How to Replace an Asphalt Roof?
Aug 11, 2025
Your new roof is more than dressing up your house; it’s protecting your home’s structure for years to come. Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in the United States, and for good reason; they are relatively inexpensive, relatively easy to install, and are effective. But when you need to repair it, or renovate, or replace an entire wall? In this guide, we’re going to de-mystify how to replace an asphalt shingle roof from start to finish, including: determining when you need a new roof, installation costs, and a few factors that can help determine if you need to tear off your old roof.
As the industry leaders in Missouri, we have helped thousands of homeowners through this process with the highest level of accuracy and professionalism. If a new roof is in your future, you’ve come to the right place.
The Importance of an Asphalt Roof Replacement
It might not only be an eyesore; a roof that is on its way out or that is failing could leave your home susceptible to damage to its structural elements. Leaks, buildup of moisture, insulation damage, and even foundation problems can be a product of looking the other way when it comes to your roof. Learning how to properly replace an asphalt roof protects your home inside and out.
Asphalt Roofing: It’s fairly common for asphalt shingles to last approximately 15 to 30 years, but factors such as the quality of the materials, installation, and how well it was maintained will play a big part in the life of your roofing. If your shingles are curling and beginning to crack or missing entirely, or if the roof is otherwise at the end of its lifespan, a roof replacement could be more cost-effective than patching the problem.
When to Get a New Asphalt Roof
There are some important things to think about before you begin the messy process of reroofing your home, starting with whether your roof needs to be replaced. Here are the top indicators:
- Several leaks within the home
- If you see tab shingles without their granules, or bald tab shingles.
- Soft or spongy decking beneath the roof covering
- Roof sagging or noticeable dips
- Mold, moss, or algae growth
- Major loss of shingles from storms or heavy winds
If there’s any of this on your roof, then it’s time to contact a pro like Freedom Roofing Group and have them come out to inspect the roof in full.
Here’s How Step By Step: Remove and Replace an Asphalt Roof
The more you’re familiar with how asphalt shingle replacement works, the easier it will be for you to ask questions, make plans, and select the right crew. Here’s what the transition process usually looks like:
Initial Inspection & Estimate
The certified, factory-trained roofer will determine what work needs to be performed after inspecting your current roof. We’ll inspect, report any issues, and suggest a custom solution at Freedom Roofing Group. The quote should take into consideration labor, materials, a project timeline, and any structural repairs that are needed.
Material Selection
Asphalt shingles come in three main types: three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury shingles. Today, Architectural shingles are the most popular, with their 3D appearance and high wind ratings, and 3-tab has lost popularity. Your contractor can help you in picking style and color combinations that match your home and your budget.
Preparing the Job Site
First and foremost, you want to ensure the safety of your property. Landscaping will be covered with tarps, safety fencing will be set up, and the right containers will be in place for throwing away old materials. At Freedom Roofing Group, we have become known for a clean jobsite and minimal interruption.
Tear-Off of Old Roofing
Tear out all old shingles and underlayment until you’re left with the sheathing. This process allows the crew to inspect the sheathing for rot, water damage and other issues. Damaged plywood is replaced here.
Installing New Underlayment & Flashing
Moisture cannot penetrate these underlayment that are of premium quality. Flashing, ice and water shield, and drip edge are also laid down in valleys, chimneys, and vents to guarantee there is no water penetrating up the pad. These are all things that are going to help your roof last.
Shingle Installation
The shingles are applied starting at the lower edge of the roof and are laid in courses that overlap the previous one. The manufacturer sets a nail pattern for all roofs, so we make sure the nails we use are correct for every roof. The top cap has all-over ridge caps for a uniform look and extra ventilation.
Final Cleanup and Inspection
Once installed, the crew does such an amazing clean up; they pick up all the nails, debris and debris material behind. A final walk-through to ensure that your home is left in perfect condition, that the job meets building codes, that it meets the manufacturer’s specs, and that it’s precisely the roof you wanted. Freedom Roofing Group and you will also enjoy the comfort of knowing that our work is backed by a warranty.
How Long Does It Take to Replace Asphalt Shingles?
On the majority of homes, Asphalt Roofs can be torn off and re-roofed the structure in 1-3 days, depending on the size of the home, weather, and anything else that’s damaged that’s discovered during the tear-off process. An established professional roofing contractor will ensure your project is completed on time, on budget, and with no surprises.
Components That Make Up The Cost to Replace Asphalt Shingles
A full asphalt roof replacement typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 on average, according to:
- Roof size and pitch
- Shingle type and quality
- Local labor rates
- Structural repairs required
- Waste disposal and permit fees
While you may be tempted by the cheapest quote, you do tend to get what you pay for, and paying just that bit more upfront can be the difference between a roof you only need to repair in 10 years and one you wouldn’t think about again until the kids go to university.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If you are a homeowner, you may be asking yourself whether or not it is worth it to learn how to replace an asphalt roof yourself in an attempt to save a few dollars. While some individuals are able to do small repairs easily and well, replacement is a task that even some longtime bankers aren’t able to do.
Improper installation can void manufacturer warranties, cause leaks, and compromise the safety of your home. By choosing a qualified and experienced contractor like Freedom Roofing Group, you can be confident your roof is built to code, passes inspection, and will stand up to Missouri’s punishing weather.
Why Choose Freedom Roofing Group?
Our family-owned and operated business is your source for Missouri roofing from a company known for quality work, fair pricing, and unmatched customer satisfaction. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Highly trained installation crews
- Industry-leading material warranties
- Responsive project management
- Experience with the Missouri local climate and permitting
We handle everything from inspections and insurance claims to tear-offs and installs, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Maintaining Your New Asphalt Roof
You’ve just invested in a new roof, and now you want to protect that investment. Here’s how:
- Supplement with Inspections
- Add yearly inspections and post major storms
- Clean your gutters to prevent a backup of water
- Trimming and cutting down trees, and getting debris off the roof
Do supervised neglect. Take care of the little things so they don’t become big ones.
Conclusion
By at least learning how to install asphalt shingles, homeowners feel a sense of control and confidence during their roof replacement. Whether you need to recognize signs of decay, choose the right materials, or find the right contractor, everything is important when it comes to protecting your investment.
Don’t leave the single most important feature of your home up to chance. Expect Freedom Roofing Group’s experts to offer you an easy, professional experience from a roofing company that knows how to make your roof last its longest, and give you peak performance, value, and peace of mind.
Call Freedom Roofing Group today to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection and estimate! Your family’s home deserves nothing but the best. Let us help you safeguard it.