When does a roof need full replacement vs. repair?
Replace when the roof is past 20 years old, when wear is showing across multiple slopes, when you've had two or more leaks in the last year, or when granule loss is heavy across the field. Repair makes more sense for localized damage on a roof with 5+ years of life left.
Replacement signals
- Age past 20 years (asphalt) or system at end-of-life.
- Multiple slopes showing wear — not just one failure point.
- Visible granule loss across the field, exposed mat in spots.
- Two or more leaks in the last 12 months.
- Daylight visible from the attic in multiple locations.
- Heavy curl, cup, or buckling across the roof.
Repair-first signals
- Damage localized to one slope, valley, or flashing.
- Roof is under 15–18 years old.
- Granule loss is normal across the rest of the field.
- No widespread shingle curl or systemic wear.
- Decking is sound under the failure point.
What's our replacement process?
Seven steps from inspection to warranty: free on-roof inspection, written itemized estimate, contract + permit + scheduling, dumpster delivery, full tear-off and decking inspection, install of underlayment + roof system, and final cleanup with delivered warranties. Most St. Louis residential projects complete in 1–3 days on-site.
- 1
Inspection
On-roof inspection with photos, attic check where accessible, full system review.
- 2
Estimate
Written, itemized — every line named: materials, labor, decking, dumpster, permit, warranty.
- 3
Scheduling + permit
Material lead time confirmed, permit pulled with your municipality, install date locked.
- 4
Tear-off
Existing roof removed to decking. Damaged sheathing replaced per-sheet at the rate on your estimate.
- 5
Decking + underlayment
Synthetic underlayment installed, ice-and-water shield in eaves and valleys, drip edge applied.
- 6
Install
Shingles or metal panels installed per manufacturer spec. Ridge venting, flashing, and accessories finished.
- 7
Cleanup + warranty
Magnetic-sweep for nails, dumpster removed, written workmanship + manufacturer warranties delivered.
What materials do you install for replacements?
Architectural and designer asphalt shingles (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO, Tamko), standing-seam and corrugated metal systems, synthetic slate, cedar shake, and natural slate or tile when specified. Architectural asphalt is the dominant choice — over 85% of our St. Louis residential replacements use it.
| Material | 2,000 sq ft installed cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural asphalt | $9,000–$15,000 | 20–28 yr |
| Designer / luxury asphalt | $14,000–$21,000 | 25–35 yr |
| Standing-seam metal | $18,000–$32,000 | 40–70 yr |
| Corrugated metal | $13,000–$21,000 | 30–50 yr |
| Synthetic slate / composite | $21,000–$33,000 | 40–50 yr |
| Cedar shake | $19,000–$30,000 | 25–40 yr |
How long does a replacement take?
Most St. Louis residential asphalt replacements (1,800–2,800 sq ft, single layer) complete in 1–3 days on-site once materials arrive. Single-day installs are common for straightforward roofs. Steep, complex, or two-layer tear-off projects take longer. Metal installations run 3–6 days on-site. Weather can add a day.
From the moment you sign the contract: 1–3 weeks until material lead time and permit issuance complete. Then the on-site work begins. We dispatch a full crew per project — your roof isn't a side job we squeeze between other work.
We weatherproof every evening regardless of where the work stands. Even if a multi-day project gets paused by weather, your home is closed up and water-tight before the crew leaves for the day. We don't leave roofs open overnight.
What does a roof replacement cost in St. Louis?
Architectural-asphalt replacement on a typical 2,000 sq ft St. Louis home runs $9,000–$15,000 in 2026. Steep, complex, two-story homes climb from there. Metal systems run $18,000–$32,000 for the same footprint. Our cost guide breaks every line item down — materials, labor, decking, permit, dumpster.
Cost depends on size, pitch, complexity, existing layer count, and material. A 1,800 sq ft single-story ranch with one layer of architectural asphalt is the least expensive baseline; a 2,800 sq ft two-story with steep pitches, dormers, and two existing layers can run nearly twice as much for the same shingle line.
Decking damage isn't visible until tear-off. We specify a per-sheet replacement rate ($80–$140) on every estimate so surprises stay small and visible. Permit fees ($75–$250 in the St. Louis area) and dumpster fees ($350–$600) appear as their own lines. The full breakdown is in our roofing cost guide.
By the numbers
85%+
Of replacements use architectural asphalt
Dominant choice for St. Louis homes — wind/hail-rated, fits regional housing stock.
1–3 days
Typical on-site time, single-family asphalt replacement
$9k–$15k
Architectural asphalt replacement, 2,000 sq ft St. Louis home (2026)