Roofing Questions Answered Honestly

The cost of a roof replacement varies based on the size of your roof, the pitch, the shingle product line you choose, and the condition of your decking. Every home is different, which is why we provide a detailed written estimate with every line item explained before any work begins. There are no surprises — call us for a free estimate and we'll give you an honest number specific to your home.

Yes — consistently. A new roof is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make, especially in the Charlotte market where buyers and inspectors pay close attention to roof age and condition. Realtors regularly report that a new roof helps homes sell faster and at higher prices. It also eliminates one of the most common negotiating points buyers use to reduce their offer.

We use EagleView satellite measurement technology to get precise roof dimensions — which means our estimates are accurate from the start. We price by the square (100 sq ft), factoring in materials, underlayment, flashing, decking replacement if needed, labor, cleanup, and permit fees where applicable. Everything is itemized in writing so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Hail damage is often not visible from the ground — and even on the roof it can be easy to miss if you don't know what to look for. The most common signs include: circular dents or bruising where granules have been knocked off the shingle surface, cracked fiberglass mat beneath the shingle, dents on metal components like gutters and flashing, and granules accumulating in your gutters or at the base of downspouts. The safest approach is a professional inspection — we assess at no charge.

The Charlotte metro and surrounding Union County areas see significant hail activity, particularly in spring (March–May) and again in fall. The Carolinas sit in a region meteorologists sometimes call the "Hail Alley of the Southeast." Hail events that produce 1-inch or larger stones — the threshold for insurance-qualifying damage — occur multiple times per year in this region.

First, stay safe — do not go on the roof yourself. Document what you can safely see from the ground with photos. Call M1 Roofing Group to schedule an inspection before you call your insurance company. Why? Because we can document the damage thoroughly in a way that supports your claim. Once we've assessed, we'll walk you through the insurance process step by step.

After major storms, out-of-state roofing crews flood the Charlotte area and move on once work is complete — leaving homeowners with no recourse if something goes wrong. Red flags include: knocking on your door unsolicited right after a storm, out-of-state license plates on their vehicles, asking you to sign paperwork on the spot, offering to waive your deductible (illegal in NC), and no local address or BBB record. M1 Roofing Group is locally owned, BBB A+ accredited since 2010, and has a permanent presence in Indian Trail.

In most cases, yes. Hail and wind damage are covered under standard NC homeowners insurance policies as sudden and accidental losses. Your deductible applies — some policies have a separate wind/hail deductible that is higher than the standard deductible, so it's worth reviewing your policy. We recommend calling us before your insurer so we can document the damage properly first.

Most NC homeowners policies require you to file within 1 year of the date of loss, though some allow up to 3 years. Do not delay — water intrusion from storm damage compounds quickly and insurers can use a delayed claim as justification for denial. If you're unsure whether your roof has damage, schedule a free inspection with us now. There is no cost and no obligation.

We will meet your adjuster on-site and walk the roof together with our documentation. Adjusters are not infallible — they sometimes miss damage, especially subtle hail bruising. If we disagree with their assessment, we can help you request a re-inspection or refer you to a licensed public adjuster. We have helped many Charlotte-area homeowners successfully appeal initial denials.

Filing a weather-related claim (hail, wind) typically has less impact on your premium than a liability claim. However, this depends on your insurer, your claim history, and your specific policy. We recommend calling your insurance agent to understand your situation before filing. What we can tell you is that ignoring real storm damage almost always leads to bigger and more expensive problems.

Call us first. We will assess and document the damage before the adjuster visit — which gives you a much stronger claim. If you call your insurer first, they may send an adjuster before the damage is properly documented. Our assessment is free and there is no obligation to use M1 for the replacement.

Most residential replacements are completed in a single day. Larger roofs, complex roof lines with multiple valleys and penetrations, or roofs requiring significant decking replacement may take two days. We give you a confirmed schedule before work begins and keep you informed throughout the process.

Our crew arrives early and begins by protecting your landscaping and property with tarps. We complete a full tear-off of all existing shingles and underlayment, inspect and replace any damaged decking, install ice and water shield in vulnerable areas, install synthetic underlayment, install new shingles from bottom to top, replace all flashing, install ridge cap, and complete a full site cleanup including a magnetic sweep for nails. You will be asked to walk around with us at the end so we can confirm you're satisfied.

Yes, where required. Permit requirements vary by municipality and county in the Charlotte area. We handle all required permits through the appropriate building department. A permitted replacement is important for your records — especially when selling your home or making an insurance claim in the future. Be cautious of contractors who suggest skipping permits to save money.

In Charlotte's climate, roofing can be done year-round. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to mild temperatures. Summer is hot but manageable. Winter installations are possible and shingles seal properly once temperatures rise. The best time is honestly whenever your roof needs it — waiting to time the season rarely makes financial sense if damage is already present.

You do not need to be home during the work, but we do ask that someone be available at the end of the day for a walkthrough. If you cannot be present, we will document the completed work with photos and walk through everything on a follow-up call. We ask that you or a trusted person is available to let us know about any concerns before we leave the property.

We are CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator and ShingleMaster certified — the highest level of CertainTeed certification available. We install CertainTeed shingles exclusively, giving us unmatched expertise with the product. Most homeowners in the Charlotte area choose CertainTeed Landmark or Landmark Pro as an excellent balance of performance, warranty, and value. We will walk you through the options and help you choose what makes sense for your home and budget.

Standard 3-tab shingles typically last 15–20 years. Architectural (dimensional) shingles like CertainTeed Landmark are rated for 30 years and typically perform well for 25–30 years in the Charlotte climate. Premium shingles like Landmark Premium or TL are rated for 50 years. Charlotte's heat, humidity, and periodic hail and wind events accelerate wear compared to milder climates, so higher-quality shingles are a worthwhile investment here.

Architectural (also called dimensional or laminate) shingles have multiple layers bonded together, giving them a three-dimensional look that mimics wood shake or slate. They are significantly more durable than basic 3-tab shingles, carry longer warranties, and look considerably better. The cost difference over 3-tab is relatively small — usually a few hundred dollars on a full replacement. In our experience, they are almost always worth it.

The most popular choices we see in the Charlotte and Union County area are CertainTeed Moire Black, Pewter Gray, Colonial Slate, and Weathered Wood. Dark charcoals look sharp on brick homes, while warm grays and weathered tones work well on vinyl and Hardiplank siding. Browse our full CertainTeed Shingle Color Gallery to see all available colors, or view our Project Gallery to see how different shingles look on real homes we've completed in the area.

Ice and water shield is a self-adhering waterproof membrane applied to vulnerable areas of the roof — typically eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. While NC doesn't experience the ice dams of northern states, ice and water shield provides excellent protection against wind-driven rain — a very real concern in Charlotte. We install it in all valleys and eaves on every replacement we do.

Yes. M1 Roofing Group holds NC General Contractor License #71080. We are also BBB A+ accredited since September 2010 with zero complaints on file.

CertainTeed's Master Shingle Applicator designation is their highest contractor certification — awarded only to contractors who meet strict installation standards, carry adequate insurance, and maintain a proven track record. M1 Roofing Group holds both the Master Shingle Applicator and ShingleMaster certifications. This matters because CertainTeed's strongest warranty coverage — including the SureStart PLUS warranty — is only available when installed by a certified contractor like M1.

Our 5-year workmanship warranty covers any defect in our installation — including improper nailing, inadequate flashing, valley issues, or any other workmanship-related problem that causes a leak or failure. It is separate from and in addition to the shingle manufacturer's material warranty. If something goes wrong with our work within 5 years, we come back and make it right at no cost.

CertainTeed Landmark shingles carry a Lifetime (50-year) limited warranty on the shingles themselves, covering manufacturing defects. When installed by a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator like M1 Roofing Group, you are also eligible for the SureStart PLUS warranty which provides enhanced coverage in the early years. Warranty terms vary by product line — we will walk you through the specifics of whatever product you choose.

No — storm damage (hail, wind) is an external event and does not void the manufacturer's warranty on the shingles themselves. However, storm damage claims go through your homeowners insurance, not the shingle manufacturer. The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the shingle product, while your insurance covers physical damage from weather events. Both can be in play simultaneously.