What “residential roofing” actually covers
Residential roofing is the trade of protecting homes: single-family houses, duplexes, townhomes and small apartment buildings. It differs from commercial roofing in materials and methods. Most homes have sloped roofs that shed water, finished with shingles. Commercial buildings usually have flat or low-slope membrane roofs. Many homes have both, such as a shingled main roof with a low-slope porch or addition that needs a membrane.
The main residential roofing materials
- Architectural asphalt shingles: the most common roof on Midwest homes. Laminated, dimensional and available in hundreds of colors.
- Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles: polymer-modified shingles built to resist hail better, a popular choice in hail-prone areas.
- Designer and luxury shingles: heavier shingles that imitate slate or cedar shake.
- 3-tab shingles: a flat, budget option mostly used for repairs and outbuildings today.
- Metal: standing-seam or metal shingles, with long service life and a higher upfront cost.
- Low-slope membranes: for porches, additions and flat sections where shingles cannot shed water.
See hundreds of shingle options on our shingle color selector.
A roof is a system, not just shingles
Most residential roof leaks start at the parts homeowners never see. A complete roof system includes the roof deck, ice and water protection at the eaves and valleys, underlayment, starter strip, shingles, flashing at walls, chimneys and skylights, pipe boots, drip edge, balanced attic ventilation and ridge caps. Manufacturers offer their strongest system warranties only when matching components are installed by credentialed contractors.
How long residential roofs last in the Midwest
Lifespan depends on material, ventilation, installation quality and storms. Architectural shingles commonly last around 20 to 30 years in our climate, while 3-tab shingles often wear out sooner. Hail, wind and poor attic ventilation can shorten any roof’s life. Our guide how long will my roof last covers the details.
Repair or replace?
Repairs make sense when the roof is relatively young and damage is limited: a few missing shingles, a failed pipe boot, flashing at one chimney. Replacement makes more sense when shingles are curling or losing granules across the roof, leaks are recurring, the deck is soft, or storm damage is widespread. An honest residential roofer will tell you when a repair is enough. See repair or replace.
What a residential roof replacement looks like
Most homes are completed in one to two days. The crew protects landscaping and the driveway, tears off to the deck, replaces damaged decking, installs ice and water protection and underlayment, installs new flashing, ventilation, shingles and ridge caps, cleans up with magnetic sweepers and walks the roof for a final check. Our step-by-step replacement guide walks through each stage.
What residential roofing costs depend on
Price is driven by roof size and pitch, the number of layers being removed, deck repairs, the shingle line, the number of penetrations and valleys, and access. A steep two-story roof with dormers costs more per square than a low ranch. Get a written, itemized estimate so you can compare contractors line by line, and see how much a new roof costs.
What a good residential roofing company does
- Inspects the whole roof and attic, with photos, before recommending anything.
- Explains options in writing, including repair when repair is enough.
- Uses its own trained crews, or tells you clearly who will do the work.
- Carries liability and workers’ compensation coverage and holds required licenses or registrations.
- Pulls permits where your city requires them.
- Holds manufacturer credentials that allow system warranties.
- Puts its workmanship warranty in writing and answers the phone after the job.
Insurance claims on residential roofs
Hail and wind damage are common causes of residential roof claims in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. Document the storm date, have the roof inspected promptly, and contact your insurer. A good roofer documents damage and can meet the adjuster, but you stay in control of your claim and remain responsible for your deductible.
Residential roofing from John Beal Roofing
John Beal Roofing has been family-run since 1947. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and a GAF Master Elite contractor, we use our own crews, and every roof carries our limited lifetime workmanship warranty. We serve homeowners from local offices across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, western Kentucky and Ohio, with 24/7 emergency service. Learn more on our residential roofing page.
Our St. Louis headquarters is at 12181 Prichard Farm Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Call 314-429-6000, or 1-800-564-6232 any hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is residential roofing?
Roofing for homes: houses, duplexes, townhomes and small multifamily buildings, usually sloped roofs with shingles or metal.
What is the most common residential roofing material in the Midwest?
Architectural asphalt shingles.
How long does a residential roof replacement take?
Most homes take one to two days, depending on size, pitch, weather and deck condition.
What should I look for in a residential roofing company?
Insurance, required licenses or registration, its own crews, manufacturer credentials, permits, a written workmanship warranty and a local office.
Do you offer system warranties?
Yes. As a credentialed installer for Owens Corning, CertainTeed and GAF, we can offer manufacturer system warranties.