Click the layers in the correct order to build a roof. See what each part does and why skipping any one of them causes leaks — before you sign anything with a contractor.
A roof estimate should explain more than shingles and price. This guide shows the hidden layers that help protect your home from leaks, storm damage, and shortcut work.
Request a Roof Inspection →Everything on this page reflects standards from the codes, manufacturers, and trade organizations below. Use these if you want to verify any specific claim, or if you're comparing what a contractor is proposing for your home against what's actually required.
Cutting corners on any of the items above doesn't usually show up in year one. Where it shows up is in year three, when ice-dam water gets behind missed flashing and rots the deck. Or year seven, when shingles installed with the wrong nail count and pattern start lifting in a sub-hurricane wind event. Or year ten, when a manufacturer warranty claim gets denied because the ridge ventilation didn't meet IRC §R806.
When EverShield quotes a roof, every layer above is in the price. If you're getting a lower quote from another contractor, ask which of these layers they're skipping — and have them show you in writing.