5 Asphalt Shingle Roofing Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Pro

Don’t raise the roof until you can answer these questions

blue house with asphalt shingle roof
Photo: Rattanachat / Adobe Stock
blue house with asphalt shingle roof
Photo: Rattanachat / Adobe Stock
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

A damaged or worn-out roof doesn’t just affect your home’s looks; it also puts you at risk of leaks, mold, water damage, and other costly issues. So, if your shingles have seen better days, you’ll want to contact a roofing professional to talk about replacing them or installing a new roof. But before you do, it helps to understand the types of questions a contractor will ask during your initial meeting. Here are some of the most common roof replacement questions to expect from a pro.

What’s the Current Condition of Your Roof?

When hiring a roofer, one of the first things you’ll discuss is the current condition of your roof—a major factor in determining the scope of your project. 

As you might expect, installing an entirely new roof will take longer (and cost more) than a partial roof replacement. This is due to several factors, including the additional costs of materials, disposal, and labor.

What Type of Asphalt Shingles Do You Want? 

You’ve already decided to get asphalt shingles, but do you know which type you’d like? If not, your contractor can walk you through the different kinds of asphalt shingles and help you choose the best option for your budget and aesthetic preferences.

What’s the Approximate Height and Pitch of Your Roof?

Your contractor may also ask about the height and pitch of your roof, which can also impact the project price and timeline. Installing or replacing a roof on taller homes often requires more labor, resulting in increased costs. Similarly, steeper roof slopes require more materials than lower-pitched roofs, which also bumps up costs.

When Do You Need This Work Done?

Once the work begins, the time it takes to replace a roof is generally between one and three days. However, getting a roofing crew to your home may take longer during fall and spring, which are typically the busiest times for roof replacements. Due to the higher demand, these seasons also tend to be the most expensive times to install or replace your roof.

The urgency of your project can also affect your costs. If you need an emergency roof replacement (for example, if your roof was damaged during severe weather), you can expect to pay more than you would for a regular installation or replacement.

What Is Your Budget?

Even when you choose asphalt (one of the more affordable roofing materials), a new roof is still a significant investment. On average, installing an asphalt shingle roof costs between $5,800 and $20,000. Your overall cost will vary depending on multiple factors, including the roof size, local labor rates, and permit costs.

Keep in mind: If a storm or natural disaster caused your roof damage, your homeowners insurance may pay for a roof replacement. It’s worth confirming this with your insurance company ahead of time because this can have a major impact on your budget.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to roofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Roofing contractor installing roof underlayment replacement
May 22, 2025
May 22, 2025
Knowing your home's roof underlayment replacement cost can help estimate the cost of roof replacement. Learn about the factors that affect prices.
A chocolate coloured fascia board
May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025
Repairing your home’s soffit and fascia will help prevent water damage and protect your home. Learn how much soffit and fascia repair costs.
Backyard view of a house.
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Roof repairs are often urgent to avoid further damage to your home. Your roof shingle repair cost will depend on the size and type of repair necessary.
Man finishing up work on roof.
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Choosing the right roofer is as crucial as choosing the right roof type for your home. Here are some tips to help find the most reputable local contractor.
Luxury cedar cabin home with large deck
May 22, 2025
May 22, 2025
Understanding how to calculate roof pitch is an excellent tool for estimating roofing materials and costs when building or remodeling your home.
Man in red shirt repairing roof
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
If you’re doing a roofing project, you may wonder: how long can roof underlayment be exposed? You should cover exposed underlayment as quickly as possible to avoid damage to the roof and home.