Replacing your roof is a bigger decision than making a repair. Before recommending a replacement, the first question is simple: Does your roof actually need one, or can it still be repaired?
Below, we explain the signs that may point to a replacement, what happens during the process, and why replacing your roof can also be a good time to consider a FORTIFIED upgrade.
Part of our Residential Roofing services.
The existing roofing materials are removed down to the roof deck.
Once the old roof is removed, we inspect the plywood or OSB decking underneath. Any damaged sections can be identified and replaced before the new roof is installed. This is also the stage where certain FORTIFIED upgrades can be completed because the roof deck is exposed.
The roof deck is covered with protective materials before the new roof is installed. This can include ice-and-water protection around areas such as eaves and valleys, along with synthetic underlayment across the rest of the roof.
Your new roofing material is installed using the correct installation methods and fastening requirements for that specific roofing system. This may include shingles, metal, slate, tile, or cedar shake.
Flashing helps protect areas where water is more likely to enter, including around chimneys, skylights, and areas where the roof meets a wall. We also address ridge and attic ventilation when needed. Visit our Roofing Accessories page to learn more about these roofing components.
Once the work is complete, the old roofing materials and debris are removed. The property is cleaned up, including a magnetic sweep to collect roofing nails.
A full roof replacement is one of the best times to consider a FORTIFIED upgrade because the roof deck is already exposed.
FORTIFIED improvements can include:
Adding these improvements during a roof replacement is usually easier and less disruptive than trying to add them later.
Under Louisiana Regulation 136, effective for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, homeowners with a FORTIFIED designation may qualify for a hurricane insurance premium discount. Homes in south Louisiana may qualify for the highest available discount tier.
If you are already replacing your roof, this can be a good time to ask whether a FORTIFIED upgrade makes sense for your home.
We offer 0% interest and no-money-down plans for qualified homeowners. You can start now instead of waiting until you have the full amount saved up.
If your replacement is from storm damage, we handle the paperwork your insurance adjuster needs. We stay with you from the first look at the damage until the insurance company pays. See our Louisiana Roof Insurance Claims page for more on how that works.
We handle the permit for you, so this isn’t something you need to figure out yourself.
If you’re replacing 50% or more of your roof, you need a permit. It’s called a Residential Re-Roofing Permit. You get it from the Jefferson Parish Department of Building Permits. Almost every full roof replacement needs this permit. It costs $50 and you apply online through MGO Connect. The work must follow the 2021 International Residential Code.
If you do the work yourself, you’ll need to sign a form at a notary. The form says you don’t need a contractor’s license because you own the home. If a contractor does the work instead, they need a real Louisiana roofing license.
One thing to know: this permit rule is for Metairie and other areas without their own city government. Other cities in the parish have their own permit offices and rules.
Most roof replacements take one to three days, start to finish. It depends on the size of your roof, the material, and the weather. And in Louisiana, the weather can always change the schedule.
Not sure whether your roof needs a repair or a full replacement? A free inspection can help you understand the condition of your roof and what options are available. We will explain what we find and help you make an informed decision about your home.
