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Replacing Your Roof: Everything You Need to Know Before, During, and After
Replacing your roof is one of the most important—and expensive—home improvement projects you’ll ever undertake. Whether your shingles are curling, you’re dealing with persistent leaks, or your roof has simply aged out, replacing your roof is essential to protecting your home’s structure, energy efficiency, and overall value.
But with so many options and factors to consider, the process can feel overwhelming. What materials should you use? How much will it cost? Do you need to tear off the old roof? How do you choose the right contractor? And what’s the timeline?
In this complete guide to replacing your roof, we’ll break down everything homeowners in Northeast Ohio need to know—step by step.
Why Replacing Your Roof Matters
Your roof is more than just shingles—it’s your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, ice, and UV rays. Over time, even the best materials degrade.
Signs you may need a roof replacement include:
- Shingles that are curling, cracked, or missing
- Granules in gutters
- Frequent roof leaks
- Water stains on ceilings or attic
- Daylight visible through roof boards
- Sagging roofline
- A roof older than 20 years
In the harsh Northeast Ohio climate—where snow, freezing rain, and high winds are common—these signs are a signal that it’s time to act. Delaying a replacement can lead to costly damage, mold growth, energy loss, and structural issues.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
Most asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 to 30 years, depending on:
- Material quality
- Installation technique
- Ventilation
- Weather exposure
- Maintenance
If your roof is over 20 years old and showing signs of deterioration, you’re likely due for a replacement.
Roof Replacement vs. Repair
Sometimes, minor leaks or damage can be fixed with a simple repair. But repairs only go so far. If more than 25% of your roof is damaged, it’s more cost-effective to replace the entire thing.
Roof Repair May Be Enough If:
- The damage is isolated
- The roof is less than 10–12 years old
- There’s no underlying structural damage
Roof Replacement Is Necessary If:
- The roof is aging out
- Leaks are persistent or widespread
- There are signs of wood rot or sagging
- You want to upgrade for efficiency or resale
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we offer free roof inspections to help you decide if a full replacement is needed.
What Does Replacing a Roof Involve?
Replacing a roof isn’t just slapping on new shingles—it’s a carefully coordinated process that ensures the long-term health of your home.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Step 1: Initial Roof Inspection
We assess the condition of your current roofing system. We look at shingles, flashing, valleys, attic ventilation, and decking.
Step 2: Roof Estimate and Material Selection
You’ll get a detailed quote outlining labor, materials, warranty info, and options like:
- Owens Corning Duration shingles
- Synthetic underlayment
- Ice and water shield
- Ridge vent systems
We help you select a shingle color that complements your home’s exterior and offers the durability you need.
Step 3: Tear-Off and Deck Prep
We remove all old roofing materials down to the wood decking. This lets us inspect for rot or soft spots. If any wood is damaged, we replace it.
Step 4: Installation of Roofing System
This includes:
- Ice and water shield at eaves and valleys
- Synthetic underlayment
- New flashing around chimneys and vents
- Starter strip shingles
- Asphalt shingles (nailed to manufacturer spec)
- Ridge cap shingles
- Attic ventilation upgrade (if needed)
Step 5: Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
We magnetically sweep for nails, dispose of all old materials, and walk through everything with you.
Roofing Materials: What Are Your Options?
While asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable roofing material, you have choices.
1. Asphalt Shingles
- Lifespan: 20–30 years
- Cost-effective
- Available in many colors
- Great for Ohio weather
We install Owens Corning shingles—known for their durability, wind resistance, and algae protection.
2. Metal Roofing
- Lifespan: 40–70 years
- Energy efficient
- More expensive up front
- Excellent for snow shedding
3. Architectural Shingles
- Thicker than 3-tab
- More dimensional look
- Improved wind rating
4. Designer Shingles
- Mimic the look of slate or wood shake
- Premium price, premium appearance
Our team can help you weigh the cost vs. performance of each material.
How Much Does Replacing a Roof Cost?
The cost of replacing your roof depends on several key factors:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Roof size (square footage) | Larger roofs = higher cost |
| Roof pitch | Steep roofs require more labor |
| Material type | Asphalt < Architectural < Metal |
| Layers to tear off | More layers = more disposal |
| Roof complexity | Valleys, dormers add difficulty |
| Location | Regional labor and permit rates |
Average Roof Replacement Cost in Northeast Ohio:
- $7,500 – $12,000 for most asphalt roofs
- $12,000 – $18,000+ for high-end shingles or metal
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we offer financing options to help homeowners manage the cost. We also work with your insurance when roof damage is storm-related.
How Long Does Roof Replacement Take?
Most roof replacements take 1 to 2 days, depending on:
- Roof size and complexity
- Weather conditions
- Material availability
We always schedule jobs with minimal disruption to your routine. Our crews are efficient, clean, and courteous.
Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof in Ohio?
Yes, most Ohio cities—including Youngstown, Mentor, Jefferson, and Chardon—require a permit for roof replacement. As a licensed and insured contractor, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC handles all permitting and code compliance.
What About Warranties?
There are two main types of warranties:
1. Manufacturer Warranty
Covers defects in roofing materials. Owens Corning offers up to a Limited Lifetime Warranty when installed by a Preferred Contractor like us.
2. Workmanship Warranty
Covers the labor and installation. At S&K Construction, we stand by our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing a Roof
Homeowners often get burned by poor roofing jobs. Watch out for these red flags:
- Choosing the lowest bid without checking reviews
- Failing to get a written estimate
- Not checking for proper licensing and insurance
- Allowing second layers of shingles (against code in many cases)
- Skipping ventilation or ice shield
At S&K Construction and Remodeling, we take the time to educate our clients, follow best practices, and install full systems that last.
Why Homeowners in Northeast Ohio Trust S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC
We’re more than just a roofing company—we’re your local partner in home protection.
Why Choose Us:
✅ Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
✅ Licensed and insured in Ohio
✅ Decades of experience in Northeast Ohio
✅ 5-star Google reviews from real customers
✅ Free inspections & honest estimates
✅ Flexible financing available
✅ Responsive, courteous customer service
We serve:
- Jefferson
- Mentor
- Madison
- Chardon
- Youngstown
- Painesville
- Willoughby
- Geneva
- Ashtabula
- Concord
- Lake, Geauga, Trumbull & Ashtabula counties
What to Expect After Replacing Your Roof
Once your roof is installed, you should notice:
- No more leaks
- Improved energy efficiency
- Better home curb appeal
- Higher resale value
We recommend annual inspections and cleaning your gutters regularly to keep your roof in top shape.
Customer Testimonial
“We hired S&K Construction and Remodeling for a full roof replacement after storm damage. The team was professional, cleaned up thoroughly, and helped us deal with the insurance claim. The new roof looks amazing. We highly recommend them!”
— Emily S., Chardon, OH
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Replace Your Roof?
Replacing your roof is a major investment—but also one of the best ways to protect your home, boost its value, and avoid costly water damage. Don’t wait until you see stains on your ceiling or shingles in your yard. Be proactive.
If you’re a homeowner in Northeast Ohio, get in touch with the trusted experts at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC. We make the roof replacement process easy, affordable, and stress-free.
✅ Get a FREE Roof Inspection Today!
Call (440.235.3124 or visit www.skconstruction.co to schedule your inspection or request a quote.
S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC—Protecting Northeast Ohio homes, one roof at a time.
