Roofing & exteriors
Roofing
Roofing work ranges from sealing one leak to tearing off and replacing the whole roof system. A full replacement usually means removing the old covering, repairing damaged decking, and installing new underlayment, flashing, ventilation and roofing material. Signs you need attention include missing or curling shingles, granules collecting in gutters, stains on ceilings, and daylight or damp spots in the attic. After a storm, an inspection helps you choose between a targeted repair and a replacement.
What’s included
Roofing: scope and options
- Roof and attic inspection for leaks, ventilation and decking condition
- Tear-off of existing roofing down to the deck, or an overlay where code and the existing roof allow it
- Replacement of rotted, soft or delaminated roof decking
- Underlayment, ice and water barrier where required, and drip edge at roof edges
- Flashing at walls, valleys, skylights, vent pipes and other roof penetrations
- Ridge, soffit or other roof vents matched to the attic space
- Leak repair, shingle replacement and storm damage repair
- Daily cleanup, debris haul-off and a magnetic sweep of the yard for nails
Common options
- Asphalt shingles
- The most common covering on sloped homes. Architectural (dimensional) shingles are thicker and have a layered look compared with flat three-tab shingles.
- Metal roofing
- Standing-seam panels or metal shingles. Fastening method, panel profile and underlayment choice affect how the roof handles expansion, noise and wind.
- Clay tile, concrete tile or slate
- Heavy materials. The roof framing must be checked to confirm it can carry the load before switching from a lighter covering.
- Low-slope membrane
- Porch roofs, additions and flat sections often need a membrane such as TPO, EPDM or modified bitumen, because shingles are not made for very low slopes.
- Synthetic slate or shake
- Engineered products made to look like slate or wood shakes, chosen when that look is wanted at a lower weight.
What this service does not cover
- Testing and removal of older roofing that may contain asbestos, which is handled by qualified abatement professionals
- Removing and reinstalling solar panels, which is coordinated with the solar installer
- Electrical, HVAC or plumbing changes beyond resetting vent boots and flashing, which go to licensed trades
- Structural reframing of rafters or trusses unless it is designed and added to the written scope
- Interior ceiling and drywall repair from past leaks unless it is part of the agreed scope
Budget planning
What affects cost
Roof size and pitch
Larger and steeper roofs take more material, more safety setup and more labor time.
Existing layers
Each layer of old roofing adds tear-off labor and disposal.
Decking condition
Rotted sheathing is usually found only after tear-off and must be replaced before new roofing goes on.
Material choice
Asphalt, metal, tile and membrane systems differ widely in material and installation cost.
Roof complexity
Valleys, dormers, skylights, side walls and many penetrations each need flashing and detail work.
Access and site conditions
Tight lots, landscaping close to the house, tall walls and limited dumpster space slow the work.
Ventilation and code items
Adding vents, ice barrier or drip edge to meet current requirements adds scope.
Scheduling
What affects the schedule
- Rain, high wind and cold temperatures, which stop work or affect how shingles seal
- Material availability, especially for specialty colors, metal panels and tile
- Permit review and any required inspections
- Decking damage found during tear-off
- Insurance adjuster visits and claim review on storm damage jobs
How to prepare
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house
- Take down pictures, mirrors and fragile items on upper-floor walls, since tear-off can shake walls
- Cover or move items stored in the attic to protect them from dust and falling debris
- Mark sprinkler heads, septic lids and anything in the yard that should not be driven over
- Keep pets and children away from the work area and the edges of the house
- Gather your policy and claim paperwork if the work is storm related
Process
How Roofing Projects Work
- 1
Consult
We inspect the roof and attic, look at leaks or storm damage you have noticed, and talk through whether repair or replacement makes sense for your roof.
- 2
Plan
We confirm material, color, ventilation and flashing details, explain how any hidden decking damage will be handled, and file for the permit your jurisdiction requires.
- 3
Build
The house and yard are protected, old roofing is removed, decking is repaired, and underlayment, flashing, vents and the new covering are installed section by section.
- 4
Enjoy
We walk the finished roof with you, hand over the product information for the materials used, and explain simple upkeep such as keeping gutters and valleys clear.
Permits & local rules
Planning around permits
Permit and licensing rules are set by states, counties and cities, so they differ from one project location to the next. We confirm what applies to your address during planning.
Permits
Full roof replacement and reroofing commonly require a building permit. Replacing decking, adding skylights or switching to a heavier material can add review. Small repairs are often exempt, but the thresholds differ from place to place, and so do rules on laying new roofing over an old layer. The local building department confirms what your address requires.
How do I know if I need a roof repair or a full replacement?
It depends on how widespread the damage is. A few missing shingles or one failed flashing detail can often be repaired. Widespread curling or brittle shingles, soft decking, or repeated leaks in different spots point toward replacement. An inspection of both the roof and the attic gives you a clear answer.
Can new shingles go over my old roof?
Sometimes. Local code and the condition of the existing roof decide it. An overlay hides the decking, adds weight, and can affect how a manufacturer treats its product warranty, so a full tear-off is often the better choice. We explain the tradeoff for your roof before you decide.
How does storm damage fit with my insurance claim?
Photos and written notes from a roof inspection help you describe the damage to your insurer. Your insurance company and its adjuster decide what is covered under your policy, so it helps to contact them early and keep copies of everything.
Do I need to leave the house during a roof replacement?
Most people stay home. Expect noise, vibration and workers around the outside of the house during working hours. People who work from home or have noise-sensitive pets sometimes plan to be elsewhere during tear-off.
What happens if it rains in the middle of the job?
Workers open only as much roof as they can dry in before stopping for the day. If weather moves in, exposed areas are covered with underlayment or tarps until work resumes.
Which roofing material is right for my home?
It depends on roof pitch, what the framing can carry, your climate, local and HOA rules, and how long you plan to stay. Asphalt shingles suit most sloped roofs. Metal is often chosen for low maintenance. Tile and slate need framing that can support their weight. Low-slope sections need a membrane.
Often paired with
Related services
- Repairs & MaintenancePlanned repair visits for the small and mid-size problems that build up in a home or building, from sticking doors to rotted trim and loose railings.
- New Home ConstructionBuilding a new single-family home on your land, from lot evaluation and foundation through framing, building systems, finishes and final inspection.
Ready to Plan Your Roofing Project?
Tell us what you have in mind and where the project is. We’ll follow up to talk through scope, schedule and next steps.
