The Residential Roofing Process: An In-Depth Look for St. Louis & St. Charles Homeowners

Residential Roofing Process St Louis MO
October 30, 2025

Replacing your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make as a homeowner. Understanding each step of the roofing process helps you feel confident, informed, and prepared. At Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, we follow a detailed and transparent roofing process to ensure your project is done right—from the first inspection to the final walkthrough.

1. Inspection & Estimate: The Starting Point of Your Roofing Project

A proper roof replacement always begins with a professional roof inspection.

Initial Roof Assessment

  • Comprehensive visual inspection of shingles, flashing, vents, and gutters
  • Damage detection for leaks, missing shingles, soft spots, or storm damage
  • Structural evaluation to check the overall condition and lifespan of your roof

Detailed Roofing Estimate

Your written estimate will include:
  • Scope of work (repairs, full replacement, decking needs, ventilation updates)
  • Material options and pricing
  • Labor breakdown
  • Permit & disposal fees
  • Timeline & payment schedule
  • Warranty details
A clear estimate ensures transparency and eliminates surprises.

2. Choosing the Right Roofing Materials

Selecting the best roofing material impacts durability, appearance, and long-term value.

Popular Roofing Options in St. Louis

Factors to Consider

  • Budget
  • Weather durability (St. Louis storms, winds, hail)
  • Aesthetic style
  • Energy efficiency
  • Local building codes
Our team helps homeowners choose materials that fit their home and budget.

3. Removing the Old Roof: Safe & Systematic

Old roofing must be removed properly to avoid damage to your home.

Safe Removal

  • Manual or mechanical removal depending on roof size
  • Safety gear, tarps, and debris protection
  • Nail magnets to collect hidden nails

Eco-Friendly Disposal

  • Proper disposal according to Missouri regulations
  • Recycling options when available (asphalt shingles, metal)

4. Roof Deck Inspection & Repairs

This step ensures the base of your new roof is strong and secure.
  • Inspecting the decking for rot, water damage, or soft spots
  • Replacing damaged plywood
  • Reinforcing weak areas
A solid deck ensures long-lasting performance.
Roofing Services

5. Installing the New Roof: Precision & Craftsmanship

This is where your new roof comes to life.

Preparation

  • Clean roof surface
  • Install waterproof underlayment
  • Add drip edge and starter shingles

Shingle Installation

  • Installed per manufacturer guidelines
  • Proper overlap and sealing
  • Ridge caps, vents, and flashing installed professionally

Flashing & Sealant

  • Around chimneys
  • Vents
  • Skylights
  • Wall intersections
Correct flashing is the #1 defense against leaks.

6. Final Inspection & Warranty Protection

Quality control is crucial to ensure your roof is built to last.

Final Inspection Includes:

  • Shingle alignment
  • Flashing accuracy
  • Ventilation
  • Cleanliness of jobsite
  • Proper sealing
  • Compliance with building codes

Warranty

You receive:
  • Material warranty
  • Workmanship warranty from Horizon Roofing & Exteriors
This gives homeowners peace of mind for years.

FAQ – Residential Roofing Process

Most roof replacements in St. Louis and St. Charles County take 1–2 days, depending on roof size, pitch, materials, and weather. Larger or more complex roofs may take up to 3 days, but your contractor will give you a clear timeline before starting.

You may only need repairs if the damage is minor. A full replacement is recommended when you have:

  • Widespread shingle damage
  • Leaks in multiple areas
  • Sagging roof decking
  • An old roof near the end of its lifespan (15–25 years for shingles)

A professional inspection from Horizon Roofing & Exteriors helps determine the best option.

Homeowners should:

  • Move vehicles out of the driveway
  • Remove patio furniture or fragile items
  • Secure wall hangings inside (vibration may occur)
  • Keep pets and kids away from the work area

Your roofing team will handle all major safety precautions.

Most roofs in St. Louis & St. Charles counties cost between $6,500 and $18,000, depending on the:

  • Roofing material
  • Size & complexity
  • Labour requirements
  • Decking repairs
  • Underlayment, flashing, and ventilation updates

Horizon Roofing & Exteriors provides transparent, written estimates with no hidden fees.

A properly installed roof lasts:

  • Architectural shingles: 25–35 years
  • Metal roofing: 40–70 years
  • Luxury shingles (impact-resistant): 30–50 years

Routine maintenance and annual inspections extend its lifespan.

Insurance may cover roof replacement if the damage is caused by:

  • Hail
  • Wind
  • Storm impact
  • Other sudden events

It typically does not cover aging, wear-and-tear, or neglect. Horizon Roofing & Exteriors can help you document storm damage and work with adjusters.

Trust Horizon Roofing & Exteriors for a Smooth, Stress-Free Roofing Experience

A roof replacement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By understanding the full residential roofing process, you can make informed decisions and feel confident about your investment.

At Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve served homeowners across St. Louis, St. Charles County, Wentzville, O’Fallon, St. Peters, and surrounding areas with trusted roofing services built on quality, transparency, and professionalism.

✅ Need a roof inspection?
✅ Want honest pricing and expert guidance?

Contact Horizon Roofing & Exteriors today for a free estimate and reliable roofing service you can trust.

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    blog author

    Brian Donohue

    Author

    Brian Donohue is the owner of Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, the leading roofing company in St. Peters, Missouri, dedicated to delivering quality roofing solutions. With a strong background in project management, sales, and customer service, Brian has built a reputation for reliability and excellence in the roofing and construction industry.

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