A roof replacement protects your home's structure, insulation, and contents from water damage and weather. Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-30 years, while metal roofs last 40-70+ years.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Recognize the warning signs — Interior water stains, missing or curling shingles, excessive granules in gutters, sagging roof deck, visible daylight through the attic, moss or algae growth, and a r...
- Get a professional inspection — Hire a certified roofing inspector ($150-$400) for an objective assessment. Avoid free inspections from roofing companies who have a financial incentive to recommend...
- Choose roofing materials — Asphalt shingles (most common, $3-$5/sq ft), architectural shingles ($4-$7/sq ft), metal roofing ($7-$15/sq ft), tile ($10-$20/sq ft), or slate ($15-$30/sq ft). Consider ...
- Get 3-5 written estimates — Each estimate should itemize: tear-off/removal, new underlayment, drip edge, ice and water shield, shingles/materials, flashing, vents, ridge cap, cleanup, and warranty ...
- Verify contractor credentials — Confirm licensing, insurance (general liability + workers' comp), manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT), and local references. Check com...
- Review the warranty — Understand the difference between manufacturer warranty (covers material defects, 25-50 years) and workmanship warranty (covers installation errors, varies by contractor). Man...
- Check permit requirements — Most municipalities require a building permit for roof replacement. Your contractor should handle this. Permits ensure code-compliant installation and inspections.
- Prepare your property — Clear the driveway for material delivery, move vehicles away from the house, protect landscaping with tarps, remove satellite dishes or antennas if needed, and warn neighbor...
- Monitor the installation — Verify old shingles are completely removed (not layered over), new underlayment is installed properly, flashing around chimneys and vents is replaced, and proper ventilat...
- Final inspection and documentation — Walk around the property with the contractor, check for debris and damage. Verify all flashing, ridge vents, and edges are properly installed. Get warranty docu...
Common Mistakes
- Choosing the lowest bid
- Layering shingles over old ones
- Ignoring ventilation
- Not replacing flashing
- Filing insurance claims improperly
Pro Tips
- Time the replacement strategically
- Ask about manufacturer certifications
- Consider energy efficiency
- Check for insurance discounts
- Get lien waivers