When you live in St. Louis, your roof works overtime. Freeze-thaw cycles, straight-line winds, summer hail, oak pollen, and the occasional tornado warning all test a roof’s durability. Replacement is not only about shingles and nails. It is a coordinated project that blends building science, local code, crew choreography, and weather judgment. Having guided homeowners through hundreds of roofs across St. Louis City and County, I can tell you the right plan will save money, reduce disruption, and produce a roof that holds up for decades. If you are considering roof replacement St Louis or weighing bids for roof replacement services, here is how to evaluate cost, timeline, and materials with eyes wide open.
What drives the cost in St. Louis
Roof replacement cost is a sum of predictable elements and a few wild cards. The predictable parts are roof size, pitch, material choice, and labor complexity. The wild cards are damaged decking, code-required upgrades, and storm-related increases in demand. In this market, for a typical single-family home with an asphalt shingle roof of 1,600 to 2,200 square feet of roofing surface, you should expect a full replacement to land in the range of roughly 9,000 to 18,000 dollars. Steeper pitches, complex rooflines with multiple valleys and dormers, and upgraded materials push that higher. Very simple ranches with modest pitches may come in lower.
Square footage is measured in “squares,” where one square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. That number rarely matches your home’s interior square footage. A 1,800-square-foot home might have 24 to 30 squares on the roof, depending on overhangs and slope. Labor scales with squares, and so does disposal. Tear-off, which is common practice in St. Louis rather than layering new shingles over old ones, involves removing shingles, underlayment, and flashings, then hauling debris to a transfer station. Disposal fees vary by weight and county, so a heavier material like concrete tile sharply increases dump costs compared to asphalt.
Pitch and safety make a bigger difference than many homeowners realize. A 4/12 pitch is walkable and efficient for crews. Move up to 8/12 or higher, and you introduce harness lines, roof jacks, and slower movement, all of which add labor hours. Tall two-story homes also require additional fall protection and staging. Every hour spent protecting workers on a steep roof is an hour not spent nailing shingles, and while safety is non-negotiable, it is a cost factor.
Details like skylights, chimneys, sidewall transitions, and gutter interfaces deserve attention. Each of those breaks in the roof plane requires custom flashing and sealant, usually fabricated on site from aluminum or steel. In older St. Louis neighborhoods like Glendale or Northampton, where masonry chimneys are common, correct step flashing and counterflashing make or break the job. Improper flashing is the number one source of post-replacement leaks, and correcting it after the shingles are down can be expensive. When comparing bids for roof replacement St Louis MO, confirm that new flashing is included, not just “reuse existing.”
Material choices also drive cost. Architectural asphalt shingles remain the standard in our region because they balance aesthetics with budget and carry strong wind ratings, often 110 to 130 mph when installed with manufacturer-specified nailing patterns. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles cost more initially, but many St. Louis insurers offer premium discounts for impact-rated roofs. On a 20 to 30 square roof, that premium difference might add 1,500 to 3,500 dollars. If your home sits under large sycamores and you have a hail rider on your policy, the math can favor the upgrade.
The hidden cost is decking. St. Louis housing stock includes many mid-century homes with 1x6 or 1x8 plank decking, sometimes gapped or softened by decades of moisture. During tear-off, crews replace sections that are rotted or that no longer hold fasteners. Plan for at least a few sheets of OSB or plywood on most older homes. The line item may be written as “per sheet” on your contract, often with a cap or pre-approval threshold so there are no surprises.
A realistic timeline, and why weather is the boss
On paper, a typical residential roof replacement takes one to two days of field work. In practice, you should budget two to eight weeks from initial inspection to final cleanup, and the long pole in the tent is lead time and weather. The project breaks into milestones: inspection and estimate, material selection, contract and scheduling, permitting where required, installation, and closeout.
Start with inspection. A thorough inspection includes attic assessment when accessible, not just a quick walk on the shingles. Heat and moisture patterns inside the attic tell you whether the existing ventilation is adequate. I have seen roofs that looked fine from above, yet attic decking showed chronic condensation staining, often due to bathroom fan exhausts venting into the attic instead of outdoors. Fixing that now prevents mold and prolongs shingle life. A reputable St. Louis roof replacement contractor will take photos and explain the reasoning for each line item. If you are working with Conner Roofing, LLC, you can expect that conversation to cover ventilation, underlayment, ice and water protection in valleys and along eaves, and any code updates in your municipality.
Scheduling hinges on warehouse stock and the regional forecast. Peak season runs March through November, with a lull in the coldest weeks when temperatures and adhesives do not cooperate. Crews can install in winter, but asphalt shingle self-seal strips need warmth and sun to bond. If a winter install is unavoidable, your contractor should hand-seal ridge and hip areas and plan a spring check to confirm full adhesion.
The field work itself is a choreography of tear-off, decking repairs, underlayment, flashing, shingling, and final trim. Tear-off on day one is noisy, dusty, and fast. Good crews protect landscaping with tarps and set magnetic sweepers around the property multiple times during and after the job. Stage dumpsters off the driveway when possible, and move cars to the street the night before. If a surprise rain cell pops up at noon, the crew should already have the roof staged with synthetic underlayment and ice and water shield in key areas, because St. Louis pop-up storms are part of life here. The ability to weather-in the roof quickly is the mark of a disciplined team.
Special orders and accents can add time. Designer shingles, metal accent panels over a porch, or custom color drip edge need lead time. Insurance claims also elongate timelines, not because work takes longer, but because adjuster appointments and supplement reviews introduce pauses. After installation, final inspection, debris removal, invoice, and warranty registration with the shingle manufacturer complete the job. I advise homeowners to keep a shared folder for all documents, photos, and receipts. If you ever sell, that organized record helps buyers and their home inspectors.
Materials that stand up to St. Louis weather
Selecting materials is where craft meets climate. Roof replacement in our region centers on components that manage water, air, and temperature swings. Each layer serves a purpose, and cutting corners in unseen layers often shows up years later as premature aging.
Asphalt shingles dominate, and for good reason. Architectural laminates, sometimes called dimensional shingles, deliver a thicker profile that resists wind uplift better than traditional 3-tab shingles. Look for shingles with SBS-modified asphalt in the formula, which improves flexibility in cold snaps and resilience to hail. Class 4 impact-rated options cost more but can reduce the severity of hail damage and associated insurance claims. In hail seasons like 2020 and 2022, homeowners with impact-rated shingles saw fewer bruises and less granule loss compared to standard roofs in the same neighborhoods.
Underlayment matters more than many realize. Synthetic underlayments have largely replaced felt in St. Louis roof replacement because they resist tearing, lie flatter, and remain watertight longer if exposed during an unexpected rain. Ice and water shield, a peel-and-stick membrane, should appear in valleys, around penetrations, and along eaves. While St. Louis is not Minneapolis, ice damming does occur on north-facing eaves after deep cold snaps. Installing a 3-foot strip beyond the interior wall line helps prevent water backing under shingles.
Flashing and metals should be specified by both location and material. Aluminum step flashing paired with properly cut counterflashing in masonry is the standard for chimneys and sidewalls. Pre-painted steel drip edge locks shingle edges and adds wind resistance. Valley metal or an open valley with exposed metal can add durability in heavy water flow areas, though closed-cut valleys with extra ice and water shield also perform well when installed correctly. If your home has older, rusted roof-to-wall flashings, do not accept language like “reuse existing.” In practice, roofing over bad flashing is a recipe for a callback.
Ventilation is the quiet workhorse of a durable roof. Our summers are humid, and attics without balanced intake and exhaust trap heat and moisture that cook shingles from below and set the stage for mold. Aim for a system that pairs continuous soffit intake with ridge vents on the peaks. Static can vents are common on older homes, but mixing multiple exhaust types can short-circuit airflow. If bath fans currently exhaust into the attic, reroute them to dedicated roof jacks or a gable wall. During a replacement, adding a handful of new roof penetrations for proper exhaust is minor compared to the benefit.
Fasteners and accessories round out the system. Stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails in the right length for your decking should be non-negotiable. Plastic cap nails for underlayment and gaskets on vent boots prevent small leaks. I have seen cheap boots dry-crack in four years, whereas upgraded silicone boots ride out a decade of UV far better. These are small dollars with outsized impact.
A note on architectural style and curb appeal
If you drive through St. Louis neighborhoods like Webster Groves, Kirkwood, and The Hill, you notice varied rooflines and palettes. A new roof is a large visual element. Choose color and texture with your home’s brick, siding, and trim in mind. Warm brick pairs well with weathered wood or driftwood tones. Cool-toned siding looks sharp with charcoal or pewter. High-contrast black can be striking, but be mindful of heat absorption and the way black highlights pollen and dust during spring. For mid-century ranches with lower slopes, a clean architectural profile that avoids overly busy patterns suits the lines of the house. If you plan to sell in the next few years, staying close to neighborhood norms helps marketability.
Metal accents over bays or porches are popular in recent St. Louis rehabs. They break up the expanse of asphalt and add a craftsman touch. If you go this route, verify the gauge, finish, and panel profile with your roofer. Kynar-finished steel holds color and resists chalking better than cheaper painted options.
Insurance, code, and real-world trade-offs
Many roof replacements in our area involve insurance after hail or wind. The insurer determines coverage based on adjuster findings and your policy language. You pay your deductible and any upgrades beyond what the policy covers, such as stepping up to a Class 4 shingle or adding a metal accent. Work with a contractor who documents pre-existing conditions and code requirements thoroughly. St. Louis municipalities vary in enforcement, but ice and water shield along eaves, proper ventilation, and drip edge are common code items. If your old roof lacked them, an insurance claim will often include code upgrades with documentation.
There are trade-offs worth discussing. Layering new shingles over old, while technically allowed in some circumstances, is almost never wise here. It hides decking problems, adds weight, and compromises nail holding strength. The small savings up front often evaporate when leaks find the old nail holes. Another trade-off involves roof-overs with synthetic slate or cedar-look products. They are gorgeous, but they add complexity and require a crew with explicit training in that product. If you love that look, ask to see a project in person and talk to the homeowner about performance after a storm season.
Timelines are a trade-off too. If a major hailstorm sweeps from Wildwood to Florissant, every reputable roofer’s schedule fills. Some homeowners jump at the fastest appointment and later regret the workmanship. I would rather wait two extra weeks for a proven crew than fix flashing or ventilation mistakes made by the lowest or fastest bid.
How to compare bids without confusion
Lining up roof replacement bids can feel like comparing apples and oranges. A clean, detailed scope makes the difference. You want to see exact shingle type, underlayment brand, ice and water shield coverage, flashing plan, ventilation approach, deck repair allowance, and disposal. Watch for the catch-all phrase “as needed” without numbers attached. “Replace decking as needed” is fine if it includes a per-sheet rate and a call threshold when totals exceed a set number.
Ask how crews handle rain intrusions mid-job. A good answer includes staging the roof in sections, never exposing more than can be dried-in that day, and tarping protocols. Ask about nails per shingle, which determines wind rating. Four nails per shingle is minimum, six nails per shingle often raises the wind warranty. For warranty, confirm both the manufacturer’s limited lifetime term and the workmanship warranty from the contractor. A roof is only as good as the hands that install it, and workmanship coverage is your safety net.
I also like to ask who supervises. On larger homes, a dedicated foreman keeps progress aligned with the plan and handles mid-stream decisions such as additional decking replacement or a chimney flashing change. Communication on day one sets the tone. Your contractor should walk you through the plan that morning and update you by late afternoon, especially if anything unexpected arises.
What a roof replacement day feels like
Homeowners often ask what to expect on the day, so here is the honest picture. The crew arrives early, usually between 7 and 8 a.m., with a trailer or dumpster staged the night before or that morning. The tear-off begins on the leeward side to control debris. Vibrations carry through the structure, so take down fragile wall-hung items. Pets and kids are safest inside away from doors and windows during active tear-off. If you work from home, plan for noise.
By mid-morning, the first sections will be bare deck. The foreman will call for decking replacements as needed, and carpentry follows closely behind tear-off. Underlayment goes down quickly, followed by ice and water in valleys and along eaves. Shingle installation picks up speed after lunch, with starter strips at the eaves, then field shingles moving up-slope, then hips and ridges last. Vents, boots, flashings, and drip edge get installed as they align with the shingle courses. Toward evening, the magnetic sweep begins, then again the next morning. The best crews are obsessive about nails in the yard and driveway. It is not uncommon to find a stray weeks later, especially near downspouts where rain washes debris. Many companies, including St. Louis roof replacement specialists, schedule a next-day sweep to catch anything missed.
Maintenance that protects your investment
A new roof is not a set-it-and-forget-it asset. Light maintenance keeps warranties valid and extends life. Clean gutters in spring and fall. Heavy oak tassels and maple helicopters can clog gutters and cause water to back up onto the roof edge. If your home sits under pines, periodic soft washing with a moss and algae treatment keeps shingles from hosting growth that capillary-drags water. Resist power washing shingles. It strips granules and shortens life. Instead, use gentle application of approved cleaners followed by rinsing.
Check the attic after the first hard rain and again after the first freeze-thaw cycle of winter. Look for any staining, damp insulation, or musty smells. Most issues appear early if they appear at all. If you installed new ridge vents, verify the soffit vents are clear and unblocked by insulation baffles. Balanced airflow depends on both ends of the system working.
For storm events, a quick ground-level scan after hail or wind is enough. Look for missing shingles, lifted ridge caps, or downed limbs. If you suspect hail damage, photograph a few representative areas, then call your roofer before calling insurance. A trusted contractor will tell you if the roof shows functional damage that merits a claim.
Working with a local contractor who knows the neighborhoods
Local experience matters. St. Louis municipalities have different inspection habits and permit requirements. Some cities require mid-roof inspections or ice and water coverage to a specific line. Historic districts may have aesthetic guidelines. A contractor who works throughout the metro area understands those nuances and keeps your project compliant. Familiarity with the area’s housing stock helps too. A crew that https://connerroofing.com/#:~:text=St%20Louis%20roofing%20contractor has replaced dozens of plank-deck roofs on brick bungalows in Tower Grove will anticipate board spacing and nail selection better than someone new to the market.
Conner Roofing, LLC has built its reputation on straightforward scopes, attentive supervision, and a materials palette that fits our climate. For homeowners evaluating roof replacement St Louis MO, having a team rooted here reduces friction at every step.
Budgeting smartly without cutting corners
If you need to stretch dollars without sacrificing performance, there are strategies that work in St. Louis. Choose a high-quality architectural shingle rather than a designer line, then invest the savings in ventilation upgrades and ice and water coverage. Keep metal accents simple and limited to focal areas if you want the look without the full cost. Ask your contractor to price both standard and Class 4 shingles, then check your insurance for impact-resistant discounts. Over five to ten years, the net may favor the upgrade.
Negotiate clarity, not shortcuts. Caps on decking replacement with a pre-approved threshold protect your budget while allowing the crew to keep moving. Schedule work just outside peak demand if your timeline allows. Late fall often offers good pricing and quicker schedules, as long as the weather window cooperates. Avoid the temptation to do a layover. It is a short-term savings with long-term costs.
When a roof replacement is not the answer
Sometimes, repairs make more sense. If your roof is under ten years old and a storm peeled a small section or a flashing is failing at a sidewall, a targeted repair can buy years of life. A skilled roofer will tell you when the shingles still have flexibility and granule depth, and when they are brittle and near end-of-life. I have advised homeowners in South City to replace only the back slope after a limb strike, because that slope took the damage while the front remained sound. Honesty on this decision builds trust, and in a few years, that homeowner often returns for a full replacement with confidence.
The confidence that comes with a well-run project
A good roof replacement feels predictable even if surprises pop up. You understand the plan, the materials suit the climate, and the crew communicates throughout the process. If you need a St. Louis roof replacement with that level of care, keep this contact information handy.
Contact Us
Conner Roofing, LLC
Address: 7950 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119, United States
Phone: (314) 375-7475
Website: https://connerroofing.com/
Quick checks before you sign a contract
- Confirm the exact shingle brand, model, and color, plus underlayment and ice and water locations. Ensure new flashing, drip edge, and proper ventilation are included, not reused. Ask for a per-sheet decking replacement price and a threshold that triggers your approval. Verify workmanship warranty length and manufacturer warranty registration. Discuss rain protocols, daily cleanup, and who your on-site contact will be.
Roof replacement is a big investment. With the right plan and a contractor who respects both craft and communication, your home will be ready for the next St. Louis storm season and the many seasons after that.