Roof Replacement Cost in 2026: Complete Guide for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

Let us start with the big picture and then zoom into what matters for you locally. Roof replacement costs vary significantly by region, and coastal South Carolina is not the same market as inland areas or the national average.

2026 Roof Replacement Cost Overview

These numbers assume a standard residential roof of approximately 1,500 to 2,500 square feet (15 to 25 roofing squares) with asphalt architectural shingles. If you are considering metal roofing, tile, or other premium materials, the cost increases significantly -- we cover those in detail in the next section.

Why Myrtle Beach Costs More Than the National Average

If you have been researching online and seeing national averages of $8,000 to $12,000, you might wonder why local quotes come in higher. There are four reasons specific to our market:

The roofing material you choose is the single biggest factor in your total replacement cost. Here is a comprehensive comparison of every major roofing material available in 2026, with pricing specific to the Myrtle Beach market and honest assessments of how each performs in our coastal environment.

Complete Material Comparison Table

Note: All costs include removal of the existing roof, materials, labor, underlayment, flashing, cleanup, and standard permit fees for the Myrtle Beach area. Costs for particularly complex roofs (steep pitch, multiple levels, difficult access) may be higher.

Material-by-Material Breakdown

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: $3.50 - $5.50 per Square Foot

Three-tab shingles are the most affordable roofing material, but they are increasingly a poor choice for coastal South Carolina. Their flat profile offers less wind resistance than dimensional shingles, and their thinner construction means they degrade faster under UV exposure and salt air. Most manufacturers rate three-tab shingles for 60 to 80 mph winds -- well below the 110+ mph winds we can experience during hurricanes.

While three-tab shingles might last 20 to 25 years in a mild climate, expect 12 to 18 years in Myrtle Beach. That means you will likely need to replace a three-tab roof twice in the time an architectural shingle roof would still be performing. For a detailed comparison, read our guide on architectural vs. 3-tab shingles for coastal SC.

Architectural Shingles: $4.50 - $7.00 per Square Foot

Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated shingles) are the sweet spot for most Myrtle Beach homeowners. They offer a significant upgrade over three-tab in every category: appearance, wind resistance, lifespan, and warranty coverage.

The GAF Timberline HDZ is the most popular architectural shingle we install, and for good reason. It carries a 130-mph wind warranty (when installed per GAF specifications with the LayerLock nailing zone), a limited lifetime warranty, and the StainGuard Plus algae resistance that is critical in our humid coastal environment. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, WeatherShield can offer the full GAF Golden Pledge warranty -- the strongest warranty in the industry. For a detailed review, see our guide on GAF Timberline HDZ problems and review for coastal SC.

At $4.50 to $7.00 per square foot installed, the total cost for a typical 2,000-square-foot Myrtle Beach home runs $9,000 to $14,000. This is only $2,000 to $3,000 more than three-tab for a roof that lasts 10 to 15 years longer and handles hurricane-force winds.

Metal Roofing: $5.50 - $14.00 per Square Foot

Metal roofing is gaining popularity across the Grand Strand, and for good reason in a hurricane zone. There are two main categories with very different price points:

Exposed fastener metal panels ($5.50 - $9.00/sqft): These are the corrugated or ribbed metal panels where the screws are visible on the surface. They are affordable and durable, but the exposed fasteners are the weak point -- especially in coastal environments where rubber washers can degrade from UV and salt exposure, leading to leaks at the screw holes over time. Plan on re-torquing or replacing fasteners every 10 to 15 years.

Standing seam metal ($9.00 - $14.00/sqft): This is the premium metal option where the fasteners are hidden beneath the seams. Standing seam is the gold standard for coastal roofing -- no exposed penetrations, exceptional wind resistance (140-160+ mph), and a lifespan of 40 to 60 years even in salt air environments. The higher upfront cost is offset by decades of maintenance-free performance. For a complete analysis, read our standing seam metal roof guide for coastal SC and our metal roofing pros and cons guide.

Tile Roofing: $12.00 - $25.00 per Square Foot

Concrete tile ($12.00 - $18.00/sqft) and clay tile ($15.00 - $25.00/sqft) are premium options that suit certain architectural styles common in coastal communities. Tile roofs are heavy (900-1,100 lbs per square for concrete, 800-1,000 for clay), so your home's structure must be engineered to support the weight. Many existing Myrtle Beach homes cannot accept tile without structural reinforcement, which adds $5,000 to $15,000 to the project.

The advantages of tile in our climate are significant: fire resistance, resistance to salt air corrosion (tile does not corrode like metal can), and exceptional longevity of 40 to 75 years. The disadvantage beyond cost is fragility during extreme impact events -- walking on tile roofs requires care, and large hail or flying debris can crack individual tiles.

TPO / Flat Roof Membrane: $6.00 - $10.00 per Square Foot

If your home has flat or low-slope roof sections (common on modern coastal architecture and additions), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membrane is the standard. TPO is heat-welded at the seams, creating a watertight membrane that handles ponding water. In Myrtle Beach, we recommend mechanically attached TPO systems for hurricane resistance rather than fully adhered systems, though both have applications depending on the roof deck and wind zone.

When contractors and websites quote "cost per square foot," they can mean different things. Here is what you need to know to make sense of roof pricing.

Roofing Squares vs. Square Feet

The roofing industry traditionally prices by the "square" -- a 10x10 area, or 100 square feet. When a contractor says "your roof is 20 squares," they mean 2,000 square feet. We use per-square-foot pricing in this guide because it is easier for homeowners to understand, but you may see per-square pricing on contractor proposals.

How Roof Size Affects Per-Square-Foot Cost

Here is something most cost guides do not explain: per-square-foot cost typically decreases as roof size increases. This is because many costs are fixed regardless of roof size -- permits, dumpster rental, equipment setup, mobilization, and a portion of labor time. On a 1,000-square-foot roof, those fixed costs are spread across fewer square feet, driving up the per-foot price. On a 3,000-square-foot roof, the same fixed costs are diluted across more area.

Conversely, very large roofs (4,000+ square feet) can see per-square-foot costs increase again if the project requires additional days, larger crews, or more complex logistics. The sweet spot for per-square-foot efficiency is typically 1,500 to 3,000 square feet.

What Is Included in Per-Square-Foot Pricing

When we quote a per-square-foot installed price at WeatherShield, it includes:

• Removal and disposal of the existing roof (one layer)
• New synthetic underlayment (upgraded for coastal wind requirements)
• Ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, and penetrations
• Drip edge and starter strip
• New roofing material and ridge cap / ridge vent
• Standard pipe boot and vent flashing replacement
• Cleanup and magnetic nail sweep
• Permit and standard inspection

Items typically not included in per-square-foot pricing (and quoted separately because they vary):

• Decking repair or replacement (if rotted wood is discovered)
• Multiple layer tear-off (if you have two or more existing layers)
• Chimney or skylight flashing (custom work required)
• Gutter replacement
• Attic ventilation upgrades
• Structural repairs (trusses, rafters, fascia)

Not every roof problem requires a full replacement. Sometimes a repair is the right call -- and sometimes trying to repair an old roof is throwing money away. Here is how to tell the difference.

Roof Repair Cost Quick Reference

For detailed pricing on every type of repair, see our complete roof repair cost guide for Myrtle Beach.

The Repair vs. Replace Decision Framework

Here is the framework we use when advising homeowners. It accounts for the coastal SC climate where roof lifespans are shorter and storm damage is more frequent:

For a deeper dive into the signs that indicate it is time, read our guide on when to replace your roof in Myrtle Beach.

Beyond material choice, several factors drive the final cost of your roof replacement. Understanding these helps you interpret contractor quotes and understand why two homes on the same street might get different prices.

1. Roof Size and Layout

Roof size is measured in square feet and is typically 1.2 to 1.5 times the square footage of your home's footprint (because roof slope creates more surface area than the flat floor plan). A 2,000-square-foot home typically has a 2,400 to 3,000-square-foot roof depending on pitch and overhangs.

Impact on cost: Every additional square foot adds material and labor. Larger roofs also take longer to complete, which affects total labor cost.

2. Roof Pitch (Steepness)

Roof pitch is expressed as a ratio -- a 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Here is how pitch affects your cost:

Most Myrtle Beach homes have roof pitches between 4/12 and 8/12. If your home is in the 8/12+ range (common on certain colonial, cape cod, and custom beach home designs), expect the steep-slope surcharge.

3. Roof Complexity (Cuts, Valleys, Hips)

A simple gable roof (two flat planes meeting at a ridge) is the fastest and cheapest to install. Every additional feature adds cost:

• Valleys: Where two roof planes meet in a V shape. Each valley requires metal flashing, ice and water shield, and careful shingle weaving or cutting. Add $200 to $500 per valley.
• Hips: Where two roof planes meet at an external angle. Hip roofs require more cutting and cap shingle material. Add $150 to $400 per hip.
• Dormers: Each dormer adds valleys, sidewall flashing, and additional cutting. Add $500 to $1,500 per dormer depending on size.
• Skylights: Existing skylights require careful flashing around the frame. Add $200 to $500 per skylight for re-flashing (or $1,000 to $2,500 to replace the skylight unit during the roof replacement -- often recommended if the skylight is more than 15 years old).
• Chimneys: Chimney flashing is custom metalwork. Add $300 to $1,000 depending on chimney size and existing flashing condition.
• Multiple levels: Roofs with upper and lower sections, split levels, or multiple additions require more transitions, step flashing, and complex waterproofing. Add 10% to 20% to the overall project.

4. Removal of the Existing Roof

Most roof replacements include a full tear-off of the existing roofing material down to the decking. This is the standard and best practice. However, cost varies based on:

• Number of existing layers: If your home has two layers of shingles (a second layer was installed over the first at some point), tear-off is more labor-intensive. Expect an additional $1,000 to $3,000 for a double layer tear-off on a standard home. South Carolina code prohibits more than two layers of asphalt shingles.
• Material being removed: Removing old tile, slate, or wood shake is significantly more labor-intensive than removing asphalt shingles, adding $1,500 to $5,000+ to tear-off costs.
• Dumpster and disposal fees: Roofing debris is heavy. A standard dumpster for a shingle tear-off costs $400 to $600. Larger roofs or heavier materials (tile, multiple layers) may require multiple dumpsters.

5. Coastal Building Code Requirements

This is the factor that most national cost guides completely miss. In Horry County and along the Grand Strand, roof installations must comply with wind resistance requirements that do not exist in most of the country:

• High-wind rated shingles: Shingles must be rated for the local design wind speed (typically 130+ mph in our area). This excludes the cheapest shingle products.
• Enhanced nailing patterns: Six nails per shingle instead of four, placed in specific locations per manufacturer specifications for high-wind zones.
• Upgraded underlayment: Synthetic underlayment or peel-and-stick ice and water shield is required in many applications, replacing the cheaper felt paper used in inland installations.
• Starter strip and hip/ridge requirements: Specific starter strip products and sealed hip/ridge caps are required for wind resistance.
• Drip edge installation: Continuous drip edge at eaves and rakes, properly fastened to resist wind uplift.

These requirements add approximately $1,000 to $3,000 to a typical roof replacement compared to the same roof installed in a non-coastal area. But they are not optional -- they are code, and they exist because they save lives and homes during hurricanes.

6. Permits and Inspections

Horry County requires a building permit for roof replacements. Permit costs typically run $200 to $500 depending on the project scope and home value. After installation, a county inspector verifies that the work meets building code requirements. Reputable contractors include permit costs in their proposals -- if a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save money, that is a major red flag.

One of the biggest frustrations homeowners face is a final bill that comes in higher than the initial quote. In many cases, the additional costs are legitimate -- they come from issues discovered only after the old roofing material is removed. Here are the most common additional costs and what they typically run.

Decking Repair or Replacement

This is the number one hidden cost in roof replacement, and it is especially common in coastal South Carolina where moisture and humidity accelerate wood deterioration. Once the old shingles and underlayment are removed, we inspect every square foot of decking (the plywood or OSB boards that the roofing material attaches to). If we find soft, spongy, rotted, or delaminated decking, it must be replaced before the new roof can be installed.

What we do at WeatherShield: We include an estimated decking allowance in our proposals when we suspect deterioration based on the roof's age and visible condition. We also have a per-sheet price clearly stated in the contract so there are no surprises -- you know exactly what each additional sheet of decking will cost if we find more damage than expected.

Flashing Replacement

Flashing is the metal that seals transitions between the roof and walls, chimneys, pipes, vents, and other penetrations. On a full roof replacement, most flashing should be replaced -- reusing old flashing under new roofing material is a common cost-cutting shortcut that leads to leaks down the road.

• Step flashing (wall-to-roof transitions): $150 to $400 per wall section
• Chimney flashing (counter-flashing and step): $300 to $1,000
• Valley flashing (metal valleys): $200 to $600 per valley
• Pipe boot replacement: $75 to $200 per pipe
• Skylight flashing kit: $200 to $500 per skylight

In coastal SC, we strongly recommend stainless steel or aluminum flashing rather than standard galvanized steel, which corrodes quickly in salt air. The premium for corrosion-resistant flashing is $200 to $500 total on most homes -- a small investment that prevents flashing failures 5 to 10 years down the road.

Ventilation Upgrades

Proper attic ventilation is critical for roof longevity, especially in Myrtle Beach where summer attic temperatures can exceed 150 degrees. Poor ventilation causes shingles to overheat and age prematurely, voids manufacturer warranties, and promotes moisture buildup that rots decking.

• Ridge vent installation: $400 to $800 (recommended on most homes)
• Soffit vent installation or upgrade: $300 to $800
• Box vent or turbine vent addition: $100 to $300 per vent
• Powered attic fan: $300 to $600 installed

Gutter Replacement

Gutters are not part of the roof, but a roof replacement is the ideal time to replace aging gutters since the roofers are already there with equipment and the old drip edge is being replaced. If your gutters are 15+ years old, sagging, leaking at seams, or pulling away from the fascia, bundling gutter replacement with the roof project saves on labor costs compared to scheduling it separately.

• Standard 5" seamless aluminum gutters: $6 to $12 per linear foot installed
• 6" oversized gutters (recommended for SC rain volume): $8 to $15 per linear foot
• Typical whole-house gutter replacement: $1,200 to $3,500

Code Upgrades

If your home was built or last re-roofed before current building codes took effect, your new roof may need to comply with updated requirements. Common code-required upgrades include:

• Upgrading from felt to synthetic underlayment: $300 to $800 additional
• Adding ice and water shield at eaves and valleys: $500 to $1,200
• Drip edge installation (if not present): $200 to $500
• Attic ventilation to meet code minimums: $300 to $1,000

A new roof is one of the biggest single expenses a homeowner faces. Here are legitimate ways to reduce the cost without sacrificing quality or durability -- because in a hurricane zone, cutting corners on your roof is never worth it.

1. Choose the Right Material for Your Situation

You do not need the most expensive material to get a high-performing roof. For most Myrtle Beach homes, architectural shingles (specifically GAF Timberline HDZ or equivalent) are the best value -- they cost 30% to 50% of what standing seam metal costs while still delivering 130-mph wind ratings and 25-30 years of coastal lifespan. Save the premium materials for situations where they make financial sense (metal for a forever home, tile for an architecturally appropriate property).

2. Time Your Replacement Strategically

Roofing demand in Myrtle Beach peaks from May through November (storm season and recovery). During this period, contractors are busiest, and pricing tends to be at its highest. If your roof replacement is planned (not emergency), scheduling during late fall, winter, or early spring can sometimes result in better pricing and faster scheduling. The weather in Myrtle Beach is generally mild enough for year-round roofing installation.

3. Get Multiple Quotes (But Compare Apples to Apples)

We always recommend getting three to four quotes from reputable, licensed contractors. But make sure you are comparing the same scope of work. A quote that is significantly lower than the others may be:

• Using lower-quality materials (check the specific shingle product and wind rating)
• Excluding items the others include (underlayment upgrade, flashing replacement, drip edge)
• Not including permits or proper disposal
• Planning to reuse old flashing instead of replacing it
• Using a four-nail pattern instead of the six-nail pattern required for high-wind zones

4. Take Advantage of Manufacturer Rebates and Promotions

GAF, Owens Corning, and other major manufacturers periodically run rebate programs. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, WeatherShield has access to promotional pricing and rebate offers that may not be available through standard contractors. Ask about current manufacturer promotions when getting your estimate.

5. Bundle Work to Save on Labor

If you need gutters, soffit, fascia, or attic ventilation work, bundling it with your roof replacement saves on labor and equipment costs since the crew is already on-site. Scheduling these as separate projects means paying for mobilization, setup, and cleanup multiple times.

6. Check for Insurance Coverage

If your roof replacement is needed due to storm damage, your homeowner's insurance may cover a significant portion of the cost. Even if you are not sure whether your damage is storm-related, it is worth having a professional inspection to determine if an insurance claim is viable. For a complete walkthrough of the process, read our guide on how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement in South Carolina.

7. Explore the SC Safe Home Grant Program

The South Carolina Safe Home program provides grants of up to $5,000 for homeowners to retrofit their homes to be more resistant to hurricane damage. Qualifying improvements include roof upgrades that meet current wind resistance standards. This is a legitimate state-funded program that can offset a significant portion of your roof replacement cost. Eligibility is based on home value, location, and improvement type -- ask your contractor if your project qualifies.

8. Consider Your Insurance Premium Savings

A new roof with a higher wind rating can reduce your homeowner's insurance premium by 10% to 30% in coastal SC. Over 25 years, those premium savings can total $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Some homeowners find that the insurance savings alone cover a significant portion of the cost difference between a basic and premium roofing system. Ask your insurance agent for a premium quote with the new roof specifications before making your final material decision.

A roof replacement is not optional -- when your roof is failing, it needs to be replaced regardless of your cash situation. The good news is that multiple financing options exist to help you spread the cost over time. Here is an honest overview of each option, including the pros and cons.

Financing Options Comparison

For a much deeper analysis of each option with real payment calculations, read our complete roof financing options guide for Myrtle Beach.

What WeatherShield Offers

WeatherShield Roofing partners with multiple financing providers to offer flexible payment options, including:

• 0% interest for 12 to 18 months (for qualified borrowers) -- pay off your roof with no interest if paid within the promotional period
• Low monthly payment plans up to 180 months for larger projects
• Same-day approval with a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score
• No prepayment penalties -- pay it off early without fees

We help you explore all available options during your estimate appointment so you can choose the path that fits your budget. A new roof should protect your home, not wreck your finances.

Understanding when insurance will -- and will not -- pay for your roof replacement can save you thousands of dollars. Here is a summary of how insurance works for roof replacements in coastal SC.

When Insurance Covers Roof Replacement

Your homeowner's insurance will typically cover a full roof replacement when:

• Storm damage (wind, hail, hurricane): The most common trigger for insurance-covered replacements in coastal SC. If a storm causes enough damage that repair is not feasible, the insurer pays for a full replacement minus your deductible.
• Fallen trees or large debris: A tree that damages your roof beyond repair triggers full replacement coverage.
• Fire or lightning: Full coverage for roof damage from fire or lightning strikes.
• Sudden water damage from a covered event: If a storm creates an opening that lets water in, the resulting interior damage and roof repair/replacement are typically covered.

When Insurance Does NOT Cover Roof Replacement

• Normal wear and tear: Your roof is simply old and needs replacement -- no storm event triggered the need. This is excluded from every homeowner's policy.
• Deferred maintenance: If the insurer determines that neglect (not maintaining flashing, letting debris accumulate, ignoring small leaks) caused or worsened the damage, coverage may be denied.
• Cosmetic-only damage (with exclusion): Some SC policies exclude cosmetic damage from hail. If your shingles are dented but still functional, the claim may be denied under this exclusion.
• Pre-existing conditions: Damage that existed before the storm event is excluded.

Deductible Considerations in Coastal SC

Most coastal SC homeowner's policies have two deductibles:

• All-perils deductible: Typically $1,000 to $2,500. Applies to non-hurricane events (regular storms, hail, fire, trees).
• Named storm / hurricane deductible: Typically 2% to 5% of your dwelling coverage amount. On a $300,000 home, a 2% hurricane deductible = $6,000; a 5% deductible = $15,000. This is a significant out-of-pocket cost even with full coverage.

How WeatherShield Helps with Insurance Claims

We work with insurance companies on roof replacement claims every week. When you have storm damage, here is what we do:

• Free storm damage inspection -- we inspect your roof and document all damage with photos and measurements
• Insurance claim support -- we provide your adjuster with detailed documentation and can meet them during their inspection
• Scope negotiation -- if the adjuster's scope does not fully account for the damage or required code upgrades, we advocate for proper coverage
• Supplement filing -- if hidden damage is discovered during replacement (decking, structural), we file supplements with your insurance for additional coverage

For the complete playbook on getting insurance to cover your roof replacement, read our detailed guide: How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement in South Carolina.

A roof replacement is a significant investment, and the quality of the contractor you choose matters as much as the materials. Here is how to navigate the quoting process and avoid the most common traps.

Step 1: Get 3-4 Quotes from Licensed, Insured Contractors

Do not get just one quote. Do not get six. Three to four quotes from reputable contractors gives you enough data to understand fair pricing without making the process unnecessarily complicated. Look for:

• SC General Contractor license or Residential Builder license -- verify at llr.sc.gov
• General liability and workers' compensation insurance -- ask for certificates, not just verbal confirmation
• Manufacturer certifications -- GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, etc. These require ongoing training and quality standards.
• Established local presence -- local contractors who have been in the area for years are far less likely to disappear after the job than storm chasers who arrive after a hurricane
• Google reviews with volume and recency -- look for 50+ reviews with a 4.5+ average and recent reviews from the past 6 months

Step 2: Make Sure Every Quote Includes the Same Scope

You cannot compare quotes if they do not include the same work. Every quote should specify:

Step 3: Understand the Warranty You Are Getting

Roofing warranties have two components:

• Manufacturer warranty: Covers defects in the roofing material itself. Duration depends on the product and can range from 25 years to lifetime. Important: manufacturer warranties can be voided by improper installation, which is why using a certified installer matters.
• Workmanship warranty: Covers the contractor's installation work. This varies wildly -- from 1 year (bare minimum) to 25 years. This is the warranty that protects you if a leak develops due to how the roof was installed, not a defect in the material.

As a GAF Master Elite contractor, WeatherShield can offer the GAF Golden Pledge warranty -- the most comprehensive roofing warranty in the industry. It includes a 25-year workmanship warranty backed by GAF (not just the contractor), plus a 50-year or lifetime non-prorated material warranty. Only 2% of roofing contractors in the country can offer this warranty because it requires proven installation quality, proper licensing, insurance, and ongoing training.

Step 4: Beware of Storm Chasers

After every major storm in Myrtle Beach, out-of-state roofing crews descend on the area looking for work. Some are legitimate; many are not. Storm chasers typically:

• Go door to door soliciting work (legitimate contractors rarely do this)
• Offer to "cover your deductible" (this is insurance fraud in SC)
• Have out-of-state license plates and no local office
• Push you to sign a contract before you get other quotes
• Ask for large deposits in cash
• Provide only a cell phone number with no verifiable business address

The problem with storm chasers is not necessarily the quality of the initial installation (though it is often subpar). The problem is that when something goes wrong in year 2 or year 5, the company is gone. Their phone number is disconnected, their workmanship warranty is worthless, and you have no recourse. Hire local.

Knowing what to expect during a roof replacement helps you prepare your home and family and reduces the stress of a major home improvement project. Here is how a typical roof replacement works at WeatherShield.

Timeline: How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Total time from contract to completion: Most residential roof replacements in Myrtle Beach are completed in 1 to 3 days of on-site work. Simple gable roofs can be done in a single day. Complex roofs with multiple levels, hips, valleys, and penetrations may take 3 to 4 days. The biggest variable is usually scheduling -- during peak season (May through November), wait times for scheduling can be 2 to 6 weeks. During off-peak season, we can often start within 1 to 2 weeks of signing.

How to Prepare Your Home

Before our crew arrives, we recommend these preparations:

• Move vehicles away from the house to avoid falling debris
• Remove or cover items in the attic directly below the roof -- vibration from tear-off can shake dust and small debris loose
• Take down wall decorations on upper floors -- the pounding vibration can knock things off walls
• Trim back tree branches that overhang the roof by more than a foot (or let us know and we can handle it)
• Secure pets indoors -- the noise and activity can stress animals, and loose nails are a hazard
• Let your neighbors know -- the noise starts early and lasts all day, and there will be trucks and dumpsters in the area
• Clear access to the house perimeter -- move patio furniture, grills, and planters away from the exterior walls

What Happens During Installation

You do not need to be home during the installation, though many homeowners choose to be. Here is what a typical day looks like:

• Early morning (7:00-7:30 AM): Crew arrives, sets up safety equipment, dumpster is positioned, materials are staged
• Morning: Tear-off begins. This is the loudest part of the process. Old shingles, underlayment, and damaged decking are removed
• Midday: Decking repairs completed, new underlayment and ice and water shield installed
• Afternoon: New roofing material installed, flashing and penetrations sealed
• Late afternoon: Ridge cap and trim installed, cleanup begins
• End of day: Property cleaned, magnetic nail sweep of yard and driveway, final inspection with homeowner

Important: We never leave a roof open overnight. If weather or other factors prevent us from completing the installation in a single day, we install a waterproof temporary covering to protect your home until the crew returns the next morning.

Everything in this guide has referenced coastal factors, but this section brings it all together. If you live in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, Conway, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, these considerations directly affect your roof replacement cost and material choices.

Hurricane Wind Zone Requirements

Horry County falls within the high-wind zone under SC building code. The basic wind speed for our area is 130 mph (per ASCE 7, as adopted by SC). This drives several requirements that affect cost:

• Shingles must be rated for 110+ mph minimum (130 mph preferred). This eliminates the cheapest shingle products from consideration.
• Enhanced nailing: Six nails per shingle in high-wind zones versus four nails in standard zones. This adds approximately 50% more fasteners, which adds labor time and material cost.
• Starter strip requirements: High-wind starter strip with adhesive sealant to prevent edge uplift.
• Sealed ridge cap: Hip and ridge shingles must be sealed or rated for high wind.
• Deck attachment: Roof decking fastening patterns must meet wind uplift requirements. In some cases, existing decking attachment must be upgraded during replacement.

Salt Air Material Selection

Salt air is corrosive and affects every metal component on your roof. For homes within 10 miles of the coast (which includes nearly all of Myrtle Beach), material selection should account for salt exposure:

Humidity and Ventilation

Myrtle Beach averages 75-80% relative humidity year-round. Proper attic ventilation is not optional here -- it is essential for preventing moisture damage, mold growth, and premature shingle failure. Any roof replacement in our area should include a ventilation assessment and upgrade if current ventilation is insufficient. The target is 1 square foot of net free ventilation area per 150 square feet of attic floor space (or 1:300 ratio with balanced intake and exhaust).

Insurance Premium Impact

In coastal SC, your roof condition and rating directly affect your insurance premiums more than almost anywhere else in the country. A new roof with a high wind rating can dramatically reduce your premiums. Conversely, an aging roof with a low wind rating can cause your insurer to increase premiums, switch you to ACV coverage, or even non-renew your policy. When calculating your total roof replacement cost, factor in the potential premium savings over the life of the new roof -- they can be substantial.