Roof Replacement: A Complete Homeowner’s Guide
Replacing your roof is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner — and one of the least frequent. That’s why it often comes with stress, confusion, and a lot of conflicting advice.
At International Construction Services, we believe homeowners deserve clear answers, honest assessments, and a straightforward process — not pressure or shortcuts. This guide is designed to help you understand when a full roof replacement is truly necessary, what the process actually looks like, and what you should expect every step of the way.
A roof replacement shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With the right information, it doesn’t have to be.
How to Know When It’s Time for a Full Roof Replacement
Not every roofing issue means you need a new roof — and we’ll be the first to tell you that. In fact, we’ve inspected many roofs where homeowners were told they needed a full replacement, only to find the roof was still relatively young and only required targeted repairs.
That said, there are clear situations where replacement becomes the right solution.
You should begin seriously considering a full roof replacement if:
- Your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan. Most asphalt shingle roofs last around 20–25 years depending on installation quality, ventilation, and weather exposure.
- Storm damage is widespread, not isolated. Large sections of missing shingles, compromised seals, or repeated storm-related failures are signs the system as a whole is breaking down.
- Leaks are recurring or appearing in multiple areas. This often indicates underlying system failure rather than a single repairable issue.
- The roof decking or structural components are compromised, such as rot, sagging, or moisture damage beneath the surface.
- You’re facing constant repairs. When repair costs begin stacking up year after year, replacement often becomes the more cost-effective long-term option.
A professional inspection is the only way to know for sure. A trustworthy roofer should help you understand why replacement is being recommended — not just push you toward it.
Our Roof Replacement Process: Step by Step
A full roof replacement is not just about installing new shingles — it’s about rebuilding the entire roofing system correctly, from the deck up. Here’s what homeowners can expect when working with International Construction Services.
Step 1: Free, No-Pressure Roof Inspection
Every replacement starts with a thorough inspection. We assess the shingles, flashing, ventilation, decking, and attic conditions to determine whether replacement is truly necessary or if repairs are still a viable option.
We walk you through what we’re seeing, explain the condition of your roof in plain language, and answer questions honestly — even if that means recommending against replacement.
Step 2: Clear Scope and Detailed Quote
If replacement is the right path, we provide a detailed, line-item quote outlining materials, quantities, system components, and warranty options. No vague pricing. No missing details. No surprises after work begins.
This allows you to compare apples to apples and make an informed decision with confidence.
Step 3: Property Protection and Job Preparation
Before any work begins, we take steps to protect your home and property. This includes setting up debris management, safeguarding landscaping, and preparing the worksite to minimize disruption.
Roofing is controlled chaos — but it should never feel careless.
Step 4: Full Tear-Off of Existing Roofing Materials
We remove the existing roofing materials down to the decking. This step is critical. It allows us to identify hidden damage, address compromised wood, and ensure the new system is installed on a solid foundation.
We do not install new shingles over old ones. Proper roof replacement means starting clean.
Step 5: Decking Inspection and Repairs (If Needed)
Once the roof is stripped, we inspect the decking for rot, moisture damage, or structural issues. Any compromised sections are repaired or replaced to ensure the new roof performs as designed.
Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of premature roof failure.
Step 6: Installing the Complete Roofing System
This is where the difference between “just replacing shingles” and installing a proper roofing system really matters. As a GAF Certified Installer, International Construction Services follows a proven, manufacturer-approved process designed to maximize durability, wind resistance, and long-term performance.
- We begin by installing ice and water shield in the most vulnerable areas of your roof — including valleys, eaves, roof penetrations, and any areas where water concentrates or flows heavily. This self-adhering membrane provides an added layer of protection against wind-driven rain and potential ice damming.
- Next, we install synthetic underlayment across the entire roof deck. Unlike traditional tar paper, synthetic felt is far more durable, tear-resistant, and water-resistant. It provides consistent coverage and helps protect your home during installation and long after the roof is complete.
- We then install new drip edge flashing along the eaves and rakes. Drip edge plays a critical role in directing water away from the roof deck and fascia, preventing moisture intrusion and wood rot over time. Proper drip edge installation is required by modern building codes and is a key component of a long-lasting roof system.
- Once the roof is prepped, we install starter shingles along the eaves. These starter strips include an adhesive seal that helps lock down the first row of shingles, improves wind resistance, and ensures each shingle row begins correctly. Skipping or cutting corners here is one of the most common mistakes in poor installations.
- From there, we install GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles using the stair-step installation method. This approach improves alignment, water shedding, and overall roof performance. We also install six nails per shingle instead of the standard four, significantly increasing wind resistance and meeting enhanced installation standards.
- During this phase, we replace all pipe boots and ensure proper flashing is installed around chimneys, walls, and penetrations. Flashing is one of the most critical — and most commonly failed — parts of a roof, so precision here is non-negotiable.
- Finally, we complete the system with ridge vent installation to promote proper attic ventilation, followed by hip and ridge shingles designed to cap and seal the roof while allowing airflow. Proper ventilation helps regulate attic temperatures, reduce moisture buildup, and extend the life of the roofing system.
This step-by-step process is what allows us to confidently stand behind our work — and why GAF is willing to back both the materials and the installation itself.
Step 7: Final Cleanup and Quality Check
After installation, we perform a full cleanup of the property, including magnetic nail sweeps and debris removal. We then complete a final quality inspection to ensure everything meets our standards — and yours.
Only once the job is complete and verified do we consider it finished.
The GAF Silver Pledge Warranty: Protection You Can Actually Trust
A roof is only as good as the protection behind it. That’s why warranty coverage matters just as much as the materials and the installation itself. The GAF Silver Pledge Warranty is designed to protect homeowners from the two biggest risks in roofing: material defects and installation mistakes.
With the Silver Pledge Warranty, your roof is covered by GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America—not just by the contractor who installed it. This warranty includes 50 year manufacturer coverage on the shingles, which ensures the products work how they were designed to over a long period of time, along with 10 years of GAF-backed workmanship protection. If an issue ever arises due to how the roof was installed, GAF stands behind the repair, including labor—not just replacement materials.
So how are we able to offer it? The Silver Pledge Warranty is only available through GAF Certified Installers who follow strict installation standards, use approved system components, and complete required training. International Construction Services meets and exceeds those requirements. Our crews install a complete GAF roofing system—not just shingles—and follow the exact processes GAF requires for enhanced warranty eligibility.
That confidence goes both ways. GAF is willing to put their name behind the workmanship because they know that when their certified installers follow the correct process, the roof performs long-term. And we’re proud to say that we’ve never had a homeowner need to use their Silver Pledge workmanship coverage, which speaks directly to the quality, consistency, and care put into every installation.
In short, the GAF Silver Pledge Warranty removes uncertainty. It gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their roof is protected not just by promises, but by a proven system, a certified installer, and a manufacturer willing to stand behind both.
A Better Way to Approach Roof Replacement
Roof replacement should never feel rushed, confusing, or pressure-driven. Our approach is built around Integrity, Consistency, and Satisfaction — the same values that guide every project we take on.
Whether you need a full replacement now or simply want clarity on your roof’s condition, this guide is your starting point. From here, we can help you explore materials, warranties, pricing, and timelines — all with transparency and zero pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement
ROOF REPLACEMENT
