Homeowners and property managers often collect three or more roofing bids—especially after a Front Range hailstorm. But not all estimates are built the same. This guide explains how to evaluate local roofing contractor estimates so you can compare apples-to-apples and choose the right partner for your home or building.
Start with the basics: Is the contractor qualified?
Before reviewing numbers, confirm the company is legitimate and prepared to perform high-quality work.
- Local presence and reputation: Look for a verifiable office address and strong reviews. AC INC. Roofing operates from 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216, and is rated 5.0 stars on Google.
- Licensing and insurance: Ask for proof of licensure and current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. AC INC. Roofing is licensed and insured across the Denver metro, Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY.
- Professional credentials: Independent certifications signal training and accountability. AC INC. Roofing holds Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first to Master level), Atlas Pro+ Platinum certification (eligible for up to 50-year warranties), GAF Certified contractor status (System Plus warranties), Directorii certification (backed by up to a $20,000 customer guarantee), and Fortified Roofing Solutions certification (solutions engineered to withstand 130 mph winds, EF-2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail). We’re also members of RSRA, CRA, NRCA, and APA.
What a complete roofing estimate should include
A professional proposal should clearly define scope, materials, installation standards, protection measures, and administrative details.
1) Roof scope and preparation
– Tear-off: Number of layers to remove, disposal/haul-off, and deck inspection protocol.
– Decking: Unit cost for replacing damaged sheathing (per sheet) if discovered after tear-off.
– Protection: Property protection plan (tarps, landscaping protection), magnet sweep, and daily cleanup.
– Access: How the crew will access the roof and protect driveways/pavement.
2) Underlayment and moisture control
– Synthetic underlayment (brand/type) and where it will be installed.
– Ice and water shield placement at eaves, valleys, penetrations, and low-slope transitions—important for Colorado freeze–thaw cycles and snow loads.
3) Flashings and penetrations
– New step and counterflashing at walls, chimneys, and skylights; pipe boots; vents; cricket/saddle details.
– Valleys: Open metal vs. closed/woven and metal gauge if applicable.
– Drip edge and starter strip: Color and coverage around the perimeter.
4) Ventilation and energy details
– Intake and exhaust ventilation calculations (net free area) and type: ridge vent, box vents, or mechanical vents.
– Attic airflow improvements to mitigate ice dams and summer heat.
5) Shingles or roofing system
– Product line, color, wind/hail rating, and fastener schedule (e.g., 6-nail pattern for high-wind zones).
– For steep-slope: asphalt or impact-resistant shingles (Class 3/4), metal, or tile.
– For low-slope: membrane type (TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen) or fluid-applied coatings.
6) Accessories and related trades
– Gutters and downspouts: Replacement or reset, size, and color.
– Siding/trim tie-ins and painting where flashings change.
– Skylights: Replace vs. reflash with manufacturer kits.
7) Administrative items
– Permits and inspections: Who pulls and pays for permits, and who is present for final inspection.
– Schedule: Estimated start/finish dates, weather contingency plan, and crew supervision.
– Warranty details: Written workmanship warranty term and manufacturer warranty level.
– Payment schedule: Deposits, progress payments, and final payment terms.
Materials matter: how to compare product options
Colorado’s high elevation, UV exposure, wind, and hail demand robust systems. Ask your estimator to explain the tradeoffs.
- Impact-resistant shingles: Often lower long-term cost due to improved durability and potential insurance premium credits. AC INC. Roofing installs premium asphalt and impact-resistant shingles, including Atlas shingle systems.
- Underlayment and ice barrier: Thicker ice and water shield in eaves/valleys is valuable for freeze–thaw and wind-driven snow. Confirm coverage areas in writing.
- Fasteners and accessories: Ring-shank nails, corrosion-resistant metals, and manufacturer-matched accessories extend life and preserve warranty eligibility.
- Low-slope solutions: TPO/EPDM/Modified Bitumen or fluid-applied coatings should be selected based on building use, ponding risk, and energy goals.
As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor, AC INC. Roofing can offer elevated manufacturer warranties (Atlas up to 50-year options; GAF System Plus) when system requirements are met.
Warranties: what’s actually covered
- Manufacturer warranties: Confirm non-prorated periods, wind coverage, algae resistance, and requirements for registration and component matching. Ask if the contractor handles registration.
- Workmanship warranty: This covers installation errors. Get the term and what’s included in writing.
- Transferability: If you might sell, ask whether warranties transfer and if a fee applies.
Price structure and line items
Transparent estimates make it easier to compare bids fairly.
- Lump sum vs. detailed scope: Favor proposals that list quantities (squares, linear feet), unit prices for deck/sheathing replacement, and included accessories.
- Allowances and change orders: Clarify when a change order is needed and how unit pricing will be applied.
- Code upgrades: Make sure required items like drip edge, ice and water shield, and ventilation are included—otherwise a “low” bid may grow later.
Insurance and storm damage estimates
Hail and wind are a fact of life along the Front Range. If you’re filing a claim, insist on clear documentation and code-compliant scopes.
- Professional inspections: AC INC. Roofing provides free roof inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors trained to evaluate hail, wind, and storm-related damage on steep- and low-slope systems.
- Documentation for claims: Expect photo reports, test squares, slope-by-slope assessment, and itemized damage to roofing, gutters, and soft metals.
- Scope alignment: Contractors commonly reference estimating platforms used by insurers to keep scopes aligned and to request supplements for code-required items.
- ACV vs. RCV and depreciation: Know whether funds are released in stages and what documentation your insurer needs to release recoverable depreciation.
- Deductibles: Do not ask a contractor to waive or absorb your deductible. Provide your insurer’s required paperwork and pay the deductible per your policy.
AC INC. Roofing is known for thorough documentation and insurance advocacy to help ensure storm-damage restorations are properly scoped to code.
Colorado/Front Range considerations to weigh in every bid
- Hail resilience: Consider impact-resistant shingles or metal where appropriate. Ask about Fortified-aligned solutions for roofs designed to withstand severe wind and hail events.
- Wind ratings and fastening: Look for 6-nail patterns, enhanced starter strips, and Florida/High-wind-rated components where applicable.
- Snow and ice: Include ice and water shield in eaves/valleys and improve ventilation to reduce ice dams and moisture.
- UV and altitude: Favor UV-stable materials and coatings; confirm manufacturer specs are valid at elevation.
Red flags in roofing estimates
- Vague scope: “Replace roof” with no details on underlayment, flashing, ventilation, or accessories.
- No permits: Skipping permits exposes you to fines and failed resale inspections.
- Unclear warranties: No workmanship term in writing or verbal-only promises.
- Pressure tactics: High-pressure sales, “today-only” pricing, or requests for large upfront payments.
- Out-of-area storm chasers: No local address or references, limited service after the storm moves on.
- Deductible promises: Offers to “cover your deductible” or invoice games—walk away.
An apples-to-apples comparison checklist
Use this list to line up bids side-by-side.
- Contractor credentials: HAAG, Atlas Pro+ Platinum, GAF Certified, Directorii-backed, and memberships (RSRA/CRA/NRCA/APA)
- Proof of insurance and license: Certificates provided
- Tear-off, haul-off, and deck inspection included
- Underlayment: Synthetic + ice/water shield locations spelled out
- Flashings: Step, counter, chimney, skylight kits; drip edge and starter strips
- Ventilation: Intake/exhaust calculation and product type
- Roofing system: Product line, hail/wind rating, fastener schedule
- Gutters/skylights/siding tie-ins addressed
- Permits and final inspection included
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranties in writing
- Payment schedule and change-order process
- Total price and unit pricing for decking or unforeseen items
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who supervises the crew on-site and how often?
- How will you protect my landscaping, siding, and driveways?
- What is your plan for weather delays or mid-project storms?
- Do you register manufacturer warranties and provide closeout documents?
- Can you provide recent local references and photos of similar projects?
Why many Denver-area owners choose AC INC. Roofing
AC INC. Roofing brings rigorous inspection and documentation standards, premium materials, and credentialed installation to every project.
- Master HAAG Certified inspectors and free inspections
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum and GAF Certified installer offering strong warranty options
- Directorii-certified, backed by up to $20,000 customer guarantee
- Fortified Roofing Solutions certified for severe wind and hail resilience
- Full-service: residential and commercial roofing, storm damage restoration and insurance claims support, inspections/repairs/replacements, roof rejuvenation, siding and gutters, and concrete & asphalt sealing
- Local, licensed, insured, and 5.0-star rated in the Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY
Ready for a side-by-side estimate review or a thorough inspection? Contact Us today.