Roofing FAQs
The cost of a new roof can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Roof size and complexity
- Material selection (asphalt, metal, cedar, etc.)
- Labor requirements
- Structural repairs, if needed
Most homeowners can expect pricing to vary significantly based on these variables, which is why a detailed inspection and estimate is the most accurate way to determine cost.
Read More: Roof Replacement Cost in Minnesota: Breakdown of Expenses
Roof lifespan depends largely on the material used and how well the roof is maintained.
- Asphalt shingles typically last 20–30 years
- Metal roofs can last 40–70 years
- Cedar and specialty materials vary based on climate and maintenance
Proper ventilation, installation quality, and regular maintenance all play a major role in extending the life of your roof.
Read More: How Long Does a Flat Roof Last? Lifespan, Factors, and Tips
In some cases, a new roof can be installed over an existing layer of shingles, often referred to as a roof overlay.
However, this approach is not always recommended. A full tear-off is typically preferred because it allows for:
- Inspection of the underlying decking
- Identification of hidden damage
- Better long-term performance and lifespan
Local building codes and the condition of the existing roof will ultimately determine whether an overlay is a viable option.
Read More: Can You Put a New Roof Over an Old Roof
The best roofing material depends on your budget, home style, and environmental conditions.
Common options include:
- Asphalt shingles – cost-effective and widely used
- Metal roofing – durable and long-lasting
- Cedar roofing – natural appearance with strong curb appeal
- Flat roofing systems – used on low-slope or commercial-style roofs
Each material offers different benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance. A professional can help determine the best fit for your home and climate.
Read More: Best Types of Roofing Materials
Many homeowners choose to finance their roofing project to make the investment more manageable.
Common financing options include:
- Home improvement loans
- Financing programs through contractors
- Insurance claims (when applicable due to storm damage)
Financing can help spread out the cost while allowing you to address roofing issues before they worsen.
Read More: 7 Ways to Finance a New Roof
Before your roofing project begins, we recommend:
- Moving or covering patio furniture, grills, and potted plants near the home
- Covering pools if possible
- Placing tarps or blankets below skylights to protect from debris
Our crews will take additional precautions, including protecting landscaping, windows, and collecting debris directly into a dump trailer. After completion, the yard will be cleaned and swept with magnetic tools to remove nails.
Most asphalt roofing projects are completed in one day, including tear-off, installation, and cleanup.
Larger or more complex roofs may take 2–3 days, while specialty roofing systems can take 1–2 weeks depending on size and materials.
In most cases, we use dump trailers on tires, which are designed to avoid damaging driveways.
If a dumpster is required, it is typically placed on protective boards to minimize risk.
In some cases, rotten or weakened decking may be discovered after the old roof is removed.
This is considered a pre-existing condition and is typically not covered by insurance. Repairs are completed as needed to ensure:
- Structural integrity
- Safe installation conditions
- Proper fastening surface for new materials
Repairs are usually billed separately on a time-and-material basis.
Read More: Warning Signs That Your Roof May Require Replacement
Existing ice and water shield typically remains in place, as it adheres directly to the roof decking.
Building codes and manufacturer guidelines allow for multiple layers, which can actually improve leak protection.
Ice and water shield (leak barrier) is installed in key areas, including:
- Along eaves, extending at least 2 feet past heated walls
- In roof valleys
- At roof-to-wall transitions (step flashing areas)
This helps protect the most vulnerable areas of the roof from water intrusion.
We thoroughly clean the job site using magnetic rollers and manual sweeps, but it is not possible to guarantee that every nail is removed.
We recommend a quick homeowner inspection after completion. If cleanup concerns arise, please contact us immediately.
We typically order extra materials to ensure the project is completed without delays.
- Homeowners may keep 1–2 bundles of shingles if desired
- Remaining materials are usually removed within 7 days
Please leave materials in the driveway or yard for pickup.
It is normal for new shingles to appear slightly lifted or uneven immediately after installation.
As they are exposed to heat and weather, they will:
- Settle into place
- Form a strong adhesive bond
This process typically resolves within a few weeks.
The most common causes of roof leaks include:
- Ice dams
- Improper flashing
- Valley drainage issues
- Cracked or deteriorating chimneys
Proper installation and ventilation help reduce these risks.
Read More: How Weatherproofing Protects Your Roof from Harsh Climates
Yes, roofing can be installed year-round.
Modern materials, such as advanced asphalt shingles, are designed to perform in colder temperatures. However, extremely cold or snowy conditions can:
- Slow installation
- Make tear-off more difficult
For this reason, most replacement projects are completed before winter when possible.
Read More: What You Need to Know About Winter Roof Installation
Proper ventilation allows heat and moisture to escape from the attic, which helps:
- Prevent ice dams
- Reduce moisture buildup
- Extend the life of roofing materials
Air enters through soffit vents and exits through ridge vents or other exhaust systems, creating continuous airflow.
Read More: Roof Ventilation Guide for Extending Roof Life & Preventing Damage
A ridge vent is a ventilation system installed along the peak of the roof.
It allows warm air to escape from the attic while remaining discreet and low-profile. Ridge vents are often preferred over traditional vents because they provide:
- More consistent airflow
- A cleaner appearance
Frost in the attic is caused by warm, humid air becoming trapped and condensing on cold surfaces.
Common causes include:
- Improper ventilation
- Bathroom fan exhaust issues
- Air leaks from living spaces
Over time, this can lead to moisture damage if not addressed.
A hot roof is a roofing system where insulation is installed directly beneath the roof deck, leaving little or no ventilation space.
This is common in:
- Finished attics
- Vaulted ceiling designs
While effective in some designs, poor execution can lead to issues such as heat buildup and moisture retention.
Cedar roofing requires corrosion-resistant fasteners, such as:
- Stainless steel
- Hot-dipped galvanized nails or staples
Using the wrong fasteners can significantly reduce the lifespan of the roof.
Cedar roofing systems typically include:
- Ice and water shield in key areas
- 30 lb felt underlayment
- Felt liner between shake rows (for cedar shakes only)
This layered system helps manage moisture and extend roof performance.
What Our Clients Say
This was our first experience filing a home insurance claim and Summit coordinated everything efficiently and thoroughly. On top of that, the actual labor crew was incredible and the final product is beautiful. 10/10 Would recommend
Fred H.
Lake Minnetonka
We interviewed ~10 different roofing companies before deciding to choose Summit, and Thomas is the main reason why. From start to finish, he demonstrated a level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication to the client that is rare to find. In particular, we were very impressed by Thomas' time and honesty in figuring out what would be best for us and our home as we were considering how the roofing project would interface with other home improvement projects that we are considering.
Thomas also deftly handled unique challenges associated with our project, including dealing with a rooftop A/C unit, which required the involvement of multiple additional parties (our HVAC company to remove/reset the unit and a carpenter to build a new platform for the unit). Since our roof replacement was an insurance claim, he also seamlessly handled all of the back-and-forth with our insurance company.
Thomas prioritized being around during the construction and also came by personally to follow up on several important but smaller items as the project wound down. He never made us feel like any detail was too small to be taken care of promptly and properly. It is clear that Thomas takes great pride in his work, wants the best for his clients, and represents Summit exceptionally well. He is by far the best, most thorough, and kindest contractor with whom we have worked (and we have worked with many, given that we moved into an older home and have had multiple large projects).
We are thrilled with the results of our new roof and will certainly be recommending Summit's services -- and Thomas in particular -- to our neighbors and friends because of this experience.
They were communicative and kept me informed on progress. The entire job took one day to complete. They were in and out quickly and left the site fully cleaned up as if they were never there.
I would highly recommend Summit and the project coordinator Jonathon Soto for a reroofing job.
Bernie was amazing and handled communication with the insurance company, explained everything clearly, and kept the project moving without any stress on my end. The crew was professional, efficient, and respectful of my property, and the finished roof looks great.
If you’re dealing with storm damage or an insurance claim and don’t want the headache that usually comes with it, Summit Construction is the way to go. Great experience from start to finish.
They are very upfront with their costs, so no surprises. I can't say enough about our great experience with Summit. I would highly recommend this company!
Lori B
The quality of workmanship is outstanding—our roof looks incredible and was completed on time and within the quoted price. What really stood out was their attention to detail and respect for our property. They left the area spotless and treated our home as if it were their own.
If you’re looking for a roofing company that is honest, reliable, and truly takes pride in their work, this is the one. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.
Was a seamless process and very professional. We will be using them for our siding replacement next.
See attached photo for evidence of workmanship where the original wood edging and metal work required repair and then the new tile has been positioned for a perfect fit.
The roofing and gutter crews were prompt, professional and tidy. The work was completed flawlessly. I highly recommend Summit Construction and especially the project manager, Christian Decker.
The crew arrived on time, worked efficiently, and left everything spotless once the job was done. The quality of the roof is exceptional, and Durham took the time to walk me through the materials, process, and warranty so I felt completely confident in my decision.
It is rare to find a company that combines great workmanship with such outstanding customer service. This team truly does. I would 100 percent recommend them to anyone needing roofing work done. You will be in great hands with Durham and his crew.
The installation was quick, and they left our property clean. Even coming back to ensure no nails/screws were left in the yard. The quality of workmanship is outstanding, and our new roof looks amazing!
I highly recommend Summit for any roofing needs. Thank you for a job well done!
They installed a GAF 60 Mil TPO Rhinobond system and took care of everything — permits, tear off, cleanup, you name it. It was clear the crew took pride in their work.
It was one of those projects that went exactly how you hope it will. No surprises, no chasing people down, just quality work from a team that knows what they are doing.
If you are looking for a reliable roofing crew, I would definitely recommend Summit.
I hope we don’t have another project like this for a long time, but if we do, Brett will be my first call!