When your Charlotte roof starts showing its age, you're faced with a big decision: shell out for a complete shingle replacement or explore the newer option of protective coating? The numbers might surprise you. While traditional replacement runs $4.50-$5.50 per square foot with a 50-year warranty, WIMAR's innovative silicone coating delivers Class 4 protection for just $2.50-$3.25 per square foot with a solid 25-year warranty.
Let's break down both options so you can make the smartest choice for your home and budget.
Understanding Full Shingle Replacement
Full shingle replacement means tearing off your existing roof down to the decking and installing everything fresh – underlayment, shingles, flashing, and ventilation. It's the traditional approach that most Charlotte homeowners think of first when their roof needs attention.
The Strengths of Replacement
A complete replacement gives you a clean slate. You're getting brand-new materials with full manufacturer warranties, typically lasting 50 years. Any underlying issues with decking, ventilation, or structural problems get addressed during the process. It's comprehensive, thorough, and gives you maximum peace of mind.
Replacement Pros:
- Long-term warranty: 50 years of protection
- Addresses everything: Structural issues, ventilation, insulation
- Fresh start: No concerns about existing roof condition
- Resale value: Significant boost to home value
- Complete system: New underlayment, flashing, and components
Replacement Cons:
- High upfront cost: $4.50-$5.50 per square foot adds up fast
- Major disruption: Days of noise, debris, and contractor activity
- Waste generation: Old shingles head to the landfill
- Weather dependent: Installation can be delayed by rain or storms
- Overkill factor: May be unnecessary if your existing roof has life left
The WIMAR Silicone Coating Revolution
WIMAR Performance Coatings brings something completely different to the table – a patent-pending silicone coating that transforms your existing shingles into bulletproof protection. This isn't your grandfather's roof sealer; it's engineered to upgrade most standard shingles to Class 4 impact resistance.
What Makes WIMAR Special
The coating doesn't just sit on top of your shingles – it creates a monolithic membrane that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. We're talking 230 MPH wind resistance and 2-inch hail resistance. To put that in perspective, that's stronger protection than most shingles you can buy today, unless you're spending $7.50-$10.50 per square foot on top-tier materials.
WIMAR Pros:
- Cost effective: $2.50-$3.25 per square foot saves thousands
- Extreme protection: 230 MPH wind and 2" hail resistance
- Versatile application: Works on failing roofs AND new installations
- 25-year warranty: Solid long-term protection
- Class 4 upgrade: Transforms standard shingles to premium protection
- Restoration power: Brings failing roofs to better-than-new condition
- Minimal disruption: Quick application with less mess
WIMAR Cons:
- Newer technology: Less long-term track record than traditional shingles
- Shorter warranty: 25 years vs. 50 years for replacement
- Surface preparation: Existing roof must be properly cleaned and prepped
- Weather sensitive: Application requires specific conditions
The Real Numbers: Cost Comparison That Matters
Here's where things get interesting for Charlotte homeowners. Let's say you have a typical 2,000 square foot roof:
Full Replacement Costs:
- Standard replacement: $9,000-$11,000
- Premium shingles (comparable to WIMAR protection): $15,000-$21,000
- Timeline: 3-5 days with good weather
WIMAR Coating Costs:
- Professional application: $5,000-$6,500
- Timeline: 1-2 days
- Immediate upgrade to Class 4 protection
The savings are substantial, but here's the kicker – you're not sacrificing protection. In fact, WIMAR's 230 MPH wind resistance exceeds what most standard shingles offer. Only the most expensive premium shingles provide comparable protection, and they cost three times more than the coating.
Protection Performance: How They Stack Up
Wind Resistance:
- Standard shingles: 90-130 MPH
- Premium shingles: 130-150 MPH
- WIMAR coating: 230 MPH
Hail Protection:
- Standard shingles: Class 2-3 (1.25-1.75 inch hail)
- Premium shingles: Class 4 (2 inch hail)
- WIMAR coating: Class 4 (2 inch hail)
Longevity:
- Standard replacement: 20-30 years realistic lifespan
- Premium replacement: 40-50 years
- WIMAR coating: 25 years with proper maintenance
When Replacement Makes Sense
Don't get us wrong – full replacement isn't going anywhere. There are situations where it's absolutely the right call:
- Structural issues: If your decking is compromised or you have ventilation problems
- Severe damage: Multiple leaks, missing shingles, or storm damage throughout
- Age factor: Roofs over 25 years old often need the comprehensive approach
- Long-term planning: If you're staying in your home for decades
- Insurance requirements: Some policies require full replacement after major claims
When WIMAR Coating Is Your Best Bet
The coating shines in these scenarios:
- Preventive protection: Your roof is still in decent shape but showing age
- Budget constraints: You need protection but can't swing $15,000+ right now
- Quick turnaround: Weather's coming and you need protection fast
- New roof protection: Just had shingles installed and want bulletproof durability
- Failing roof rescue: Your roof is declining but not catastrophically damaged
The Charlotte Climate Factor
Our North Carolina weather throws everything at roofs – scorching summer heat, sudden hailstorms, and those surprise wind events that can peel shingles right off. WIMAR's extreme weather resistance makes particular sense here. When you're dealing with potential 230 MPH wind protection, you're covered for even the most severe weather events our region sees.
The coating also handles thermal expansion and contraction better than traditional shingles, which matters during our temperature swings from summer heat to winter freezes.
Making Your Decision
As owner James Turner puts it, "We want homeowners to have all the facts. Both options protect your investment, but the right choice depends on your specific situation."
Consider these key questions:
- What's your roof's current condition? Failing roofs can be restored; severely damaged roofs need replacement.
- What's your budget reality? WIMAR gives you premium protection at half the cost.
- How long are you staying? 25-year coating vs. 50-year replacement warranty matters for your timeline.
- What protection do you need? If you want the absolute maximum (230 MPH winds), WIMAR delivers it cheaper than premium shingles.
The Bottom Line
WIMAR silicone coating represents a genuine game-changer for Charlotte homeowners. You're getting Class 4 hail protection and extreme wind resistance at a fraction of replacement cost. The 25-year warranty provides solid long-term value, and the ability to restore failing roofs to better-than-new condition is remarkable.
Full replacement still has its place, especially for severely damaged or very old roofs. But for many Charlotte homeowners, WIMAR offers the perfect balance of protection, performance, and price.
The choice comes down to your specific needs, but now you have the real numbers to make an informed decision. Whether you choose traditional replacement or innovative coating, you're protecting your home and your investment.
Ready to explore which option works best for your Charlotte home? Contact our team for a detailed assessment and honest recommendations based on your roof's condition and your goals.
Why Work With Best Roofing Now in Charlotte, NC
Best Roofing Now is a veteran-owned, BBB-accredited, and manufacturer-certified roofing contractor serving Charlotte and the surrounding area. We pair deep expertise with a transparent, no-pressure process so you can make the right call for your home—whether that’s a full replacement or a WIMAR silicone coating.
What you can expect:
- Veteran-owned and operated professionalism
- BBB-accredited, manufacturer-certified quality (GAF, CertainTeed)
- Free inspections and consultations
- Lifetime workmanship warranties
- Clear pricing, honest recommendations, and timely communication
- Local pros who understand Charlotte’s climate and building standards
“As a veteran-owned business, we believe transparency and follow-through aren’t extras—they’re the standard,” says James Turner, owner of Best Roofing Now.
Ready for straight answers and top-quality service from a BBB-accredited, manufacturer-certified contractor? Visit bestroofingnow.com to learn more and schedule your free consultation today.
