What Questions Should I Ask a Roofer Near Me in Murrells Inlet Before a Roof Replacement?

Before a roof replacement in Murrells Inlet, ask the roofer if they tear off down to the deck, which underlayment and shingles they install, how they handle vents and flashing, whether they are licensed and insured, and what the written estimate covers. Honest Roofers answers every one of these questions during a free roof inspection.

A new roof is one of the largest projects most homeowners will ever take on, and it is not something you want to do twice. When you search for a roofer near me, you will find plenty of names, but the right questions are what separate a careful contractor from one who cuts corners you will never see until the next leak. Below are the questions we think every homeowner should ask, along with the answers you should expect to hear from a roofer who does the job right.

Should the Roofer Tear Off the Old Roof Down to the Deck?

Yes, and this is the first question to ask. A proper replacement on a pitched roof starts by removing every layer of old shingles and underlayment until the roof deck is fully exposed. At Honest Roofers we always tear off down to the deck. We never roof over old shingles.

Some contractors offer to lay new shingles on top of the old ones because it is faster. The problem is that going over an old roof doubles the weight sitting on your rafters, and it hides whatever is going on underneath. Soft or rotted decking, old leak damage and failed flashing all stay buried, and the new shingles often do not lie as flat as they should.

What happens if the deck is damaged?

Once the old roof is off, the deck can be inspected board by board. Any damaged sections are repaired before anything new goes down. Ask your roofer how they handle deck repairs and how they will explain them to you, because a solid deck is the foundation of everything that follows. You can read more about how we approach this on our full roof replacement page.

What Materials Will Go Under and On Top of My New Roof?

A good roofer should be able to name every layer they plan to install and tell you why. The shingles get most of the attention, but the layers beneath them do much of the work of keeping water out.

Here is what a full replacement from Honest Roofers includes on a pitched roof:

• Drip edge along the edges to direct water into the gutters and away from the fascia.
• Ice and Water Shield on the lower edge of the roof, covering the first 3 feet, where water tends to back up.
• Synthetic underlayment across the rest of the deck. We never use old style tarred felt.
• Shingles installed to the manufacturer’s directions.
• All new pipe flashings and proper roof vents or ridge vent.

Which shingle do you recommend, and why?

Ask this directly. Our preferred shingle is the Atlas Pinnacle Pristine, which carries 3M Scotchgard algae protection with a lifetime guarantee against black algae streaks. Those dark streaks are a common sight on roofs here because of the heat and humidity, so algae protection is worth discussing. That said, we can install all brands, and if you have a preference we are glad to talk it through. The point is that your roofer should explain the options, not just hand you a price.

How Will You Handle Vents, Pipe Flashings and Chimneys?

The honest answer is that these should be replaced or properly addressed as part of the job, not reused. Many roof leaks start at penetrations, the spots where pipes, vents, chimneys and skylights pass through the roof, rather than in the middle of the shingles.

On our replacements, every pipe flashing is new. We install proper roof vents or a ridge vent so that hot, moist air can escape the attic, which matters a great deal in our climate. Chimney flashing and skylights are addressed as needed, based on what we find during the inspection and tear-off.

If you have skylights, ask specifically whether they will be resealed, reflashed or replaced. Our guide to skylight repair, replacement and installation covers what to look for.

Are You Licensed and Insured, and Who Will I Actually Talk To?

You should get a clear yes on licensing and insurance, and you should know who is responsible for your project. Honest Roofers is licensed and insured in Horry County. Do not be shy about asking any contractor for proof.

It is also fair to ask who you will be dealing with from the first visit to the final cleanup. With us, that is Jeremy Coleman, the owner. Jeremy was born and raised in Myrtle Beach and served in the US Air Force as an aircraft crew chief. Before roofing, he worked as foreman of a cooling tower construction and repair crew and as a superintendent for a custom home builder. He now lives in Socastee with his wife Lori and their three children. You can read more on our story page.

Knowing the person behind the company matters when you are searching for a roofing company near me. You want someone local who will still be here and still pick up the phone after the job is done.

What Will the Written Estimate Include, and Is There Any Pressure to Sign?

The estimate should be in writing, should describe the work and materials in plain language, and should come with no pressure to sign that day. If a contractor pushes you to commit before they leave your driveway, take that as a warning sign.

Our free, no-obligation inspection includes photos of your roof and a written estimate. Workmanship warranty details are given with each estimate, so you can read exactly what is covered before deciding anything. We believe in educating homeowners, showing up on time and being honest about what your roof needs, even when the answer is a repair instead of a full replacement.

Good follow-up questions about the estimate

• Does the estimate spell out tear-off, deck repair, underlayment, flashing and ventilation?
• How will you communicate if you find damaged decking once the old roof is off?
• What warranty details apply to the workmanship, and where are they written down?
• Will you protect my landscaping and clean up nails and debris when the job is finished?

We also do not knock on doors chasing storms. If someone shows up uninvited after bad weather, it is worth asking where they are based and whether they will be around later. Our article on common problems homeowners face when finding a good roof repair contractor goes into more detail.

Why Do Coastal Conditions in Murrells Inlet Change Which Questions Matter?

Living near the water means your roof faces salt air, steady humidity, sea breezes and the full length of hurricane season from June to November. That makes the details covered above more important, not less.

Afternoon thunderstorms can drive rain sideways under poorly sealed edges, which is why drip edge and Ice and Water Shield along the lower roof matter. Humid attics need good ventilation, or moisture can build up under the deck. Pine trees drop needles that collect in valleys and gutters, holding water against the roof. When you meet with a roofer in Murrells Inlet, ask how their installation accounts for these conditions. A knowledgeable local roofer will have practical answers rather than a sales pitch.

If your roof is approaching the 15 to 20 year range that asphalt shingles typically last, these conversations are worth having before the next big storm, not after it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Murrells Inlet roof needs replacing or just a repair?

The only reliable way is a close inspection. Age, missing or curling shingles, soft spots and repeated leaks all point toward replacement, while isolated damage can often be repaired. We will show you photos and give you an honest recommendation. Learn more about our roof repair services.

Do you install roofs other than shingles?

Yes. For low slope roofs with a pitch of 2/12 or lower, we install EPDM, a synthetic rubber membrane designed for flat roofs. See our EPDM flat roofing page for details.

Can I ask questions before scheduling an inspection?

Absolutely. Call Jeremy or send a question through Ask the Honest Roofer. We would rather you understand your options first, whether or not you hire us. Searching for a roofer near me should end with answers, not pressure.