Why we tear off to the wood
A lot of homes around Cape Girardeau already have a second layer of shingles nailed over the first. Going over them again hides soft decking, traps heat and adds weight the framing wasn't built for. We remove every layer down to the deck so we can see the wood, replace any boards that are rotted or delaminated, and start the new roof on a solid surface.
A roof is a system, not just shingles
The shingles are what you see from the street, but what keeps a Southeast Missouri roof dry is everything underneath:
- Ice and water protection at the eaves and in every valley, where freeze-thaw weeks and heavy rain hit hardest
- Synthetic underlayment over the rest of the deck
- New drip edge, step flashing and counter flashing instead of reused metal
- Balanced ventilation, with intake at the soffits and exhaust at the ridge, to dry out the attic during humid river-country summers
- Matched starter, hip and ridge components from the same manufacturer, which is what qualifies a roof for a manufacturer system warranty
Shingle choices and credentials
We're an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and a GAF Master Elite contractor, so we can install and register each manufacturer's full roofing system. Browse every color in our shingle color selector before your estimate, or try them on a photo of your own house with the visualizer.
What replacement day looks like
- Tarps and plywood protect landscaping, AC units and siding
- Old roofing comes off and goes straight into a dumpster or trailer
- Decking is inspected and soft boards are replaced, with you told about it first
- Underlayment, flashing, ventilation and shingles go on
- Magnetic sweep of the yard and driveway for nails, then a final walkthrough
Most single-family homes in Cape and Jackson are done in one or two days, depending on size, pitch and the weather.
Warranty
Every roof we install carries our lifetime workmanship warranty. On top of that, you get the manufacturer's material warranty, and system warranties are available when the full manufacturer system is installed.
Signs it's time to replace your roof
- Granules in the gutters and bare, dark patches on the shingles
- Curling or cupping shingles, especially on sun-facing slopes
- Cracked or brittle tabs that break when lifted
- Repeated leaks in different places
- Daylight or soft spots in the decking, visible from the attic
- A roof past its rated life, or one that's already been covered over once
If you see any of these, a free inspection will tell you how much life the roof really has left.
Ventilation: the step most roofs skip
In humid Southeast Missouri summers, an attic without enough airflow can get extremely hot. That heat cooks shingles from underneath, warps decking and drives up cooling bills. In winter, trapped moisture condenses on the underside of the deck. During a replacement we calculate the attic's ventilation needs, add or correct soffit intake, and match it with ridge or box vent exhaust so the system is balanced. Shingle manufacturers expect proper ventilation as part of their installation requirements.
Decking and hidden problems
Older homes around Cape Girardeau sometimes have plank decking with wide gaps, or plywood that has delaminated after years of small leaks. We can't see that until the shingles come off, so we explain up front how decking replacement is handled and priced, and we tell you before replacing any boards.
Choosing a shingle
Architectural shingles are the most common choice for homes in Cape and Jackson. They have a dimensional look and stronger wind ratings than old three-tab shingles. Some product lines also offer impact-resistant shingles, algae-resistant granules for shaded lots, and designer profiles that mimic slate or shake. We'll walk you through the options from each manufacturer we're certified with, so the color, the profile and the warranty all fit your house.
Protecting your property
Replacement day is loud and busy, but it shouldn't damage your yard. We cover landscaping, protect AC units and windows, keep the driveway clear when we can, and run magnetic sweepers over the yard at the end of every day.
Questions to ask any roofer before you sign
- Will you tear off every layer down to the deck?
- Is ice and water protection included at the eaves and valleys?
- Are you replacing the flashing or reusing it?
- How will you handle ventilation?
- What workmanship warranty do you offer, in writing?
- Which manufacturer certifications do you hold, and do they qualify the roof for a system warranty?
- Do you have a local office and a phone that's answered when a storm hits?
We welcome these questions, and the answers are written into every John Beal Roofing estimate.
Timing a replacement in Southeast Missouri
We replace roofs year-round in Cape Girardeau, but each season is a little different. Spring brings storm-driven demand and more weather delays. Summer heat makes shingles seal quickly but means early starts for the crew. Fall is often the most predictable stretch of weather. Winter work is done on milder days, using installation methods that account for the cold. If your roof is leaking, don't wait for the right season. We'll tarp it and get you on the schedule.
Our Cape Girardeau office
294 Siemers Dr. #1041, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 · 573-343-8993, answered 24/7. See the Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri page for every town we serve locally.
Other roofing services in Cape Girardeau
- Roofing contractor in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Roof repair in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Storm and hail damage repair in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Gutters in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Residential roofing in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Commercial roofing in Cape Girardeau, MO
- Roof insurance claims in Cape Girardeau, MO
Nearby towns we serve
Jackson · Scott City · Sikeston · Perryville · Chaffee · Oak Ridge · Benton · Marble Hill
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof replacement take in Cape Girardeau?
Most single-family homes take one to two days, depending on size, pitch, layers being removed and the weather.
Do you install over my old shingles?
No. We tear off to the deck so we can inspect and repair the wood before the new roof goes on.
What warranty comes with a new roof?
A lifetime workmanship warranty from us, the manufacturer's material warranty, and system warranties are available when the full manufacturer system is installed.
Which shingle brands do you install?
We are Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and GAF Master Elite, and we install other major brands as well.
Do I need a permit for a new roof in Cape Girardeau?
Requirements depend on your city or county. We check what applies to your address and handle it as part of the job.
What are the signs I need a new roof instead of a repair?
Widespread granule loss, curling or cracked shingles, repeated leaks in new places, soft decking, or a roof that's past its rated life.
Will you fix my attic ventilation during the replacement?
Yes. We calculate ventilation needs and balance soffit intake with ridge or roof exhaust.
What happens if you find rotten decking?
We tell you before replacing it and explain up front how decking replacement is priced.