Start With an Honest Assessment of Your Roof
Before you spend a dollar, figure out whether you actually need a full replacement or whether a repair will do. A few missing shingles after a windstorm is a repair. Widespread granule loss, curling or cupping shingles, multiple leaks, daylight visible in the attic, or a roof that's simply at the end of its rated life are signs you're shopping for a replacement.
In the Inland Northwest, age alone isn't the whole story. Heavy snow loads, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and ice dams age a roof faster than the manufacturer's lab rating assumes. A 3-tab asphalt roof rated for 20-25 years often shows real wear by year 15-18 in our climate. Walk your property after storms and note what you see: piles of granules at the downspouts, shingles in the yard, or dark staining along the eaves where ice has backed water up under the shingles.
- Check the attic for water stains, daylight, sagging decking, and damp or compressed insulation.
- Check the ceilings inside for brown rings or bubbling paint.
- Photograph everything so you have a record to show estimators and your insurer.
Decide Whether to Involve Insurance
If your roof was damaged by a specific storm event, hail, or wind, your homeowner's policy may cover replacement. If the roof simply wore out over time, that's normal maintenance and won't be covered. Knowing the difference up front saves you frustration.
If you think you have a storm claim, document the damage with dated photos before anyone touches the roof, then call your insurer to start a claim. A reputable local roofer can meet your adjuster on site to make sure nothing gets missed. Be cautious of anyone who knocks on your door after a storm promising to "handle the whole claim" and waive your deductible. Waiving deductibles is illegal in Washington, and high-pressure storm-chasers often disappear long before any warranty matters.
Choose the Right Roofing Material for Our Climate
Material choice affects price, lifespan, and how well your roof handles snow and ice. The most common choices here are architectural asphalt shingles and metal.
- Architectural (laminate) asphalt shingles: the most popular option. Better wind resistance and a longer life than old 3-tab shingles, with a wide range of colors. A practical, budget-friendly choice for most homes.
- Metal roofing: excellent for shedding snow and resisting ice dams, very long-lived, and low maintenance. It costs more up front but can be the last roof you ever buy. See our metal roofing options if you're weighing the trade-offs.
Whatever you choose, the system matters as much as the shingle. Proper underlayment, ice-and-water shield along the eaves and valleys, adequate attic ventilation, and quality flashing are what actually keep our snow and freeze-thaw cycles from finding their way inside.
Vet Your Contractor Carefully
This is the single most important step on the checklist. The quality of the installation matters more than the brand of shingle. Take your time here.
- Verify licensing and insurance in both Washington and Idaho if you're near the state line. Ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation, not just a license number.
- Confirm manufacturer credentials. Top certifications like GAF Master Elite are held by a small fraction of roofers (roughly the top 2-3 percent) because they require proven experience, proper licensing, and a track record. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, DG Contracting can offer extended manufacturer warranties most roofers cannot.
- Read recent reviews and ask for local references and addresses you can drive past.
- Favor established local companies. A family-owned business that's been serving Spokane and Coeur d'Alene for years will still be here when you need warranty work.
When you're ready, you can request a free estimate and compare it against the points below.
Compare Estimates Apples to Apples
The cheapest bid is rarely the best value, and the most expensive isn't automatically the safest. Get at least two or three written estimates and read them line by line. A vague one-line quote is a red flag.
A complete estimate should spell out the shingle brand and line, underlayment, ice-and-water shield coverage, flashing, ventilation, the number of layers being torn off, decking inspection and replacement pricing, cleanup, and the warranty terms. If one bid is dramatically lower, ask what it leaves out, it's usually ice-and-water shield, ventilation, or decking allowances.
- Ask about decking. Rotten plywood often hides under old shingles. A fair contract states a per-sheet price so you're not surprised mid-project.
- Ask about extras. Some replacements include perks, for example, DG Contracting includes up to a 15-25 year workmanship warranty with a roof replacement.
Understand the Warranty and the Contract
There are two warranties on a new roof, and they are not the same thing. The manufacturer's warranty covers the materials. The workmanship warranty covers the installation, which is where the majority of leaks actually originate. A great material warranty means little if the labor warranty is thin.
Look for a substantial workmanship warranty backed by a company likely to stay in business. DG Contracting offers a 15-25 year workmanship warranty and, through GAF, the Golden Pledge warranty with coverage up to 25-50 years on qualifying systems. Before you sign, confirm the contract includes the full scope of work, the material specifications, the start and completion window, the payment schedule, and lien-release terms. Be wary of any contractor asking for a large deposit before materials arrive.
Prepare Your Home for Installation Day
A roof replacement is loud, busy, and usually wrapped up in one to three days for an average home, weather permitting. A little prep makes it go smoothly and protects your belongings.
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the work zone so crews can stage materials and the dumpster.
- Clear the attic and garage of anything fragile near the ceiling, vibration can knock things loose.
- Take down wall hangings and shelves on upper floors.
- Protect landscaping and patio furniture, or ask the crew to cover specific plants.
- Plan for pets and kids, the noise and falling debris make the yard off-limits during work hours.
For our climate, schedule when you can. Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable installation weather, though a good crew can work into the colder months when needed. If your roof is leaking now, don't wait, water damage compounds quickly.
Inspect and Close Out the Project
Don't consider the job done until you've walked it. After the crew finishes, do a final review before the last payment.
- Magnet sweep: confirm the crew ran a magnetic roller over the yard and driveway to collect stray nails.
- Visual check: from the ground, look for straight, even shingle lines, clean flashing around chimneys and vents, and tidy ridge caps.
- Gutters and grounds: make sure gutters are clear and the property is back to normal.
- Paperwork: collect your written warranties, the manufacturer registration, the final invoice, and any permit close-out documents.
Keep all of it in one folder. You'll want it if you ever file a claim or sell the home, a documented, professionally installed roof is a strong selling point.