Key numbers
18.34 million occupied U.S. homes were built in the 1970s, the most of any single decade bin in RECS 2020 (20.26 million were built before 1950) (U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020).
| 24% | In 2023, improvement spending on U.S. homes built before 1980 was 24% higher than on homes built since 2010, and maintenance spending was 76% higher. Source: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2023 |
|---|---|
| About 0.02 | Without algae growth, asphalt shingle solar reflectance changes by about 0.02 or less over three years; algae staining in humid climates can cut it by up to 0.06. Source: LBNL / Cool Roof Toolkit (abstract), 2012 |
| 6 to 10 | CAPE Analytics found the highest hail loss ratios on homes with roofs just 6 to 10 years old, not the oldest roofs. Source: CAPE Analytics, 2021 |
Here is what a roof replacement is like, told as one homeowner’s story from both sides. It usually runs in this order: a free inspection with photos, your insurance claim if storm damage is involved, the adjuster’s inspection, a written contract and permit, materials delivered, a one- to two-day install, cleanup, and the building department’s final inspection. Donna M., who works in our office, went through it as a homeowner in Fountain, Colorado, on a two-week deadline before her house closed. Her story shows what each step feels like, and what to look for in a roofer.
The homeowner side
In Donna’s words, from her 2020 post (lightly edited):
The 2018 storm and the 2020 sale
After the 2018 storms that hit Fountain, I knew I needed a new roof. We were not leaking and had no holes, but I knew we had damage. Working at a roofing company, I also knew how backed up everyone was after that storm, so I put my roof on hold.
In 2020 we decided to sell. The roof had to be done before closing, or the buyers would struggle to insure the house. We had two weeks.
The insurance step
I expected the insurance part to be the most stressful. I called my insurance company, and within a couple of hours I had an email from the adjuster to set an appointment.
Before the adjuster came, my project manager did his own inspection and documented the damage and the parts the roof would need to be restored. On the day, he arrived first, set ladders at the access points, and handed the adjuster his inspection. The adjuster verified the damage on the roof and wrote the claim summary. Because everything was documented up front, there was no back-and-forth over missing items, and we stayed on schedule. The claim summary and payment came within a couple of days.
Install day
My project manager ordered materials and got us on the schedule. By the end of the week we were set for a Saturday build. He was there when the crew arrived and came back at the end to make sure everything was done right, and that our yard and our neighbors’ were clear of nails and debris.
The professional side: what to check when you hire
Donna’s advice after seeing both sides:
- Research. Read Google reviews and the BBB, and read why any negative reviews were negative.
- Check that they are local. Storm chasers move in after hail and leave when the work dries up. Look for a real local office and a PPRBD license; our Colorado Springs roofing resources page shows how to check.
- Ask who your point of contact is. You want one project manager from inspection to final walkthrough, backed by a customer care team in the office.
- Ask about documentation. Photos of the damage and a clear scope make the claim smoother. The claim stays yours; a good roofer makes sure nothing gets missed in the scope.
- Ask how they inspect. See what a roof inspection covers.
Thinking about a different material while you are at it? Read switching roof materials on a replacement. Not storm-damaged but still thinking about it? See reasons Colorado Springs homeowners replace a roof early.
What other homeowners said
“In my 17 years as a homeowner I have had numerous contractor’s conduct work in and around my home and none of them has impressed me as much as Jeff Arnold at Integrity Roofing. Our roof replacement came with more than its share of adversity as we were in the middle of selling the home and dealing with a material defect warranty issue with the manufacturer from the previous roof installation. Jeff showed a lot of integrity and character in staying the course and keeping me informed at every step. He also went out of his way to reduce our costs and started/completed an outstanding job on time. If you’re in the market for roof repair or replacement, do yourself a favor and call Jeff at Integrity Roofing.” (Gary T.)
“Very pleased with Integrity and will recommend them with confidence. We got several bids for our new roof and we chose them because of their customer service during the process. They were very responsive and seemed to have a solid reputation. They worked with us to schedule and the day after the roof was stocked we had a damaging hail storm. They put the project on hold while we filed an insurance claim and then got back to it. John Babb, the project manager, and the crew were awesome. John was very responsive and continues to be so (6 months later we had some ice dam concerns). The crew did a fantastic job and corrected a few things from the original roof. After the job was done, their cleanup was so good you wouldn’t know they had been here.” (Eric D.)
Start your own replacement
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned, family-run since 1990, and an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Call (719) 488-2800 or book a free Colorado Springs roof inspection; we contact you the same business day. More on the job: Colorado Springs roof replacement.
Sources: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Hail and Disaster Information (licensed contractor and permit, inspection timing).
