Roofers New Orleans: What a Complete Bid Includes

Scope and materials, spelled out

A complete bid names the exact product line and wind/impact rating - for example, an ASTM D3161 or D7158 Class H rated shingle appropriate for Louisiana's high-wind zones, not just 'architectural shingles.'

It should specify underlayment type (synthetic vs. felt), ice-and-water or self-adhering membrane at eaves and valleys, drip edge, and starter strip - details that matter more here than in low-wind regions.

For metal or historic slate/tile roofs common on Uptown and Garden District homes, the bid should name gauge, finish, and fastener type, since these carry very different price points.

Wind uplift and fastening schedules in writing

Because Louisiana's Uniform Construction Code enforces high-wind roof assembly rules, your bid should state the nailing pattern (typically 6 nails per shingle in high-wind zones) and nail type - ring-shank is standard for deck attachment upgrades.

If you're pursuing an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof designation for insurance credit, the bid needs to call out sealed roof decking (taped seams or elastomeric coating), enhanced hip-and-ridge fastening, and compliant starter strips - not just 'meets code.'

Ask the roofer to reference the applicable wind speed design for your address; parts of Orleans Parish near the lake and river carry different exposure categories than inland Mid-City blocks.

Decking allowances and old-house realities

Houses built before the 1970s in neighborhoods like Gentilly, Lakeview, and Algiers Point often have skip-sheathing or decades-old plank decking that won't meet current attachment standards without replacement.

A trustworthy bid includes a per-sheet decking replacement allowance and states how that cost is verified (photos before covering it up) rather than a flat 'decking extra' with no rate attached.

If a bid assumes zero decking replacement on a roof over 30-40 years old, ask why - it's usually a sign the number was built to win the job, not to match the house.

Insurance-claim bids need extra documentation

For wind or hail claims, the bid (or a companion estimate) should match the carrier's Xactimate line items closely enough that your adjuster and the roofer aren't working from different documents.

Ask whether the roofer will meet the adjuster on-site, document pre-existing damage versus storm damage with photos, and itemize code-upgrade costs (like FORTIFIED-level decking) separately, since carriers often require proof these are code-mandated, not optional upsells.

Be wary of any roofer who asks you to sign an assignment of benefits (AOB) without explaining it in plain language, or who guarantees a specific insurance payout before the adjuster has even inspected the roof.

Permits, cleanup, and warranty terms

The bid should state who pulls the City of New Orleans building permit and include that cost - it should not be a mysterious add-on discovered after signing.

Cleanup and magnetic nail-sweep of the yard should be explicit line items, and disposal/dumpster costs should be included, not billed separately after the fact.

Workmanship warranty length (commonly 5-10 years from local roofers) and manufacturer material warranty should both be documented in writing, along with what voids each one.

Typical cost ranges

Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.

Common questions

More on this market

Local cost ranges, seasons, permits and licensing for this city live on the market page.

Sources

• Louisiana Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions (Chapter 7)
• IBHS FORTIFIED Home Standard 2020
• City of New Orleans Guide to Building Permits
• LSLBC Contractor Search

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