Invoice app and templates for roofers
Big jobs, big materials bills and surprises under the old shingles. Roofing paperwork needs to protect you before the first tile comes off.
A roofing job is large, weather-dependent and partly unknowable. You can measure the roof from the ground, but you cannot see the decking until the old layer is off. Between big material orders, crews to pay and a client who is living under your work, the paperwork carries more weight than in most trades.
What makes roofing invoices different
- Roofs are priced by the square, which is 100 square feet, so quantities and unit prices need to be on the estimate and the invoice.
- Materials are a large share of the cost and are ordered before the work starts, so a deposit is normal.
- Hidden damage, such as rotted decking, is found after tear-off and changes the price.
- The job often takes a few days, and weather can delay it, so dates and payments need to be flexible.
What goes on a roofing invoice
- The size of the roof in squares, and the price per square for each task.
- Tear-off and disposal, as its own line.
- Shingles or other roofing and underlayment, with the product and the price per square.
- Flashing, vents, ridge cap and other details, either itemised or grouped.
- Any approved extras, such as decking repair, and the deposit already received.
Example: replacing shingles on a 25-square roof
| Item | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-off and disposal (squares) | 25 | $75.00 | $1,875.00 |
| Shingles and underlayment, installed (squares) | 25 | $340.00 | $8,500.00 |
| Flashing and vents | 1 | $620.00 | $620.00 |
| Ridge cap and starter strips | 1 | $480.00 | $480.00 |
| Total | $11,475.00 | ||
| Deposit received | -$3,500.00 | ||
| Balance due | $7,975.00 |
Total $11,475.00 with a $3,500 deposit received, leaving $7,975.00 to pay. If rotted decking had turned up, three sheets at $95 each would have been added as an approved extra.
Three billing problems roofers run into
Hidden damage and the argument that follows
Say in the estimate that decking repair is extra and how it is priced. When it turns up, photograph it, get the client’s approval in writing, and add it as its own line.
Material costs paid before you are
Ordering materials without a deposit means financing the client. Ask for the deposit at acceptance, sized to cover the order.
Weather delays and partial payments
Agree a payment schedule that does not depend on a perfect forecast, such as a payment on delivery of materials and the balance at completion.
Estimates, deposits and getting paid
Roofing estimates should state the measurements, the materials and brands, what is and is not included, and how extras are handled. The free roofing estimate template is built for exactly that. Our guide on writing an estimate explains how to word it.
How Invoice Mint fits roofing
- Save your per-square prices and common details so an estimate is quick to build on site.
- Send the estimate as a link, and let the client accept it online.
- Turn the accepted estimate into an invoice and show the deposit already received.
- Track which invoices are paid so a finished roof never sits unbilled.
How much do roofers make?
In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) puts the median annual wage for roofers at $55,440 as of May 2025, about $26.65 an hour. BLS projects 5 percent job growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| The lowest-paid tenth earn less than | $37,460 |
| Median wage | $55,440 |
| The highest-paid tenth earn more than | $81,720 |
| Projected job growth, 2025 to 2035 | 5 percent |
These figures are for employees. BLS wage data does not include self-employed workers, so an owner’s income depends on the prices they charge, the work they win and the costs they carry. For a roofing business, think in jobs rather than hours. Say you want to take home $55,440 and your yearly costs (insurance, truck, equipment and safety gear) are $60,000. You need $115,440 of gross profit. If the average job earns $2,400 of gross profit, that is about 48 roofs a year.
Do roofers need a licence, and how do you learn the trade?
BLS lists no formal educational credential for roofers and moderate on-the-job training, and says most employers require roofers to complete safety certification. Contractor licensing for roofing differs by state, province and country, so check the rules before you quote.
Taxes and costs when you run a roofing business
For self-employed work in the United States, the IRS lists a self-employment tax of 15.3 percent, with 12.4 percent going to Social Security and 2.9 percent to Medicare. Estimated tax payments may be due quarterly. Costs that are specific to roofing include:
- Insurance, which is a significant cost for work at height.
- Safety gear, training and fall protection.
- Dumpsters and disposal for tear-off.
- A truck, ladders and equipment that take heavy wear.
- Weather days when the crew is paid but cannot work.
Rules in Canada, Australia, the UK and elsewhere are different, so check with your own tax office. A habit that works everywhere: move a fixed share of every payment into a separate account the day it arrives, and ask an accountant what share suits your income.
Free tools for roofers
- Free roofing estimate template A free roofing estimate template with lines for tear-off, materials and labour. Download it in PDF or Word. Open
- Free invoice template for contractors and small businesses Free invoice templates in PDF, Word and Excel. Pick a style, add your lines and prices, and send a professional invoice. Open
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Markup and margin calculator
Free markup and margin calculator. Enter your cost and a markup, margin or price to see the selling price and profit.
Open
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Service price calculator
Free service price calculator. Enter hours, your rate, costs and a profit markup to see what to charge for the job.
Open
Common questions
What is a square in roofing?
A square is 100 square feet of roof. Roofers price by the square because it makes quantities and unit prices easy to quote and compare.
How should I handle hidden damage?
State in the estimate that damaged decking is extra and how it is priced. When it appears, photograph it, get approval in writing and add it to the invoice as its own line.
How much deposit should a roofer ask for?
Enough to cover the materials order and secure the date. Check what is customary and allowed where you work, and put the amount in the estimate.
Is there a free roofing estimate template?
Yes. The roofing estimate template is free to download as a PDF, Word file or Excel sheet, and every field can be edited.
