Roofs fail quietly at first. A faint stain on a ceiling, a shingle corner lifted by a west wind, grit from asphalt shingles washing into the gutter. In the St. Louis area, those small signals matter more than homeowners expect because our climate swings hard. Summer heat bakes shingles at 90 to 100 degrees on the roof surface, then winter freeze-thaw cycles pry at nail holes and seams. Hail and straight-line winds roll through in spring. Good roofing work in this region respects those forces. It starts with a thoughtful inspection, not a fast estimate, and it ends with a clean, watertight roof that will survive many seasons here.
Conner Roofing, LLC has built its name by focusing on that arc from inspection to installation and Conner roofing services in St Louis beyond. What follows is a practical walk through how a professional St. Louis roofer approaches the job, what you should expect at each step, and where the judgement calls usually lie. I will also point to details specific to Conner roofing services, because expertise shows in how a contractor handles gutter protection, ventilation, underlayment, flashing, and the mess that every roofing project inevitably creates.
A St. Louis Roof Lives a Hard Life
Before talking about process, it helps to understand the abuse a roof takes in this market. The metro sees a mix of heavy rains, hail events in the spring, summer UV that dries out asphalt binders, and temperature swings from the teens to triple digits across a year. There is also tree coverage in many neighborhoods, which means debris build-up and moss if gutters back up. These conditions expose weak flashing around chimneys, skylights, and wall transitions long before shingles hit the end of their advertised life.
Most asphalt roofs in St. Louis perform well for 18 to 25 years if installed correctly and ventilated properly. On the shorter end of that range you typically find roofs with inadequate attic ventilation, darker shingles that cook in summer sun, or improper nailing that invites wind uplift. On the longer end are properly nailed laminated architectural shingles, balanced intake and exhaust ventilation, premium underlayment, and conscientious flashing work. Conner roofing services center on getting those fundamentals right and matching materials to the home.
What a Real Roofing Inspection Looks Like
Inspections are not just a ladder glance from the driveway. A professional inspection for a St. Louis home blends three vantage points: attic, rooftop, and ground-level surroundings.
First, the attic tells the truth about moisture. A good inspector checks the underside of the roof deck for darkened sheathing, delamination, and nail tips that show consistent rust blooms, a sign of condensation. In January and February, those nail tips often frost over, then drip as days warm. That drip pattern can mimic a roof leak but the fix is ventilation, not shingles. Knowing the difference saves thousands.
On the roof, the inspector looks for scuffed granules, blistering, lifted edges, and especially sealant fatigue on flashing. Chimneys in particular deserve close attention in St. Louis because many are old brick with soft mortar. Counterflashing that was just surface caulked will fail quickly. Skylights can be fine even at 20 years old if they are curb-mounted and flashed properly, but self-flashing units can become a chronic leak point. Valleys are another quiet failure area. Woven shingle valleys can look neat yet trap water in heavy downpours. For our climate, a metal open valley or a closed-cut valley with ice and water shield beneath usually outlasts a woven approach.
Finally, surroundings matter. Overhanging oaks provide shade and keep roofs cooler, but they also shed branches and tannin-rich debris that stains and clogs gutters. A thoughtful inspector will note whether gutter protection makes sense, and whether any soffit vents are blocked by attic insulation.
Conner roofing services begin with that comprehensive sweep. The inspector photographs issues, measures the roof by hand or using satellite measurements to verify square footage, and talks through your options in plain language. Expect a conversation about repair versus replacement, because sometimes a targeted flashing repair and a new boot around a vent stack will solve the problem and stretch a roof for several more years.
Estimating Without Guesswork
A roofing estimate worth trusting shows quantities and the materials you are getting. In the St. Louis market, prices range based on shingle class, complexity, access, and whether decking replacement is likely. A typical one-layer tear-off with architectural shingles on a 2,000 to 2,500 square foot roof might land in a mid five-figure range, while premium impact-resistant shingles, multiple stories, or complex roofs with hips, valleys, and dormers will push higher. Wood decking replacement is priced per sheet because you cannot know how many sheets are soft until the old roof is off.
Conner Roofing, LLC usually specifies the brand and line of shingles, the underlayment type, ice and water shield placement, ventilation components, and the flashing approach. That detail matters when comparing bids. If one estimate is hundreds or thousands lower, look closely at whether it omits ice and water shield, swaps in felt paper for synthetic underlayment, or plans to reuse rusty step flashing. Those shortcuts might survive the first summer, but they rarely survive three or four seasons of St. Louis storms.
Tear-off, Prep, and the Mess No One Talks About
Roofing is demolition and rebuild. Tear-off generates a lot of debris, especially with older three-tab roofs that shed granules as they come up. The standard practice is to protect landscaping and siding with tarps and plywood, then stage a trailer or dumpster to catch debris. Nails are the chief nuisance. Even with care, hundreds of nails can land in grass and beds. A conscientious crew uses rolling magnets several times a day and again at the end.
On prep day, expect a noisy house. Vibrations from tear-off rattle pictures on interior walls. I always advise homeowners to take down fragile frames and remove cars from the driveway. Children and pets should stay clear. Conner roofing services typically include a dedicated project lead on site who coordinates the crew and answers your Conner roofing service questions. That role is worth asking about. Jobs without a clear point person often slip on details like replacing compromised decking or adjusting flashing approaches when a chimney turns out to be worse than expected.
Decking and Why It Matters
Under shingles, the roof deck sets the stage for everything else. In older St. Louis homes, you will find plank decking rather than modern plywood or OSB. Plank decks can perform well if boards are sound and gaps are modest. Newer code and manufacturer requirements sometimes call for installing a layer of sheathing over plank decks to create a uniform nailing surface. That step adds cost but yields a more reliable shingle seal and better wind resistance.
During tear-off, the crew should probe for soft spots at valleys, eaves, and chimney shoulders. Water runs there first. If decking has dark rings around nails or delaminates easily, replacement is the right call. Conner roofing services build decking replacement as a contingency in estimates with a per-sheet price. On the day of, the project lead will document what is replaced. Good crews communicate these surprises in real time before proceeding.
Underlayment, Ice Barriers, and Flashing: Quiet Heroes
Underlayment and flashing do the quiet work. In our climate, synthetic underlayment outperforms traditional felt because it resists tearing in wind and does not absorb moisture. Ice and water shield, a self-sealing membrane, plays a strategic role. Even though St. Louis does not suffer the persistent ice dams seen in northern states, we do get freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rain backed by wind. Installing ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, around chimneys, and at roof-to-wall intersections is cheap insurance.
Flashing is where experience shows. Step flashing should be replaced, not reused, when new shingles go on. Counterflashing at chimneys should be cut into mortar joints, not just surface caulked. Around skylights, factory flashing kits are worth the money if the skylight is being retained. On a typical job, Conner roofing services will line valleys with metal or a reinforced membrane and then tie shingles into those valleys with a closed cut. The goal is to move water without turbulence, especially in downpours that can dump an inch or more in an hour.
Ventilation: The Most Overlooked Performance Factor
Attic ventilation is the most misunderstood part of residential roofing. Too little exhaust or insufficient intake undermines shingle life and fosters condensation in winter. Many St. Louis homes rely on gable vents and a couple of box vents punched near the ridge. That patchwork often leaves stagnant corners. Balanced systems pair continuous soffit intake with continuous ridge vent exhaust. If soffit vents are painted or blocked by insulation, they do not provide intake, which means ridge vents cannot pull air effectively.
During a roof replacement, it is the right time to solve ventilation. Conner roofing services typically evaluate soffit openings, baffles, and insulation heights, then size ridge vent length to match. They might recommend removing old box vents once a ridge vent is installed, since mixing systems can short-circuit airflow. The payoffs show up in lower attic temperatures in summer and drier roof decks in winter, which translates to longer shingle life and fewer moisture issues.
Shingles and Material Choices
Asphalt shingles dominate in St. Louis, with architectural laminated shingles being the current standard. They offer better wind resistance than three-tab shingles and hide minor deck imperfections more effectively. Impact-resistant shingles, often labeled Class 4, can make sense if your neighborhood sees frequent hail. They cost more, sometimes 15 to 30 percent above standard architectural shingles, but may qualify for insurance discounts. Ask your insurer before committing.
Color is not just an aesthetic decision. Dark shingles absorb more heat. On an unshaded south-facing slope, dark roofs run hotter. That affects attic cooling loads and shingle aging. Light to mid-tone colors tend to moderate these effects. Some shingle lines include reflective granules that reduce solar gain. They do not turn a roof into a cool roof, but they help on brutal July afternoons.
Conner roofing services specify fastener patterns and nail lengths appropriate for the decking and shingle type. Properly driven nails at the right depth and location on the shingle’s nailing strip are non-negotiable. Overdriven nails cut through fiberglass mats, a hidden weakness that shows up only when wind tries to lift tabs. Installers who run guns too hot leave a roof vulnerable. A job lead who checks nail depth as the crew works prevents that problem.
Gutters, Guards, and Water Management
Roofs do not work alone. Gutters and downspouts carry away thousands of gallons during a storm. Undersized or clogged gutters send water down fascia boards and behind siding. In the St. Louis area, 5-inch K-style gutters serve many homes, but two-story homes with steep roof planes or large valleys often benefit from 6-inch gutters and larger downspouts that clear debris more readily. Gutter guards are controversial because some designs simply catch debris on top rather than keeping it out. A quality micro-mesh guard paired with adequate pitch and downspout sizing can reduce cleaning needs significantly. Conner roofing services often tie gutter recommendations into the roof project so the water system works as a unit.
Splash blocks or extenders at the base of downspouts protect foundations. On homes with known drainage issues, a roofer should coordinate with a drainage contractor to route downspouts underground and away from the foundation. It is far cheaper to address water at the roof edge than to later repair a wet basement.
Working With Insurance After Storm Damage
When hail or high winds hit, you will find door knockers and lawn sign crews within hours. Slow down. A reliable contractor will document damage that matters for an insurance claim. Hail bruises granules and fractures fiberglass mats. The marks feel soft under a fingertip and often show a dark center with a lighter ring. Wind damage reveals itself as missing shingles, creased tabs, or lifted shingle lines where seal strips broke. Conner roofing services include a storm assessment that distinguishes cosmetic from functional damage.
If a claim is warranted, the insurer sends an adjuster. A contractor who is familiar with St. Louis carriers and policies can meet the adjuster, point out damage on each slope, and discuss code-required upgrades. For example, if the existing roof lacks proper ice and water shield in valleys and the municipality requires it for new work, the insurer typically covers the upgrade. The contractor’s role is to supply a scope that matches the damage and code, not to inflate or minimize the claim. Your role is to keep copies of all communication and avoid signing contingency agreements that lock you in before you have clarity. Ask for clarity on depreciation and actual cash value versus replacement cost coverage, since those decide how funds are disbursed.
Timelines, Crew Size, and What a Typical Day Looks Like
Most single-family roofs between 20 and 40 squares take one to two working days with a seasoned crew, weather cooperating. Tear-off begins early to beat the heat. The crew sequences work to keep the roof dried-in as they go. If rain threatens, they will stop shingling and secure underlayment with cap nails, then tarp if necessary. Communication matters here. A good project lead will text or call if weather forces a delay, and they will not gamble with an open roof when a thunderstorm is building over the river.
During installation, expect sounds of compressors, shingle bundles hitting the deck, and coil guns snapping. This is where a tidy operation shows. Conner roofing services stage materials so they are not crushing shrubs and they keep ladders stable and clear. At the end of each day, they sweep and magnet for nails. Final cleanup should leave driveways and lawns nail-free and gutters clear of stray wrappers and shingle pieces.
Warranties and What They Really Mean
Roofing warranties come in two parts: the manufacturer’s shingle warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in materials, not installation mistakes, and many are prorated. Enhanced warranties are available when an authorized contractor installs a complete system and registers it with the manufacturer. The enhanced coverage can extend non-prorated periods and may include labor to replace defective shingles.
Workmanship warranties vary. Conner roofing services typically offer a workmanship term that reflects confidence in their crews and process. The value of that warranty hinges on the contractor’s stability. Local presence and a track record in St. Louis count for more than a number on paper. In practice, if a flashing detail leaks two months after install, you want a company that answers the phone and schedules a fix that week without debate.
Repair or Replace: How to Decide
Not every roof needs replacing. If your shingles lie flat, granule loss is moderate, and leaks tie back to a specific detail like a chimney or a pipe boot, a repair may be the right move. Pipe boot rubber often cracks around year ten. Replacing that boot and sealing with flashing-grade caulk can buy years. Skylight flashing can be rebuilt without replacing the entire roof in many cases.
Replacement makes sense when shingles have reached end of life, when multiple slopes show hail bruising, or when widespread wind damage has broken seal strips across the roof. If you are planning to sell within a year or two, a new roof can aid valuation and ease inspection objections, especially if the old roof shows wear that a buyer’s inspector will flag. Conner roofing services will lay out both options and, importantly, explain what you can expect over the next few seasons if you choose to wait.
Small Details That Predict a Trouble-Free Roof
A few field habits separate reliable installations from the rest:
- Nails placed in the manufacturer’s nailing strip, not above it, with heads flush, not overdriven, and a count that matches wind rating requirements. Step flashing laced properly with shingles at sidewalls, and counterflashing set into mortar joints for chimneys, rather than smeared caulk on brick. Ice and water shield at eaves and valleys, extended far enough upslope to reach past the interior wall line to guard against ice damming. Ridge caps aligned and fastened with the right length nails, and ridge vents installed with a consistent slot and baffle, not sporadic gaps. Intake vents clear and soffit baffles installed where insulation could otherwise block airflow.
Those five habits are not fancy, but they are the ones that keep call-backs low. If you watch a crew for ten minutes, you can see whether they follow them.
Working With Conner Roofing, LLC
Conner Roofing, LLC serves St. Louis homeowners with a full set of capabilities: inspections, leak diagnostics, repairs, full replacements, and related exterior services such as gutters and downspouts. They operate from a central location with easy access to I-44 and I-64, which helps when weather windows are tight and crews need to move quickly across the metro area. The company’s approach emphasizes clear scoping, on-site project leadership, manufacturer-aligned installation methods, and consistent aftercare when questions surface.
Experience shows up in how they handle edge cases. Consider a brick Tudor with a low-slope porch roof meeting a steep main roof, a common configuration in older St. Louis neighborhoods. Water loves to creep under shingles at that junction. The fix often involves a membrane underlayment on the low-slope section, a wide apron flashing, and careful integration with step flashing up the wall. It is a detail that can leak for years if treated casually. Contractors who have worked that geometry repeatedly will get it right the first time.
Or take a mid-century ranch with gable vents and minimal soffit intake. On those roofs, you can install the best shingle on the market and still lose years of life without adding intake. Conner roofing services will talk through soffit modifications, baffles, and ridge venting so the new roof breathes. That conversation is a mark of a contractor who cares about performance, not just appearance.
What Homeowners Can Do Before and After the Job
There is a short list of simple steps that make a roofing project go smoothly. Move vehicles from the driveway so the crew can position their trailer. Cover attic-stored items with plastic sheets to keep dust off. Take down delicate frames on walls under heavy roof areas. Mark sprinkler heads and landscape lighting. Show the crew where exterior outlets are. After the job, walk the property with the project lead, ask about any decking replaced, and keep a copy of the warranty registration. Two to three weeks later, after a couple of rains, walk the perimeter again. Look for shingle pieces or nails that worked loose. If you see a shingle corner lifted, call. Small adjustments made promptly prevent bigger issues.
The Value of Local Knowledge
A roof is national in brand, but local in execution. St. Louis code requirements, neighborhood tree canopies, and the way storms move in from the west all shape how to build a roof that lasts. Conner roofing services operate with that local lens. They know which vented ridge products shed snow and which clog with cottonwood fluff. They know that certain clay tile chimneys on South City blocks need special attention because the clay spalls when cut improperly. They know that some municipalities require specific underlayments in valleys, and they price accordingly so you do not face surprise change orders.
If you are comparing contractors, ask about how they handle valley construction, chimney counterflashing, ice and water shield placement, and ventilation balancing. Listen for details rather than slogans. Good answers will describe methods and reasons. They will say where they adapt for your house, not where they force your house to fit a standard plan.
Budgeting and Phasing
Roofing is a major expense, and not everyone can time it perfectly with savings. There are options. Impact-resistant shingles can be an investment if your insurer offers a meaningful premium discount, turning a higher upfront cost into a long-term net savings. If the roof is mostly sound but gutters are failing, it can be smart to replace gutters now to prevent fascia rot and plan the roof for a later season. Conversely, if the shingles are at end of life, pairing roof and gutters in one project often saves on mobilization and yields a cleaner finish.
Conner roofing services can sequence work to meet budget constraints and seasonal realities. Spring and fall are peak seasons. Summer works fine with early starts. Winter installs can be successful on milder days, but shingle sealing takes longer in cold weather, so crews may hand-seal in certain areas. That level of care reduces the risk of wind issues before warmer weather bonds the shingles fully.
Why Process Beats Promises
Most roofing materials today are strong and consistent. What separates outcomes is process. Inspection that finds the real issues. Estimating that tells you what you are paying for. Tear-off and prep that protect your home. Installation that respects the manufacturer’s requirements and local conditions. Cleanup that treats your property with respect. Aftercare that answers the phone.
Conner roofing services in St. Louis are built on that process. If you call them for an inspection, expect an honest conversation, not a hard sell. If a repair buys you time, they will say so. If a full replacement is the smart play, you will get a detailed scope and a timeline you can plan around. That is how good roofing work should feel: clear, competent, and steady from first ladder to last magnet sweep.
Contact Us
Conner Roofing, LLC
Address: 7950 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119, United States
Phone: (314) 375-7475
Website: https://connerroofing.com/