What's Included in a Full Roof Replacement
No partial jobs, no skipped steps. Here's exactly what happens when Great American Roofing replaces your roof from start to finish.
Free Roof Inspection
We get on your roof — not just walk around the yard. Shane personally inspects every section, valley, flashing point, and soffit. We document what we find, photograph damage, and give you a written assessment with no obligation.
Material Selection & Written Estimate
We present material options appropriate for your roof — pitch, climate zone, and budget all factor in. You'll get a line-item written estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for. No bait-and-switch pricing on installation day.
Complete Tear-Off
Full removal of existing shingles, underlayment, and flashings. We never shingle over an existing layer — it voids most manufacturer warranties and masks underlying problems. Every job starts clean.
Decking Inspection & Repair
Once the old roof is off, we inspect the decking (sheathing) for rot, soft spots, and structural damage. Any damaged boards are replaced before anything is installed on top. You're notified and the cost is addressed transparently — no surprise charges buried in the final invoice.
Underlayment Installation
High-quality felt or synthetic underlayment is installed across the entire deck as a secondary water barrier. Ice and water shield is applied at eaves, valleys, and penetration points — especially critical in Greater Cincinnati winters.
Shingles, Flashings & Ridge Cap
New shingles are installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications (critical for warranty validity). All flashings — step, counter, pipe boots, and chimney — are replaced with new material. Then we do what most roofers skip: we solder them. Rather than sealing flashing joints with caulk or lap cement, Shane uses an old-school tin man technique — soldering metal to metal at every critical junction for a permanent, waterproof bond that doesn't crack, shrink, or fail over time. A full ridge cap system seals the peak and improves ventilation.
Site Cleanup & Final Inspection
We run a magnet through the yard to collect nails, bag and haul all debris, and do a final visual inspection of the finished roof. Shane walks the job before leaving. You'll get documentation of the completed work and warranty information.
Free Roof Inspection
We'll get on your roof, assess the full condition, and give you a written estimate — no pressure, no obligation.
Schedule Free Inspection Online Call (513) 886-5730Roofing Systems We Install
We spec the right material for your roof — not the cheapest option. Here are the primary systems we install and the right application for each.
Architectural Shingles (30-Year)
The right choice for most residential roofs in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. Architectural (dimensional) shingles offer significantly better wind resistance, aesthetics, and longevity than 3-tab shingles at a modest price difference. Most of our residential replacements use this system.
- 30-year manufacturer warranty (material)
- Wind resistance rated to 130 mph
- Wide color palette to match any home exterior
- Available in multiple weight classes
- Best for pitches 4:12 and above
Impact-Resistant Shingles (Class 4)
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are engineered to withstand significant hail without cracking or granule loss. Most insurance companies offer discounts for Class 4 installations — in some cases the annual savings offset the upgrade cost within a few years.
- Class 4 impact rating (highest available)
- Potential insurance rate reduction
- Enhanced granule adhesion — longer service life
- Ideal for storm-prone areas of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
- Same visual appearance as standard architectural
Metal Roofing Systems
Standing seam and metal shingle systems offer 40–70 year service life with minimal maintenance. Higher upfront cost is offset over time for homeowners planning to stay long-term. We install both concealed-fastener standing seam and exposed-fastener metal panels.
- 40–70 year service life
- Virtually maintenance-free once installed
- Excellent for low-to-moderate pitch roofs
- Energy-efficient — reflects radiant heat
- Available in steel, aluminum, and copper
Flat & Low-Slope Systems (TPO / Modified Bitumen)
For flat or low-slope residential and commercial applications, we install TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) single-ply membrane and modified bitumen systems. TPO is the current industry standard for most flat roofing — heat-welded seams create a fully monolithic waterproof membrane.
- TPO: heat-welded seams, no adhesive failure risk
- Modified bitumen: torch-applied, highly durable
- Required for pitches below 2:12
- Insulation board upgrade available for energy efficiency
- 15–20 year manufacturer warranties available
Day of Installation: Hour by Hour
Most residential replacements are complete in a single day. Here's what a typical day looks like from first arrival to final inspection.
Team Arrival & Site Setup
The team arrives, introduces themselves, and protects landscaping and HVAC units with tarps. Dumpster or disposal trailer is positioned. Magnetic sweep equipment staged for end-of-day cleanup.
Complete Tear-Off
Full removal of existing roofing materials — shingles, underlayment, and old flashings. All debris is collected and removed from the roof. Decking is exposed for inspection.
Decking Inspection
Every board is inspected for rot, soft spots, and structural integrity. Any problematic sections are marked and you're notified before repairs begin. Damaged areas are re-sheeted with OSB or plywood matching the existing thickness.
Underlayment & Ice & Water Shield
Ice and water shield is rolled and pressed at all eaves, valleys, and penetrations. Synthetic or felt underlayment is applied across the full deck as a secondary weather barrier.
Shingle Installation & Flashings
New shingles are installed per manufacturer specs (critical for warranty). All step flashing, pipe boots, and chimney counter-flashing are replaced with new material. Ridge vent and cap are installed last.
Cleanup & Final Inspection
Full site cleanup — magnetic sweep of yard and driveway, all debris loaded and removed. Shane does a final walk of the finished roof. You're walked through what was done and given warranty documentation before the job is signed off.
WEATHER NOTE: We monitor forecasts closely. If significant rain is expected during installation, we will reschedule to protect your home. We never leave an open roof overnight without proper protection.
We Solder Our Flashings. Most Roofers Don’t.
The most common cause of roof leaks isn’t shingle failure — it’s flashing failure. Valleys, chimneys, pipe boots, skylights, and wall junctions: these are the points where water concentrates and where most roofs eventually leak. And in the vast majority of modern roofs, these critical joints are sealed with nothing more than a bead of caulk or lap sealant.
Caulk cracks. Sealant shrinks. UV exposure, thermal cycling, and decades of freeze-thaw wear them out. Most flashing sealants have a functional service life of 5–10 years — which means on a 30-year roof, you’re looking at multiple re-sealing cycles before the shingles even approach end of life. And most homeowners never know those joints need attention until water shows up on the ceiling.
Shane solders flashings. It’s an old tin man craft that most modern roofers have never learned and most roofing companies don’t offer. Soldering creates a permanent metal-to-metal bond — same material, fused together. There’s no adhesive to degrade, no gap to form, no maintenance cycle. When it’s done right, it’s done for the life of the roof.
This is one of the most meaningful differences between a Great American Roofing installation and a typical modern roof job. It takes more skill and more time. We do it anyway.
Flashing Points We Solder
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Valley FlashingsWhere two roof planes intersect — the highest water concentration point on any roof. Soldered valleys don’t leak.
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Chimney Counterflashing & Step FlashingThe #1 source of interior water intrusion. Soldering the step-to-counter joint eliminates the failure point responsible for most chimney leaks.
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Pipe Boot FlashingsEvery pipe penetration through the deck. Boot flanges soldered to the base flashing for a single-piece, permanent seal.
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Skylight Perimeters & Wall JunctionsNotoriously difficult flashing geometry. Soldering eliminates the multi-piece sealant joints that other roofers rely on at these points.
Sealant vs. Soldering
Standard (caulk/sealant)
- ✗ Fails in 5–10 years
- ✗ Needs periodic re-caulking
- ✗ Cracks under thermal cycling
- ✗ UV degradation over time
Soldered (Great American)
- ✓ Permanent metal bond
- ✓ No maintenance required
- ✓ Lasts the life of the roof
- ✓ Rare skill — most teams can’t do it
See Our Soldering Work
Real photos from real jobs. Every one of these flashings is hand-soldered — metal to metal, no caulk, no shortcuts.
0–5% Interest. Up to 15 Years.
A new roof doesn't have to break the bank. We offer financing options that make it possible to replace your roof now — and pay over time on your schedule. Most approvals take minutes. No money down for qualified buyers.
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Ready for a New Roof?
Free inspection, written estimate, no pressure. Call or request online — we'll schedule at your convenience.