Most NC homeowners replace their roof once. You should know exactly what you're getting: the materials, the process, and the price. Before anyone steps on your property. Here's how we do it.
A roof replacement from On Tops includes full tear-off of the existing shingles, inspection of the decking, new ice and water shield, synthetic felt underlayment, architectural shingles, ridge cap, all new flashing, a dumpster placed and removed, and a photo documentation report. Most homes are complete in a single day.
Full Tear-Off
We remove all existing shingles and underlayment down to the decking. No layovers. Layering shingles traps heat and moisture, shortens the life of your new roof, and can void manufacturer warranties.
Decking Inspection & Repair
Once the roof is stripped, we walk every square foot of your decking. Any soft, damaged, or rotted OSB or plywood is replaced before we install anything new. This is documented in your report.
Ice & Water Shield
Premium self-adhering membrane installed at all eaves, valleys, and penetrations, the highest-risk zones for water intrusion. Required by NC building code in certain conditions; we install it on every job regardless.
Synthetic Underlayment
High-performance synthetic felt (FeltBuster) installed across the entire roof deck. More durable and moisture-resistant than traditional felt paper.
Architectural Shingles
GAF Timberline HDZ or equivalent architectural shingles installed to manufacturer specifications to qualify for extended warranty coverage. See the Materials section for the full range of options.
All New Flashing
Step flashing, valley flashing, chimney flashing, drip edge, and pipe boots all replaced. Not just the shingles. Old flashing is the most common source of leaks on "repaired" roofs.
Ridge Cap & Ventilation Check
Hip and ridge cap installed to match shingle. We check attic ventilation at every job. Poor ventilation is the number one reason roofs fail before their rated lifespan.
Photo Documentation Report
Before we leave, you receive a digital report with photos of the decking condition before installation, materials used, and the completed roof. Sent the same day the job is finished.
Dumpster & Full Cleanup
Dumpster on your property for the job, removed within 24 hours. Magnetic sweep of the surrounding property for nails. Your yard should look like nothing happened except for the roof.
Know Before You Call
Signs Your Roof May Need Replacement, Not Just Repair
Most roofs in NC last 20–30 years depending on material, ventilation, and installation quality. The line between repair and replacement depends on the extent of damage, the age of the roof, and whether repair costs are approaching the cost of replacement. Here are the signs that typically point toward full replacement rather than a patch.
01
Age: 20 Years or More
Architectural shingles are rated 30 years, but in NC's climate, with high heat, humidity, and occasional severe storms, roofs often show significant wear by year 20–22. If your roof is over 20 years old and you're dealing with any of the issues below, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
02
Granule Loss in Gutters
If your gutters are filling with asphalt granules (they look like coarse sand or gravel), your shingles are shedding their UV-protective coating. Once granule loss starts, shingle degradation accelerates. This is a mid-to-late stage sign.
03
Shingles Curling, Cupping, or Cracking
Curling at the edges or upward in the middle means the shingles have reached the end of their moisture-cycling life. Cracking is usually UV damage. Both expose the underlayment and decking to water.
04
Daylight Visible in the Attic
If you can see light through your roof boards when you're in the attic, water is getting in through the same gaps. This typically means decking damage as well, not just shingles.
05
Sagging or Soft Spots
Sagging between rafters or soft spots when you apply pressure from the attic indicate rot or structural damage to the decking. Replacement is almost always the right call here.
06
Persistent Leaks After Repair
If you've had the same area repaired more than once and it's still leaking, the issue is likely systemic. Bad flashing, failed underlayment, or widespread shingle failure can't be addressed spot-by-spot indefinitely.
07
Storm or Hail Damage Across Multiple Sections
Spot hail damage on one section can be repaired. When impact damage covers multiple slopes or the majority of the roof surface, replacement typically makes more financial sense, particularly if your insurance covers it.
08
Your Roof Can't Be Matched
If your shingles are discontinued or the color match is poor, repairs become visually obvious and can affect resale. Some homeowners in this situation choose replacement to restore curb appeal and value.
Not sure which applies to your roof? A free inspection from On Tops will tell you exactly what you're dealing with. Written findings, with photos.
We install GAF products on the majority of our residential roof replacements. Not because we're required to, but because GAF's warranty program is the strongest in the industry and their manufacturing quality is consistent. Here's what we offer and what makes each right for different homes.
Most Popular
GAF Timberline HDZ
GAF's bestselling architectural shingle. Layered shadow effect gives the look of wood shake without the maintenance. Available in a wide color range. 30-year limited warranty with enhanced coverage available through Master Elite installers.
Best for: Standard residential replacement, maximum color selection, best warranty value.
Premium
GAF Timberline UHDZ
Thicker, heavier version of the HDZ line with more pronounced shadow lines and a higher-end aesthetic. Preferred for larger homes where curb appeal matters. Qualifies for the same extended warranty program as HDZ. Roughly 15–20% higher material cost.
Best for: Larger or higher-value homes, enhanced curb appeal, premium finish.
Recommended for Wooded Lots
GAF Timberline AS II
Identical to the standard HDZ in structure, with StainGuard Plus technology that inhibits the black streaking caused by algae, common in shaded or wooded lots throughout the Triangle. Particularly recommended for homes under tree cover in Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and parts of Wilmington.
Best for: Homes with significant tree cover or shade, high-humidity areas with organic buildup.
As a GAF Master Elite Certified contractor, On Tops can offer the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty. It's the strongest warranty GAF offers, covering both materials and workmanship. Only 2% of roofing contractors in the U.S. qualify.
What Happens From Your First Call to Your Final Report
Most roof replacements by On Tops are completed in a single day. The process starts with a free estimate, moves through material selection and scheduling, and ends with a same-day written photo report sent to your inbox.
1
Free Estimate, Within 48 Hours
You request an estimate online or by phone. One of our estimators comes to your property, walks the roof, and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Not a ballpark. No in-home sales presentation. If you have questions, you call the same person who wrote it.
2
Material Selection
We'll walk you through shingle options, including color, grade, and warranty tier, based on your home, your neighborhood, and your priorities. If you want to see samples, we'll bring them. There's no pressure to decide on the spot.
3
Scheduling & Pre-Job Communication
Once you sign, we schedule your installation date and assign your named project manager. You'll receive their direct contact number before day one. They'll confirm logistics (dumpster placement, parking, access) and what to expect on installation day.
4
Installation Day
Your crew arrives in the morning. The existing roof is torn off first, the decking is inspected and repaired if needed (documented and you're notified), underlayment and ice/water shield go down, and shingles are installed through to completion. Most homes are fully done in one day.
5
Cleanup & Walkthrough
Before the crew leaves, the dumpster is loaded and scheduled for pickup, a magnetic nail sweep is done around the property, and your project manager does a walkthrough of the finished roof with you or sends photos if you're not home.
6
Photo Report & Warranty Documentation
The same day the job is completed, you receive a digital photo report documenting the decking condition pre-install, materials used, and the finished roof. Your warranty paperwork is filed and sent to you separately. Payment is due after this walkthrough, not before.
Roof Replacements Across the Triangle and Wilmington
Each one different. All built the same way. Browse by location to find a home like yours.
In North Carolina, most residential roof replacements cost between $9,000 and $22,000. The range is wide because the cost depends primarily on roof size (square footage), pitch (slope), complexity (dormers, valleys, penetrations), and material choice. A single-story ranch in Garner and a two-story colonial in Chapel Hill are different jobs. Below are actual recent price ranges from our completed projects.
These numbers represent full replacements, not repairs or partial re-roofs. The final price on your estimate will vary based on your specific roof. What won't vary: the number on your estimate is the number on your final invoice. We don't renegotiate pricing after the job starts.
Roof pitch is the single biggest variable. Steep roofs require additional labor and safety equipment. Decking damage found during tear-off is billed separately but documented and photographed before any additional work begins. Premium shingle upgrades (UHDZ, algae-resistant) add 10–20% to material cost. Additional penetrations (chimneys, skylights) and complex valley geometry add installation time.
Home TypeApprox. Sq FtTypical Range
Single-story ranch1,200–1,800$9,000 – $13,500
Two-story colonial1,800–2,600$12,500 – $17,500
Large estate / complex2,600–4,000+$16,000 – $25,000+
Based on GAF Timberline HDZ, standard pitch, full tear-off, and cleanup. Complex geometry, steep pitch, or premium shingle upgrades will affect final price.
$13,650 · Goldsboro, NC
What You're Covered For
Two Warranties on Every Roof We Replace
Every roof replacement On Tops completes comes with two warranties: a manufacturer's warranty on the materials (GAF) and a workmanship warranty from On Tops covering the installation. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we can offer the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty, one of the strongest warranties available for residential roofing.
GAF Manufacturer Warranty
System Plus Limited Warranty
Available to all GAF-certified contractors. Covers materials for the life of the roof, non-prorated for the first 50 years.
Golden Pledge Limited Warranty
Available exclusively through Master Elite contractors like On Tops. Covers both materials AND labor and workmanship for 25 years. This warranty is transferable to the next homeowner, which adds measurable resale value.
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the roofing materials themselves. They do not cover installation errors. That's exactly what the workmanship warranty covers.
On Tops Workmanship Warranty
The workmanship warranty covers the installation: flashing, underlayment placement, penetration sealing, and all other installation-related work. If something leaks because of how the roof was installed (not a material defect), it's on us to fix it.
On Tops provides a [X]-year workmanship warranty on all residential roof replacements. Contact us for full terms.
What's not covered: Neither warranty covers damage from falling trees, extreme storm events beyond design load, or homeowner-performed modifications to the roof after installation. Your homeowner's insurance covers storm-related damage.
How do I know if I need a full roof replacement or just a repair?
The decision comes down to three things: age, extent of damage, and cost comparison. If your roof is under 15 years old and the damage is isolated to one area, repair is usually the right answer. If your roof is over 20 years old, has widespread granule loss or curling, or has had the same area repaired more than once, replacement typically costs less over the next 5 years than continued patching.
Most residential roof replacements in NC are completed in one day. A typical single-story or two-story home is fully torn off, installed, and cleaned up within 8–10 hours. Larger homes (3,000+ sq ft), complex geometry (multiple valleys, dormers, turrets), or steep-pitch roofs may require a second day. You'll know the expected timeline before we schedule.
Do I need to be home during the roof replacement?
No. You do not need to be present during the installation. You do need to ensure pets are secured and that we have clear access to the roof, dumpster placement area, and any locked gates. Your project manager has your contact information and will reach out if any unexpected decking damage requires a decision from you. The photo report is sent to you that evening regardless.
What should I do to prepare for a roof replacement?
Clear the driveway for the dumpster and material delivery. Move any vehicles you can't move during the day to the street. Remove fragile items from walls and shelves inside the house; vibration from installation can shift things. Secure or relocate outdoor furniture and potted plants near the house. We'll give you a preparation checklist when we confirm your install date.
Will a new roof increase my home's value?
In most cases, yes, though the return varies. Studies suggest a new roof recoups 60–70% of its cost in resale value, and in NC's active housing market, buyers often require sellers to address roof age or condition before closing. A new roof with a transferable GAF Golden Pledge warranty is a concrete selling point that other cosmetic upgrades can't match.
What happens if you find damaged decking when you tear off my old roof?
We inspect every square foot of the decking once the old shingles are removed. If we find rotted, soft, or structurally compromised OSB or plywood, we stop and contact you before proceeding. We document the damage with photos, give you a written change order for the repair cost, and wait for your approval before continuing. We do not proceed with repairs you haven't approved, and we do not surprise you with an inflated invoice after the fact.
What is a GAF Master Elite contractor and why does it matter?
Master Elite is GAF's highest contractor certification, awarded to the top 2% of roofing contractors in the United States. To qualify, a contractor must be properly licensed in their state, maintain full liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, and commit to ongoing training. The practical difference for you: only Master Elite contractors can offer the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty, which covers both materials and workmanship for 25 years and is transferable to the next owner of your home.
What is the difference between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles?
Three-tab shingles are a single-layer flat shingle, cheaper but with a shorter lifespan (15–20 years) and less wind resistance. Architectural (also called dimensional or laminate) shingles are multi-layer, creating a thicker profile and more textured appearance. They last 25–30 years, have stronger wind resistance ratings (typically 110–130 mph), and qualify for longer warranty coverage. We install architectural shingles on every job. We don't offer 3-tab for standard residential replacement.
How do I compare roofing estimates from different contractors?
Look at three things: Is the estimate itemized or just a lump sum? An itemized estimate lists materials, labor, tear-off, and cleanup separately. What shingle are they using, and what warranty tier? "GAF shingles" can mean anything from their basic entry product to Timberline HDZ. The product name matters. Who is the project manager and how do you reach them? If the answer is "our crew will be in touch," that's a red flag.