Say you own an older bungalow and a neighbor has a ranch built later. The same storm rolls through. Both roofs take a beating, but not in the same way. The shape, the age of the framing and the layers on top all change what goes wrong and what a fix costs.
This guide walks through common home types in the St. Louis area and what each means for a roof.
A ranch has one level and a large roof area. That means more surface for hail to hit and more shingles to check after a storm. The low pitch is easier for a crew to work on, but water runs off more slowly, so small flashing or seal problems can show up as leaks.
Long roof runs also mean long runs of gutter. Check that gutters are firmly attached and that water has somewhere to go.
Many frame houses here are decades old. Under the shingles, you may find more than one layer of roofing. Older decking may be plank boards with gaps, or boards that have dried out and split over time.
Say you open the attic and the wood looks dark near the eaves. That is worth showing to a provider before any shingles go on.
The Midwest asks a lot of a roof in a single year.
Price depends on size, pitch, access and material, so treat these as ranges, not quotes.
Most homes here have full basements with sump pumps. A roof does not fix a wet basement, but it feeds one. Every storm sends a large volume of water off the roof. If gutters overflow or downspouts drop water next to the foundation, the sump pump works harder, especially during spring flooding.
Say a heavy storm hits and you hear the pump running for hours. Walk the outside of the house when it is safe and see where roof water lands. When you get estimates, ask whether gutter and downspout work is included or separate, and whether the drip edge will be checked.
Most households do not want a crew around during a school week or a work deadline. Tell providers about your routine. Ask which side of the house they start on, where materials will sit, and how the yard will be protected. Basement storage near exterior walls is a good thing to move before work starts, since vibration can shake things loose.
Take photos of each slope, the attic and the gutters. Note the home type and approximate age. Mention anything odd, like old layers, sagging or past leaks. This helps providers give a more useful written estimate.
No. Some decks are in good shape. But once old roofing comes off, soft or rotted boards can show up. Ask providers how extra deck work is priced before you sign, so a surprise does not catch you mid-job. The usual unit is per sheet.
Not always. Ranch roofs are larger, which adds materials. Bungalows may be smaller but steeper, with dormers and tighter access. Layers, deck condition, pitch and flashing all affect price. Written estimates for your specific home are the only reliable comparison.
A roof alone will not fix basement water. But gutters and downspouts that carry roof water away from the foundation can reduce the load on a sump pump. Ask providers whether gutter work is part of the estimate or a separate item.
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