Build Your Roof
Step 1 of 10
Plywood
Drip Edge
Ice & Water
Pipe Boots
Underlayment
Starter
Shingles
Hip & Ridge
Ridge Vent
Choose Your Preferred Brand
Select your roofing brand to see accurate materials and pricing. DirectCrew recommends Owens Corning or GAF for best quality, availability, and warranty coverage in our region.
1
Brand Selection
Choose your preferred roofing manufacturer or compare all brands.
⭐ DIRECTCREW'S RECOMMENDATION
We recommend Owens Corning or GAF for superior quality, warranty support, and local availability.
⭐ RECOMMENDED
Owens Corning
- ✓ Duration & Duration Designer shingles
- ✓ SureNail® Technology
- ✓ Excellent local availability
- ✓ Industry-leading warranty
⭐ RECOMMENDED
GAF
- ✓ Timberline & Timberline HDZ shingles
- ✓ #1 Selling shingle in North America
- ✓ Excellent warranty coverage
- ✓ Wide product selection
CertainTeed
- ✓ Landmark & Landmark Pro shingles
- ✓ StreakFighter® algae resistance
- ✓ Quality alternative option
- ✓ Saint-Gobain backed reliability
IKO
- ✓ Cambridge & Dynasty shingles
- ✓ ArmourZone® reinforcement
- ✓ Budget-friendly option
- ✓ Canadian quality manufacturing
Atlas Roofing
- ✓ Pristine & Pinnacle shingles
- ✓ Scotchgard™ Protector
- ✓ Value option
- ✓ Strong warranty coverage
How Big is Your Roof?
Roof size is measured in "squares" — each square equals 100 square feet of roof area. A typical single-story home has 15-25 squares; two-story homes often have 25-40 squares. Don't know your roof size? Enter your address and we'll estimate it, or check a recent home inspection report.
0
Your Roof Size
Enter your roof size or property address to get started.
squares
Small home (1,500 sq ft): ~15-20 squares
Medium home (2,500 sq ft): ~25-35 squares
Large home (3,500+ sq ft): ~40+ squares
What is Roof Decking?
Roof decking (sheathing) is the wooden foundation your entire roofing system attaches to. It spans across your rafters and creates a solid, flat surface. Damaged or rotted decking must be replaced before new shingles are installed—this is the most common "hidden cost" in roofing projects.
6
Sheets Included
32 sq ft
Per 4x8 Sheet
50+ yrs
Typical Lifespan
2
Roof Decking (Plywood)
6 sheets included standard (covers 85% of homes). Most homes have ½" plywood — select this if unsure.
💡 Homeowner Guidance
- Most homes have ½" (15/32") plywood — select this if you're unsure
- Labor costs additional: Approximately $20 per sheet for installation
- Replacing all plywood? Calculate total sheets needed: Roof area ÷ 32 sq ft
- Common hidden cost: Expect 5-15% of decking to need replacement on older roofs
Default: 6 sheets (covers 85% of homes)
Note: Homeowner responsible for return of plywood. Average pickup truck can hold approx. 20 sheets.
Plywood Cost:
$240
What is Drip Edge?
Drip edge is metal flashing installed along your roof's edges (eaves and rakes). It directs water away from the fascia boards and into the gutters, preventing rot and water damage. Required by building code in most areas. Comes in 10-foot sections.
10 ft
Per Piece
.019"
Aluminum Gauge
Code
Required
3
Drip Edge
Metal flashing for roof edges. C-style is basic, F-style has extended profile for better protection.
What is Ice & Water Shield?
Ice & water shield is a self-adhering waterproof membrane installed in vulnerable areas: along eaves (where ice dams form), in valleys, and around penetrations. Unlike underlayment, it seals around nail holes to prevent leaks. Critical protection in cold climates.
2 sq
Per Roll (200 sq ft)
36"
Roll Width
Self-Seal
Around Nails
4
Ice & Water Shield
Self-adhering membrane for eaves, valleys, and penetrations. Your leak prevention insurance.
What are Pipe Boots/Collars?
Pipe boots (flashings) seal the gaps around plumbing vent pipes that penetrate your roof. They're one of the most common sources of roof leaks when they fail. Standard rubber boots degrade from UV exposure over 10-15 years; lifetime options exist.
3-5
Per Typical Home
1¼"-4"
Pipe Size Range
#1
Leak Source
5
Pipe Boots / Flashings
Seals around plumbing vents. Estimate 3-5 per average home.
What is Underlayment?
Underlayment is the water-resistant layer installed over your entire roof deck, beneath the shingles. It's your secondary weather barrier—if shingles are damaged or blown off, underlayment keeps water out. Modern synthetic underlayment has largely replaced old felt paper.
10 sq
Per Roll (1,000 sq ft)
48"
Roll Width
100%
Roof Coverage
6
Underlayment
Your roof's secondary weather barrier. Covers the entire roof deck under shingles.
What is Starter Strip?
Starter strip shingles are the first row installed along your roof's eaves and rakes. They provide the adhesive seal that bonds to your first course of shingles and protects against wind uplift. Without them, the bottom edge of your shingles is vulnerable to blow-off.
105 LF
Per Bundle
Sealant
Pre-Applied
Wind
Protection
7
Starter Strip Shingles
First course along eaves and rakes. Provides adhesive seal for your shingles.
3-Tab vs. Architectural Shingles
Why We Don't Offer 3-Tab: While 3-tab shingles are cheaper upfront, they're significantly inferior to architectural shingles. Here's why:
Bottom Line: Architectural shingles cost only 15-20% more but last 2-3x longer and perform significantly better. The small upfront difference is recovered through longevity and fewer repairs.
❌ 3-Tab Shingles (Not Offered)
• Flat, thin design (single layer)
• 60-70 MPH wind resistance
• 15-20 year realistic lifespan
• Limited color depth
• More prone to algae/moss
• Lower home resale value
• Flat, thin design (single layer)
• 60-70 MPH wind resistance
• 15-20 year realistic lifespan
• Limited color depth
• More prone to algae/moss
• Lower home resale value
✅ Architectural Shingles (All Options)
• Multi-layer, dimensional design
• 110-130+ MPH wind resistance
• 25-50 year realistic lifespan
• Rich, varied color patterns
• Superior algae resistance
• Better curb appeal & home value
• Multi-layer, dimensional design
• 110-130+ MPH wind resistance
• 25-50 year realistic lifespan
• Rich, varied color patterns
• Superior algae resistance
• Better curb appeal & home value
Bottom Line: Architectural shingles cost only 15-20% more but last 2-3x longer and perform significantly better. The small upfront difference is recovered through longevity and fewer repairs.
3 bdl
Per Square
110-130 mph
Wind Rating
Lifetime
Warranty
8
Shingles
Select your roofing shingle. All options are architectural (dimensional) shingles. Color selection available after choosing product.
What is Hip & Ridge Cap?
Hip and ridge cap shingles are the finishing pieces installed along the peak of your roof (ridge) and angled edges (hips). They provide weather protection at these vulnerable joints and give your roof a finished, polished appearance. Factory-made caps look better than hand-cut field shingles.
33 LF
Per Bundle
Color
Matched
Pre-Cut
Factory Made
9
Hip & Ridge Cap Shingles
Finishing shingles for roof peaks and hip lines. Color-matched to your shingles.
What is Ridge Vent?
Ridge vent allows hot, moist air to escape from your attic at the roof's peak. Proper ventilation is critical—it extends shingle life, prevents ice dams, and reduces cooling costs. Works with soffit vents to create natural airflow. Hidden under ridge cap shingles.
20 LF
Per Roll
18 NFA
Sq In/LF Airflow
Hidden
Under Caps
10
Ridge Vent
Ventilation system for your attic. Installed along the ridge, hidden under cap shingles.
Your Roof Estimate
Selected Brand System • 30 Squares
This is an estimate only. Final material quantities for drip edge, starter strip, hip & ridge caps, and ridge vent depend on your roof's actual measurements (perimeter, ridge length, valleys, etc.). Exact quantities will be confirmed during your free on-site inspection.
Estimated Roof Cost
$0
$0/square • Based on 30 squares
Includes materials and labor • Final price may vary ±10-15%
Includes materials and labor • Final price may vary ±10-15%