New Roof & Re-Roofing Services
When It’s Time for a New Roof
There’s a moment every homeowner hits where patching and repairing just doesn’t make sense anymore. Maybe your shingles are curling after 25 years of Utah sun. Maybe last summer’s hailstorm left more damage than you realized. Maybe you’re selling your home and the inspector flagged the roof. Whatever the reason, when it’s time for a new roof, you want a crew that knows what they’re doing — and knows what works in Utah.
Cardinal Roofing has been installing new roofs and doing complete re-roofs across the Wasatch Front with over two decades of combined experience. We’ve roofed everything from brand-new custom builds in Park City to 1960s ramblers in Provo that needed a full tear-off and fresh start. We know Utah’s climate, we know the building codes, and we know which materials actually hold up when you’re dealing with heavy snow loads, brutal UV at altitude, and freeze-thaw cycles that can wreck a cheap roof in five years flat.
Whether you need a completely new roof on a new build or it’s time to strip off the old one and start over, we’ll walk you through every option and make sure you get a roof that’s built right for where you live.
New Roof vs. Re-Roof: What’s the Difference?
People use these terms interchangeably, but there’s actually an important distinction. A new roof is exactly what it sounds like — installing a roofing system on a new-construction home or building from scratch. A re-roof means tearing off everything on your existing roof down to the deck and building it back up with new materials. Either way, you’re getting a complete, new roofing system. The difference is just the starting point.
There’s also a thing called an overlay, where new shingles go right over the old ones. We generally don’t recommend overlays in Utah. It might save you some money up front, but you’re hiding potential deck damage, adding weight your structure might not handle well during a heavy snow year, and cutting the life of your new shingles short because of trapped heat. In most cases, a full tear-off is the right call, and we’ll explain exactly why when we inspect your roof.
Signs You Need a New Roof
- Age — Most asphalt shingle roofs in Utah last 20-30 years depending on the product and how much abuse they’ve taken. If yours is in that range, it’s time to start planning.
- Widespread damage — If a storm damaged more than 30% of your roof, repair costs start approaching replacement costs. At that point, a new roof makes more financial sense.
- Selling your home — Buyers in Utah’s competitive market pay attention to roof condition. A new roof adds real value and removes a major negotiation point.
- Multiple leaks — One leak is a repair. Three leaks in different spots means your roof is telling you something.
- Granule loss — Check your gutters. If they’re full of granules, your shingles are breaking down and losing their UV protection.
- Sagging or soft spots — This means deck damage underneath. You need a tear-off to address what’s going on below the surface.
Roofing Materials That Work in Utah
Not every material performs the same at 4,500 feet in Salt Lake as it does at 7,000 feet in Park City. We install and recommend materials based on your specific location, roof pitch, budget, and what the building codes require. Here’s what we work with most.
Asphalt Shingles (3-Tab)
The most affordable option and still a solid choice for many Utah homes, especially along the Wasatch Front. Three-tab shingles typically last 15-20 years here. They handle our climate fine for the price, but they don’t have the wind resistance or longevity of architectural shingles. We usually recommend these for budget-conscious projects or rental properties where you need a reliable roof without the premium price tag.
Architectural Shingles (Dimensional)
This is what we install on most residential re-roofs. Architectural shingles are thicker, more durable, and rated for higher wind speeds than 3-tab. They look better too — the dimensional profile gives your roof real depth and character. In Utah, you can expect 25-35 years out of a quality architectural shingle from GAF or CertainTeed. We’re certified installers for both manufacturers, which means your warranty is backed by the manufacturer, not just us.
Metal Roofing
Metal is huge in Park City, Heber Valley, and the mountain communities for good reason. Standing seam metal roofs shed snow instead of holding it, which means less weight on your structure and fewer ice dam problems. They last 40–70 years with minimal maintenance, they’re fireproof (important in wildfire-prone mountain areas), and they handle UV exposure at altitude better than almost anything else. The upfront cost is higher — roughly two to three times what you’d pay for architectural shingles — but the longevity and low maintenance make it a smart long-term investment, especially on mountain homes.
Tile Roofing
Concrete and clay tile roofing has its place in Utah, particularly on Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes that are common in parts of Salt Lake County and Utah County. Tile lasts 50+ years and looks beautiful, but it’s heavy — your structure needs to be engineered for the weight, especially when you add Utah snow loads on top. We install tile roofing on homes where the structure supports it, and we’ll be straight with you if your framing needs reinforcement before we can put tile up there.
Our Process: Start to Finish
We don’t cut corners, and we don’t leave you guessing about what’s happening on your roof. Here’s how every Cardinal Roofing job works.
1. Inspection
Andy or Ben comes out personally to inspect your roof. We check the shingles, flashing, valleys, vents, decking condition, and attic ventilation. We take photos and measurements so you can see exactly what we see. No surprises later.
2. Estimate
You get a detailed, written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, and timeline. We explain every line item and answer every question. If there’s a cheaper option that still makes sense for your situation, we’ll tell you about it.
3. Materials
We order everything once you approve the estimate. We use local suppliers whenever possible and stock materials on-site before your start date so there are no delays. You pick the color, profile, and product line — we’ll guide you through the options.
4. Tear-Off
On re-roofs, we strip everything down to the deck. This lets us inspect the wood underneath, replace any rotted or damaged sections, and start fresh. We protect your landscaping, siding, and windows during tear-off. Your yard won’t look like a war zone.
5. Installation
Ice and water shield goes on in the valleys and along the eaves — critical in Utah. Then synthetic underlayment, drip edge, new flashing at every penetration, and your new shingles or metal panels. Every detail matters and we don’t skip any of them.
6. Cleanup & Inspection
We run magnets across your yard to pick up every nail, haul away all debris, and do a final walkthrough with you. We don’t leave until you’re happy with the work and we’ve documented everything for your warranty records.
What Does a New Roof Cost in Utah?
We’re not going to dodge this question like a lot of roofing companies do. Every roof is different, but we believe in giving you straight numbers so you can plan. Here are ballpark ranges for a typical 2,000-square-foot Utah home:
- 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: $8,000 – $12,000
- Architectural Shingles: $10,000 – $18,000
- Standing Seam Metal: $20,000 – $35,000
- Tile Roofing: $25,000 – $45,000
These ranges depend on roof complexity (steep pitch, lots of valleys, multiple penetrations), accessibility, deck condition, and the specific products you choose. Mountain homes in Park City and Heber Valley tend to run higher because of steeper pitches, tougher access, and the enhanced underlayment systems required for heavy snow areas. We’ll give you an exact number after we inspect your roof — no ballpark guessing, no low-ball bids that balloon later with “unexpected” add-ons.
A new roof is a big investment, and we want to make sure cost doesn’t stop you from getting the roof you need. Learn about financing options or ask us when we come out for your estimate.
Get Your Free Estimate
Ready for a new roof? Tell us about your project and we’ll get back to you fast.
Roof Emergency? We’re Here.
Storm damage, major leak, or a roof that can’t wait — call us 24/7 at (801) 330-0311