Roof replacement in Jacksonville: securing your home against coastal weather

A new roof is the most important investment you will make for your home's safety.

Living on the coast brings a specific set of challenges for any homeowner. You deal with high humidity, intense sun, salt spray, and the seasonal threat of hurricanes and tropical storms. Your roof is the first line of defense against these elements. Over time, shingles become brittle, granules wash away, and adhesive seals fail. While repairs can extend the life of a roof for a short period, there comes a point where a full replacement is the only responsible option to protect the structure of your house. Ignoring the warning signs often leads to much more expensive damage inside your walls and ceilings.

We understand that replacing a roof is a major decision and a significant expense. It is not something you want to do twice. That is why Smith Roofing and Restoration focuses on installing complete roofing systems designed specifically for the coastal North Carolina environment. We do not just nail down new shingles and drive away. We build a waterproof barrier that accounts for wind driven rain and ventilation needs. Our goal is to provide you with a durable, high performance roof that gives you peace of mind every time the wind picks up or the sky turns dark.

What actually goes into a full roof replacement?

Many homeowners assume a replacement just means swapping out the visible shingles. However, a true roof replacement involves stripping the entire structure down to the deck. We remove every layer of old material including felt, shingles, and existing flashings. This is the only way to get a clear picture of the wood underneath. Layering new shingles over old ones is a shortcut that traps heat and moisture, shortens the lifespan of the new materials, and often voids manufacturer warranties.

Once the deck is exposed, we rebuild the system from the bottom up using components that work together. We install high grade ice and water shields in the valleys and eaves where leaks are most likely to occur. We use synthetic underlayment which is stronger and more breathable than traditional felt paper. When we install the shingles, we follow strict nailing patterns required for high wind zones. This technical attention to detail ensures your roof stays put during storms and properly ventilates heat during our hot summers.

The hidden danger of wood rot and moisture

The biggest issue we find when tearing off old roofs in Jacksonville and New Bern is hidden water damage. Small leaks that went unnoticed for years often rot the plywood decking underneath. Because of our humid climate, this rot can spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of your roof. If a roofer simply nails new shingles over soft or rotted wood, those nails will not hold. The first strong wind will rip the shingles right off because the foundation they are attached to is weak.

Our replacement process includes a thorough inspection of your decking. We physically walk and test the wood to identify soft spots. We replace any damaged plywood with new, fresh sheets before we even think about installing the underlayment. This ensures that your new roof has a solid, secure base to grip onto. We also inspect your attic ventilation. A roof that cannot breathe will cook the shingles from the underside and cause the wood to warp. We correct these issues during the installation to ensure your home stays cooler and your roof lasts longer.

Our step by step guide to a roof replacement

We believe you should know exactly what is happening at your home. We follow a strict process to ensure quality and cleanliness throughout the project.

Property protection and prep. Before we touch the roof, we protect your home. We cover landscaping, move outdoor furniture, and place tarps to catch falling debris. We treat your property with respect from the moment we arrive.
Tear off and removal. We remove all old roofing materials down to the wooden deck. We haul this debris away immediately using our dump trailers so your yard does not look like a landfill.
Deck inspection and repair. We check every sheet of plywood for rot or delamination. We replace any compromised wood to ensure a solid nailing surface for the new system.
Waterproofing installation. We install a self sealing ice and water shield in critical areas like valleys and around penetrations. We then cover the rest of the roof with high performance synthetic underlayment.
Shingle installation. We install your chosen shingles using six nails per shingle rather than the standard four. This is crucial for meeting coastal wind code requirements and ensuring the warranty is valid.
Flashing and details. We install new metal flashing around chimneys, walls, and plumbing vents. These are the most common leak points so we take extra care to seal them correctly.
Final cleanup and magnet sweep. We blow off the roof and clean the gutters. Then we run strong magnets over your yard, driveway, and flower beds to pick up any stray nails so your family and pets are safe.

Who needs a complete replacement?

We recommend a full replacement in several specific scenarios where repairs are no longer cost effective or safe.

Owners of aging homes. If your asphalt shingle roof is approaching 20 years old, the materials have likely lost their flexibility and granule coating. A replacement prevents inevitable failure.
Storm damage victims. If a recent storm has caused widespread damage, missing shingles, or creases from wind lift, a full replacement is often required. We assist with the insurance process to handle this.
Home sellers. A new roof significantly increases curb appeal and property value. It removes a major negotiation point for buyers and helps the home sell faster.
New homeowners. If you just bought a home and the inspection revealed the roof is near the end of its life, replacing it now gives you decades of worry free living.

Let us secure your home for the future

Your home is your most valuable asset and it deserves the best protection available. Don't wait until water is dripping into your living room to make a decision. Smith Roofing and Restoration brings five years of specialized experience and a background in major construction to every job. We provide honest assessments, fair pricing, and craftsmanship that stands up to the North Carolina coast. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and let us show you what a quality roof replacement looks like.

Questions and answers

Common questions about roof replacements

Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.

For most homeowners, architectural asphalt shingles are the best balance of cost and performance. They are rated for high winds and resist impact better than older three tab shingles. If budget allows, metal roofing offers superior wind resistance and longevity, making it an excellent choice for homes closer to the water.
Standard steel can rust if not properly treated. For coastal homes, we recommend aluminum roofing or steel with a high quality Galvalume coating. We also use stainless steel screws and fasteners to prevent rust streaks and failure points that happen with cheaper hardware.
A properly installed architectural shingle roof typically lasts between 20 and 25 years depending on weather severity. Metal roofs can last 50 years or more. Proper ventilation and regular maintenance are key factors in getting the maximum lifespan out of any roofing system.
Yes. We provide a workmanship warranty that covers our installation labor. Additionally, because we use certified materials from major manufacturers, your roof will come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in the shingles or metal panels themselves.

Yes. Our background involves working with large construction companies and we understand the insurance process inside and out. We can document storm damage, provide detailed reports, and meet with your adjuster to ensure the scope of work covers everything your home needs.
Most residential roof replacements are completed in one to two days. Factors like the size of the roof, the steepness of the pitch, and the amount of decking that needs to be replaced can affect the timeline. We will give you a clear schedule before we start.
You do not need to be home for the entire process. We just need access to your driveway for our dump trailer and access to an exterior power outlet. We do recommend keeping children and pets inside while we are working for their safety.
It is very common to find some rot once we tear off the old shingles. We inspect the decking thoroughly. If we find damage, we will document it with photos and replace the rotten wood at a set price per sheet which is outlined in your initial contract so there are no surprises.