Top Roof Replacement & Installation in Rochester, New York Ranked

A new roof is one of the most significant investments you can make in your Rochester home, serving as the primary shield against the region's demanding weather. Whether you're facing damage from a recent storm, dealing with persistent leaks, or simply planning for a necessary upgrade, understanding the local specifics of roof installation is crucial. This guide provides detailed information on materials, costs, timelines, and climate considerations to help you navigate the process of securing a durable and reliable roofing system for your property.

Daniel Roofing

537 Deer Haven Dr, Webster, NY 14580

Daniel Roofing is a family-owned roofing contractor based in Rochester, NY, specializing in roof replacement, repair, inspection, and gutter replacement for both residential and commercial properties. With over 20 years of experience, they handle projects ranging from small sheds to large commercial buildings, focusing on efficient completion often within a day or two. Their services include full roof tear-offs, installation of ridge and soffit vents, and targeted repairs to extend roof life. Daniel Roofing is fully insured and uses products backed by lifetime warranties.

5.0

177 Reviews

Capital City Contractor Corp

639 Ave D, Rochester, NY 14621

Capital City Contractor Corp is a roofing contractor based in Rochester, NY, offering roof installation, replacement, and leak repair services. With over 8 years of experience, they provide residential and commercial roofing solutions backed by a 50-year GAF System Plus Warranty, ensuring long-lasting protection. Their team is skilled in handling complex roof repairs and full replacements, including slate roof removal and installation. Capital City Contractor Corp is committed to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction in the Rochester area.

5.0

125 Reviews

Long Construction NY LLC

2075 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14615

Long Construction NY LLC is a family-owned roofing and construction company based in Rochester, NY. They provide residential and commercial roofing installation, replacement, and repair services, specializing in asphalt shingle roofing. Their offerings also include siding installation and repair, seamless gutter installation and repair, custom window solutions, door installation, and storm damage repairs. The company emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail, backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty. With over a decade of experience, Long Construction NY LLC is known for handling projects from damage assessment through completion, including insurance claim assistance.

4.9

556 Reviews

JAYK Contractor Roofing

900 N Greece Rd, Rochester, NY 14626

JAYK Contractor Roofing is a roofing company based in Rochester, NY, serving the Northern New York area. Since 2012, they have provided roofing installation, replacement, and repair services including shingle, metal, and EPDM TPO roofing. Their capabilities include roof leak repair, roof inspections, and roof certification. The company is known for completing roof replacements efficiently, often within a single day, and they use high-quality materials. JAYK Contractor Roofing also offers gutter installation and chimney waterproofing services.

5.0

98 Reviews

Giordano Roof Replacement & Roof Restoration

115 Fairfax Rd, Rochester, NY 14609

Giordano Roof Replacement & Roof Restoration is a family-owned roofing company serving Rochester, NY, and the surrounding Monroe County area. Established in 1922, they provide a range of roofing services including roof replacement, roof repair, roof inspections, and ice dam removal. The company specializes in various roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, torch down, modified bitumen, and self-adhesive roofing, with capabilities for flat and low-slope roofs. They also offer gutter installation and repair services using materials like copper, galvanized steel, painted steel, and aluminum. Giordano Roofing is known for same-day emergency roof repairs and offers workmanship warranties up to 20 years along with manufacturer warranties.

4.9

304 Reviews

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Understanding Rochester's Climate and Your Roof

The weather in Southeastern Minnesota is the single most important factor influencing roofing decisions in Rochester. The local climate can significantly shorten a roof's effective lifespan, often bringing it closer to 15-18 years instead of the 25-year mark common in milder regions ¹. A successful installation must be designed to combat several persistent challenges.

• Heavy Snow and Ice Dams: Rochester's winters bring substantial snowfall. A poorly insulated or ventilated attic allows heat to escape, melting snow that then refreezes at the colder eaves, forming ice dams. These dams can force water back under shingles, leading to leaks and structural damage ^{2 3}.
• Hail and High Winds: Spring and fall storms are frequent, bringing hail that can bruise or crack shingles and high winds that can lift and tear them away. Many local roofing professionals strongly recommend impact-resistant shingles with a Class 4 rating for superior durability against hail ^{2 4}.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Rochester experiences dramatic temperature swings. The repeated expansion and contraction of roofing materials can cause standard asphalt shingles to become brittle, curl, and crack over time ⁵.
• Summer Humidity: High humidity levels in summer require effective attic ventilation. Without it, trapped moist air can condense, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and compromised insulation ⁶.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material

Selecting a material involves balancing upfront cost, longevity, aesthetic preference, and performance in our specific climate. Here's a breakdown of common options for Rochester homes.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for residential roof replacement in Rochester due to their proven balance of affordability, versatility, and reliable performance ^{7 8}. Modern architectural or dimensional shingles offer better wind resistance and a more textured appearance than traditional 3-tab styles. For maximum durability, consider impact-resistant (Class 4) varieties designed to withstand hail, which is a wise investment given local storm patterns ⁴.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a premium, long-lasting alternative gaining popularity. It excels in snowy climates because its smooth surface allows snow to slide off more easily, reducing the load on your structure. Metal is highly resistant to fire, wind, and impact, and it reflects solar heat, which can improve energy efficiency in the summer. While the initial investment is higher, its lifespan of 40-70 years often makes it a cost-effective choice over time ^{7 9 10}.

Other Material Options

• Wood Shakes: Offer a classic, natural aesthetic but require more maintenance and have varying fire ratings. They can be susceptible to moisture and mold in humid conditions if not properly treated and maintained.
• Slate or Tile: These are ultra-premium, incredibly durable materials with lifespans exceeding 100 years. However, they are the most expensive option and require a roof structure strong enough to support their significant weight.

Cost Expectations for Roof Installation

The total cost of a roof replacement in Rochester varies widely based on the size and complexity of your roof, the material chosen, and the current cost of labor and materials. The table below provides estimated cost ranges for a typical 2,000 square foot home, based on 2025 projections ^{11 12}.

Important Factors Affecting Cost:

• Roof Pitch and Complexity: Steeper roofs or those with multiple valleys, dormers, and chimneys require more labor, time, and safety equipment.
• Tear-Off vs. Overlay: A complete tear-off of the old roofing material is almost always recommended. It allows for a thorough inspection and repair of the underlying decking but adds to the project's cost and timeline ^{11 12}.
• Decking Repairs: If water damage has rotted sections of the roof deck (sheathing), these areas must be replaced before new roofing can be installed, adding to the material cost.
• Permits: The City of Rochester requires permits for roof replacements to ensure code compliance, and this fee is typically included in your contractor's quote ¹³.

The Roof Replacement Process and Timeline

For a standard-sized home, a professional full roof replacement in Rochester typically takes 1 to 3 days from start to finish ^{14 15}. Understanding the steps can help you know what to expect.

1. Preparation and Tear-Off: The crew will protect your landscaping and set up safety equipment. They then remove all old shingles and underlayment down to the wooden deck.
2. Inspection and Repair: The exposed decking is thoroughly inspected for soft spots, rot, or damage. Any compromised sections are replaced to ensure a solid foundation.
3. Underlayment Installation: A new water-resistant or waterproof underlayment (like ice and water shield) is installed, particularly in critical areas like eaves, valleys, and around penetrations, to provide a secondary moisture barrier ³.
4. Flashing Installation: New metal flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections to direct water away from these vulnerable points.
5. Material Installation: The new shingles or metal panels are installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
6. Clean-Up and Inspection: The job site is cleaned using magnets and tarps to collect nails and debris. A final inspection by the foreman ensures quality.

Weather is a variable; rain, high winds, or extreme cold can pause work for safety reasons, potentially extending the timeline.

Permits and Choosing a Contractor in Rochester

Most municipalities, including Rochester, require a building permit for a roof replacement. This ensures the work meets Minnesota building codes for wind uplift, snow load, and proper installation techniques. A reputable, local roofing contractor will typically pull this permit on your behalf as part of their service ¹³. It's a red flag if a contractor suggests skipping the permit process.

When selecting a professional for your roofing project:

• Verify Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is licensed to work in Minnesota and carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation.
• Get Detailed, Written Quotes: Obtain at least three itemized quotes that specify the scope of work, materials (including brand and product line), warranty details, timeline, and total cost.
• Check Local References and Reviews: Look for contractors with a strong presence in the Rochester area and read reviews from local homeowners.
• Ask About Warranties: Understand both the manufacturer's warranty on the materials and the contractor's warranty on their workmanship.

Frequently asked questions

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