A roof replacement is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. At A.T.C. Contractors, we’ve replaced thousands of roofs across Knoxville and East Tennessee over the past 25 years. We believe in giving homeowners the information they need to make a confident decision — not a pressured one.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
Some signs are obvious. Others require a trained eye. Here are the most reliable indicators that your roof has reached the end of its service life:
Age
Standard three-tab asphalt shingles last 15-20 years in East Tennessee’s climate. Architectural (dimensional) shingles typically last 25-30 years. If your roof is approaching or past these benchmarks, it’s time for a professional inspection even if everything looks fine from the ground.
Widespread Granule Loss
Finding excessive granules in your gutters or downspout splash areas indicates your shingles are deteriorating. Some granule loss is normal on newer roofs, but heavy accumulation on an older roof means the asphalt layer is becoming exposed and vulnerable to UV damage.
Curling or Buckling Shingles
Shingles that curl at the edges or buckle in the middle have lost their ability to shed water effectively. This is typically caused by moisture trapped in the underlayment, poor attic ventilation, or simply age. Once curling is widespread, individual repairs won’t solve the underlying problem.
Multiple Leaks or Repairs
If you’re patching a new leak every year or two, the cost of ongoing repairs will eventually exceed the cost of a replacement. More importantly, each leak causes damage to your decking, insulation, and interior finishes that adds up over time.
Sagging or Structural Concerns
A roof deck that visibly sags between rafters indicates potential structural damage from prolonged moisture exposure. This requires immediate professional evaluation — it may need more than just a new roof.
The A.T.C. Roof Replacement Process
We follow a proven process that ensures quality results and minimal disruption to your daily life:
- Free inspection and consultation. We thoroughly examine your existing roof, attic ventilation, and decking. We discuss your options, preferences, and budget openly.
- Detailed written estimate. You’ll receive an itemized proposal that covers materials, labor, disposal, and any additional work needed. No hidden costs.
- Material selection. Choose from a full range of shingle styles, colors, and performance levels. We’ll help you understand the real-world differences between good, better, and best options.
- Complete tear-off. We remove all existing roofing materials down to the decking. This allows us to inspect the wood sheathing for damage and replace any compromised sections.
- Deck repair. Any rotted or damaged decking boards are replaced with new OSB or plywood to provide a solid foundation for your new roof.
- Ice and water shield installation. Applied along eaves, valleys, and penetrations to provide a waterproof barrier in the most vulnerable areas.
- Synthetic underlayment. A full layer of high-performance underlayment goes over the entire deck as a secondary water barrier.
- Drip edge, flashing, and ventilation. New metal drip edge, step and counter flashing around penetrations, and proper ridge and soffit ventilation ensure the complete system works together.
- Shingle installation. Your chosen shingles are installed per manufacturer specifications — which matters for warranty validity.
- Cleanup and final inspection. We use magnetic nail sweepers across your yard and driveway, inspect every detail, and walk through the completed work with you.
Roofing Materials We Install
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we have access to the full lineup of GAF roofing products. We also install Owens Corning and CertainTeed systems:
GAF Timberline HDZ
America’s best-selling shingle. The HDZ features a proprietary StrikeZone nailing area for faster, more accurate installation, and LayerLock technology that mechanically fuses shingle layers together. Available in a wide range of colors designed for the Southeastern U.S.
Owens Corning Duration Series
The Duration line features SureNail technology — a fabric strip in the nailing zone that provides exceptional wind resistance up to 130 mph. Popular choices include Duration, Duration FLEX, and Duration STORM for enhanced impact resistance.
CertainTeed Landmark Series
CertainTeed’s Landmark shingles offer a max fire and wind rating with a two-piece laminate construction. The Landmark PRO line adds thicker construction and a longer warranty. Known for excellent color consistency and dimensional appearance.
How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?
Most residential roof replacements in the Knoxville area are completed in one to two days. Factors that can extend the timeline include:
- Roof size and complexity (multiple levels, steep pitch, many penetrations)
- Extent of decking repairs needed
- Weather delays
- Material availability for specialty products
We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation and keep you informed throughout the project.
What Affects the Cost of a Roof Replacement?
Every roof is different, but the primary cost factors in Knoxville include:
- Roof size — measured in “squares” (100 sq ft each). Most homes are 20-35 squares.
- Material choice — three-tab shingles cost less than architectural, which cost less than premium designer shingles.
- Roof pitch — steeper roofs require more safety equipment and labor time.
- Layers to remove — some older roofs have two or three layers of shingles that all need to come off.
- Decking condition — rotted decking adds material and labor costs.
- Accessibility — landscaping, fences, and terrain around your home affect how efficiently crews can work.
Get a Free Roof Replacement Estimate
No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest assessment and a fair price. Call (865) 919-4664 or click below.