Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a roof cost?

 Your roof cost is subject to many variables. Things like size, the pitch of slope, quality of material etc. We will be happy to estimate the cost of your roof for you quickly and accurately.

Why should you choose 1st Choice to replace your roof?

While there are many roofing contractors in St. Louis area to choose from, We feel none have the same combination of value, quality products, outstanding workmanship and high level of service.

Do you use sub contractors?

We choose to use sub contractors for a few reasons such as capability. Because we have developed a large network of labor, we can get your roof completed quickly and properly even during times of heavy workflow. Each and every project is inspected once complete to insure adherence to manufacturer’s installation guidelines as well as our own workmanship requirements.

How long does it take to get a roof replaced?

 In most cases without an insurance claim, we would give a schedule of 7-10 working days. With an insurance claim, we usually keep a similar work schedule but we end up collecting final payment 30-45 days from the initial meeting. Most roofs take 1-2 days to complete and we never tear off more than we can put back on in the same day.

How well will you clean up and will you protect our shrubs,flowers and landscaping?

 In rare cases, we will build protection around small trees and or shrubs while tarping and covering most other items in areas that tear off is likely to land. We will leave solid surfaces broom clean and roll magnets to pick up stray nails. Your safety is of the utmost importance so we work extra hard to be sure we have cleaned up as much as possible.

What kind of downpayment, if any, is required?

 We typically ask for ½ down at the time of signing the agreement. We will, however, accept this down payment once rep, however, if it makes the customer feel better. You will be invoiced for the remainder of the balance due upon completion of the project.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes we accept all major credit cards but the fees are not built into our pricing and you will, therefore, be charged an additional 3.5% fee to use a credit card.

What is your workmanship warranty term?

While our basic workmanship warranty is 5 years, some materials and situations will allow us to extend the workmanship warranty to 15 years. Unlike most roofing companies our warranties are also transferable.

What happens to the roofing materials that are removed from our roof?

We often recycle roofing materials to be used in road surfacing and other projects where fill and other inert materials are needed for construction, Manufacturing etc.

Can you replace a roof in the winter?

Yes, we look for a minimum high temp for the day to reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit at least. We can go a little below if the sun is bright overhead as it will warm the shingles to the appropriate temperature. We are responsible for installation and workmanship so we would not attempt a replacement if we were not sure of a solid seal within 72 hours of installation.

How do I tell if my roof should be repaired or completely replaced?

Most often this is determined by the quality of material and installation of this material. As a general rule we try to repair and maintain the existing roof if possible. When we are unable to properly remove existing materials and replace with new for repair purposes, then it becomes necessary to replace all areas. We are pretty good at estimating the remaining life of your roof.

How long is your workmanship warranty and what does it cover?

We will warranty your new roof for at least 5 years to be free from defects in workmanship and may extend this to 15 years in some cases. If you have an issue that is caused by improper installation or workmanship we will cover all related costs given we are allowed to correct these ourselves.

What is your service area?

We service St. Louis County, City and surrounding communities for approximately 50 miles in each direction, Including Illinois.

Insurance Claims

Will filing an insurance claim hurt my rates?

The short answer is no, although if you have multiple claims in a short time period it can reflect negatively at time of renewal.

Should I call my insurance company when my roof leaks?

Depends on the severity, if you have a small leak we can usually diagnose and repair most leaks for less than a deductible. This is important because as discussed earlier you can keep the amount of claims on your record to a minimum so that when you need to file a serious weather related claim it will not affect your premiums.

How long will it take to get my roof replaced if I have an insurance claim?

We typically install roofs 7-10 working days after we have reached an agreed price with the insurance carrier.

Do I need emergency or temporary repairs due to storm damage?

If you have leaks and can visually see missing shingles or tree related damage on your roof then yes. The customers as well as the insurance company have a responsibility to mitigate further damage and usually the insurance carrier will pay to tarp or repair the roof until such time as an adjuster can visually see the damage and document it. We would photograph the damage prior to temporary repairs being completed so that the tarp or other repairs can remain in place until permanent repairs are completed.