match the scope the adjuster approved.
- Put the claim number and the property address at the top.
- Use line items that mirror the adjuster's estimate (same units, same order where you can).
- Bill approved supplements (extra decking, code upgrades) as separate lines with a short reason.
- Show the deductible as owed by the homeowner. Several states make it illegal for a roofer to waive or rebate the deductible, so don't offer to.
- Send the invoice to the homeowner, who usually forwards it to the insurer.
Planning the job before the claim is settled? Start with a roofing estimate.
Payment schedules that work for roofers
- Retail jobs (no insurance): a deposit when materials are ordered, balance on completion. Some states cap deposits on residential work; check yours.
- Insurance jobs: the homeowner pays the deductible and the first insurance check at the start or on delivery of materials, and the depreciation check plus any supplements at the end.
- Repairs: due on completion, often the same day.
- Commercial roofs: progress billing by section, on net 30, sometimes with retainage.
Whatever the schedule, put it in the notes of every invoice so the homeowner always knows what's next.
Last checked October 23, 2026.