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Milwaukee WI · Milwaukee County

GAF Master Elite — Full Tear-Off Every Time 50-year System Plus warranty · Top 2% of US contractors

Roof Replacement
in Milwaukee —
Full Tear-Off.

Q: What warranty comes with a Buckshot replacement?

Through our GAF Master Elite certification , your replacement qualifies for the GAF System Plus 50-year warranty — covering the full roofing system including shingles, workmanship, and weather events. It's non-prorated and transferable to one subsequent homeowner. Standard Milwaukee contractors offer the 25–30 year shingle-only warranty, which covers materials but not labor. We also provide our own 10-year workmanship warranty on every installation.

No layovers. No shortcuts. Every replacement starts at bare decking — which is the only way to know what’s actually under your old shingles.

Milwaukee’s housing stock is some of the oldest in Wisconsin. Bay View bungalows, Riverwest two-flats, near-north side homes from the 1910s and 1920s — many already have two or three shingle layers on. A layover hides what’s underneath. A tear-off shows you exactly what you’re working with, and fixes it. Every replacement we do is a complete tear-off. That’s not a selling point. It’s how a roof replacement is supposed to work.

Free inspection · Written estimate same day · City of Milwaukee DNS permit included · We respond in 2 hours

4.9★ · 200+ Google ReviewsWI Lic. DC-080900045BBB AccreditedSince 1979

Free Replacement Quote

Milwaukee WI · We respond in 2 hours

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— or call directly —

(608) 909-9109

4.9★

Google Rating

50yr

Max Warranty

1day

Most Replacements

47yrs

In Wisconsin

Inspection Cost

Milwaukee’s Housing Stock

Why Full Tear-Off
Matters More Here
Than Almost Anywhere.

Milwaukee has one of the oldest median housing ages in the Midwest. That means two things: character and complexity. Most of the city’s historic neighborhoods have homes approaching or past their second full roofing cycle — and a significant number already have the maximum two layers Wisconsin code allows.

What a layover hides from you

Rotted or wet decking. Milwaukee’s freeze-thaw cycling and Lake Michigan moisture load accelerates decking deterioration from below. You can’t see it from the surface. Layovers leave it in place — and the new shingles fail faster because of it.

Board sheathing condition. Homes built before 1940 — a large portion of Bay View, Riverwest, and the near north and south sides — often have original board sheathing rather than modern OSB. Boards that have been wet for years can’t hold fasteners properly. A layover doesn’t reveal this.

Added structural weight. A second layer of shingles adds 2–4 lbs per square foot. On older Milwaukee homes with original framing, this matters. Adding a third layer can exceed what the structure was designed to carry.

Voided manufacturer warranty. GAF will not honor the System Plus warranty on a layover installation. You lose the 50-year coverage before the first winter is over.

A layover saves money upfront. It costs more within five years when the underlying problems finally surface.

What a full tear-off gives you

Board-by-board decking inspection. Every board is assessed and photographed. Rotted or structurally compromised sections are replaced before installation begins — and documented in your permit package.

Clean surface for ice and water shield. Self-adhering waterproof membrane can only bond properly to clean decking. Applied over existing shingles, it doesn’t perform as intended — the primary reason ice dam damage repeats on layover roofs.

GAF System Plus warranty eligibility. 50 years, covering the full roofing system — shingles, workmanship, and weather events. Non-prorated. Transferable to one subsequent homeowner. Only available on complete tear-off installs by Master Elite contractors.

City of Milwaukee DNS permit compliance. A permitted tear-off is fully inspected and documented — protecting your insurance coverage, your home’s resale value, and your legal standing as a property owner.

Our 1920s bungalow had three layers of old roofing. Buckshot did the complete tear-off, fixed rotted decking they found underneath, and installed a new GAF roof. — Patricia R., Milwaukee

From First Call to Finished Roof

How a Milwaukee
Replacement Works —
Step by Step.

Every detail, in order. No ambiguity about what you’re getting or when.

Free Inspection — Full System, Not Just Shingles

We get on your roof and document every facet — shingle condition, granule loss, decking softness from the surface, flashing at chimney and valleys, pipe boot condition, soffit and fascia, and attic ventilation from inside. If storm damage is present, we document at the detail level required for insurance submission. You receive a written findings report before any pricing discussion.

Written Estimate With Every Line Itemized

Tear-off labor, disposal, estimated decking replacement, ice and water shield coverage, underlayment, shingle product and color, ridge cap, pipe boots, drip edge, flashing replacements, and the City of Milwaukee DNS permit fee — all listed separately. No vague totals, no additions on installation day that weren’t in the estimate.

Material Selection — Samples Brought to Your Home

We bring physical GAF shingle samples to your door. Timberline HDZ, UHDZ, Camelot II — we explain the differences in durability, warranty level, and cost. We also show you how each color reads against your Milwaukee home’s siding and trim in real light, not on a small card in a showroom. As a Master Elite contractor, we carry the full GAF product line.

City of Milwaukee DNS Permit — We Handle Everything

We file the permit application through the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services before scheduling your installation. WI License DC-080900045. Homeowners who work with contractors who skip permits face voided insurance, resale problems, and potential code violation notices. Every Buckshot replacement is fully permitted. We coordinate the DNS inspection and provide you the permit closeout documentation.

Installation Day — Tear-Off to Cleanup in One Day

Crew arrives 7–8 AM. Tarps go around the perimeter to protect landscaping and vehicles. Magnetic nail sweepers are staged before tear-off begins. Full existing roofing system is removed. Every decking board is inspected and photographed — rotted or compromised boards are replaced on the spot and documented. Ice and water shield goes on all eaves, valleys, and penetrations. Synthetic underlayment covers the full deck. GAF shingles are installed to manufacturer specification with a ridge vent system. Magnetic sweepers run before the crew leaves. Most Milwaukee residential replacements finish same day.

Property Walkthrough Before We Leave

We walk the completed job with you before departure. Any questions about the work, the materials used, or the warranty process are answered on site. Magnetic sweeper passes are confirmed across your yard, driveway, and all landscaped areas. Your neighbor should not be able to tell we were there by the time we close the truck.

DNS Inspection, Warranty Registration, Documentation Package

The Milwaukee DNS inspector signs off on the completed installation. We register your GAF warranty in your name and deliver your documentation package: the warranty certificate, permit closeout, photo record of all decking replacements, and our written workmanship warranty. Everything in one place — for your insurance file, for future claims, and for eventual resale.

Roof Replacement Cost in Milwaukee

Real Numbers.
By Home Type.

Milwaukee’s ranges are wider than newer construction markets because the variables are wider. A straightforward ranch runs very differently from a 1910 two-flat with board sheathing and three existing layers. These numbers are based on actual Milwaukee County jobs.

Home Type	Square Footage	Typical Range	Milwaukee-Specific Notes
Small ranch or cape cod	900–1,300 sq ft	$8,500 – $12,000	Single-layer tear-off, standard pitch. Common in South Side and Cudahy.
Mid-size bungalow or split	1,300–1,800 sq ft	$12,000 – $16,500	Bay View, Riverwest bungalows. Dormers and complex lines add to scope.
Larger colonial or two-story	1,800–2,600 sq ft	$16,500 – $23,000	Multiple layers, board sheathing, and decking replacement push upper range.
Pre-1940 / complex / multi-layer	Varies	$18,000 – $32,000+	Brewers Hill, near north side historic homes. Three-layer tear-offs with significant decking work.

Prices reflect GAF architectural shingles, full tear-off, Milwaukee-area labor, DNS permit fees, and standard complexity. Metal roofing runs 2–3x asphalt.

What moves the number on a Milwaukee roof:

Number of existing layers — two is common, three is not rare in pre-1960 neighborhoods

Board sheathing vs. OSB — board requires more careful fastening and may need replacement

Decking replacement volume — rotted boards priced per board, documented with photos

Pitch complexity — steep Milwaukee bungalow roofs cost more to install safely

Flashing replacements — chimney flashing, pipe boots, skylight flashing quoted separately

Shingle tier selection — HDZ standard, UHDZ premium, Camelot II designer

Insurance-funded replacement? If your roof was damaged by hail or wind, you typically pay only your deductible. Buckshot is pre-approved through five carrier programs and handles the adjuster coordination directly — the full replacement cost is billed to your insurer at Replacement Cost Value.

Roofing Materials for Milwaukee’s Climate

The Lake Michigan
Effect Changes
What Works Here.

Milwaukee’s proximity to Lake Michigan extends the freeze-thaw cycle beyond what inland Wisconsin markets experience. Spring arrives later, fall moisture lingers longer, and wind-driven precipitation from the east is a recurring factor. These conditions matter when choosing materials and installation methods.

Most installed in Milwaukee County

Best Value

GAF Timberline HDZ

LayerLock Technology permanently bonds the shadow band layer — improving wind resistance at the attachment point that most commonly fails during Milwaukee’s late-season storms. Algae resistance matters more in Milwaukee than in drier climates: north-facing slopes in Riverwest, Shorewood, and near-lake neighborhoods develop black streaking without it. StainGuard Plus addresses that without any additional treatment or cost.

Wind resistance: up to 130 mph with proper installation

StainGuard Plus algae resistance — critical near Lake Michigan

50-year System Plus warranty with Master Elite install

Richer appearance, same warranty

Premium Tier

GAF Timberline UHDZ

Deeper shadow depth and more dimensional color variation — the difference shows clearly on homes with architectural character. Brewers Hill Victorians, bay-windowed Riverwest flats, East Side craftsman homes with multiple roof planes — the UHDZ reads substantially better than standard architectural shingles on any roofline with complexity. Cost premium runs 15–20% over HDZ. All warranties and wind ratings are identical.

Ultra high definition shadow lines

Best for homes with dormers, multiple pitches, or complex rooflines

Ideal if listing within 5 years — meaningful curb appeal increase

For Milwaukee’s historic housing stock

Designer Level

GAF Camelot II

Replicates the cedar shake appearance at a fraction of the cost — without cedar’s maintenance demands, fire risk, and shorter lifespan in wet climates. At 30% heavier than standard architectural shingles, it provides meaningful impact resistance for Milwaukee’s spring hail exposure. The right choice for homes in Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, or the East Side where the visual outcome is a priority and the budget supports it.

30% heavier — impact resistant

Cedar shake appearance without cedar maintenance

Best for higher-value Milwaukee homes

The long-hold option

40–70 Year Lifespan

Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal costs 2–3x asphalt upfront, but for a homeowner staying long-term, the math changes significantly. More importantly for Milwaukee: metal naturally sheds ice and snow rather than accumulating it. Homes with recurring ice dam problems — even after proper ventilation correction — often find that metal eliminates the issue entirely. We install standing seam steel and Galvalume on Milwaukee residential and commercial projects.

40–70 year lifespan

Natural snow and ice shedding — eliminates most ice dam risk

Best for long-term Milwaukee homeowners

Ice and Water Shield — Beyond Code Minimum on Every Milwaukee Job

Wisconsin code requires ice and water shield at all roof eaves. We install it beyond that minimum on every replacement — all valleys, around every chimney, pipe boot, skylight, and step flashing location. Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan moisture exposure makes this non-negotiable. Any contractor not including it in a Wisconsin quote is cutting corners.

Warranty

What Your New
Milwaukee Roof Is
Actually Covered For.

Most warranty language sounds impressive until you read the details. Here’s an honest comparison of what Buckshot’s Master Elite certification unlocks versus what a standard Milwaukee roofing contractor can offer.

Warranty	What’s Covered	Term	Prorated?	Transferable?
GAF System Plus Master Elite contractors only Best Available	Full roofing system — shingles, workmanship, and weather events	50 yr	No	Yes — once
Buckshot Workmanship Included on every Buckshot job	Labor and installation defects — Buckshot’s work specifically	10 yr	No	No
GAF Standard Shingle Any licensed contractor	Shingles only — no workmanship, no ridge cap, no underlayment	25–30 yr	Yes	Limited
Average Milwaukee Competitor Non-Master Elite	Varies — often verbal, often not in writing	1–5 yr	Often	Rarely

The System Plus is non-prorated — if a covered event occurs in year 38, the payout is the same as year 1. It also adds documented resale value: a transferable 50-year warranty is a material selling point in Milwaukee’s real estate market. Full GAF certification details →

Insurance-Funded Replacement

Milwaukee Sits in
an Active Storm
Corridor. Act on It.

The Lake Michigan effect extends Milwaukee’s severe weather season further into spring and fall than most of Wisconsin. Documented hail events have hit Milwaukee County every year since 2018. Most homeowners either don’t file a claim or accept the first low offer — not because the damage doesn’t qualify, but because they didn’t know how the documentation process actually works.

Free inspection with professional damage documentation

We photograph every area of hail impact, measure hit density per square, and prepare a damage report formatted to match what insurance adjusters are trained to review — not just phone photos submitted through a claims portal.

Claim filing support

We help you file and ensure the damage is reported within your policy window. Most Wisconsin homeowner’s policies allow 12 months from the storm date. Waiting reduces your options and risks the claim window closing.

Adjuster meeting — we attend and present

We show up to the adjuster’s site visit with our full documentation package and present our findings directly. An adjuster doing a 20-minute walk-through misses items that a contractor who spent two hours on the roof documented in detail.

RCV vs. ACV — we explain what your policy actually pays

Replacement Cost Value policies pay the full cost of replacement. Actual Cash Value policies deduct for depreciation. The difference on a Milwaukee home can be $8,000–$14,000. We explain which applies to your policy and what to expect.

You pay your deductible — we handle the rest

Once approved, your deductible is your only out-of-pocket cost. We bill your insurer directly for the replacement cost value and handle the supplemental billing if scope increases during installation.

Real claim outcome — Wisconsin homeowner

Initial adjuster settlement: $4,200 for repairs. After Buckshot attended the re-inspection with complete photo documentation, the claim was reopened and approved at $22,000 for a full RCV roof replacement — covering the full cost minus the deductible.

Pre-approved through 5 carrier programs

Contractor Connection

Nexus

Innovation

Sedgewick

MSP

Claim denied? We dispute it.

Free Hail Inspection — (608) 909-9109

GAF Master Elite

WI Lic. DC-080900045

BBB Accredited

NRCA Member

WRCA Member

Family-Owned Since 1979

From Milwaukee Homeowners

4.9

Overall Google rating

200+

Verified reviews

Read All Reviews →

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joy I 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot.

The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service!

All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shelly Ziegler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Stephens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free.
Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Anast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very customer focused company.  Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago.  Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again.  In process now to replace my roof and siding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   paolo masone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great!  The roof was replaced in one day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug Cooper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   christos karampetsos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for.

Thanks !!

Questions Milwaukee Homeowners Ask First

10 Questions Before
You Decide.

How much does a roof replacement cost in Milwaukee?

Most Milwaukee residential replacements run $8,500–$23,000. Older homes — particularly in Bay View, Riverwest, and the near north and south sides — often have board sheathing and multiple existing layers that add to scope and cost. We provide free written estimates with full line-item detail. Call (608) 909-9109 or submit the form above.

Do you do full tear-offs on Milwaukee roofs?

Every replacement we do is a complete tear-off down to bare decking. Milwaukee’s housing stock frequently has two or three existing layers already on. Layovers void most manufacturer warranties, prevent inspection of the decking underneath, add structural weight, and result in shorter lifespan for the new shingles. No exceptions, no shortcuts.

Do you pull City of Milwaukee permits?

Yes — always. The City of Milwaukee requires a building permit through the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) for all full roof replacements. Buckshot files every required permit before scheduling installation. An unpermitted replacement can void your homeowner’s insurance, create problems at resale, and expose you to code violation notices. WI License DC-080900045.

How long does a Milwaukee roof replacement take?

Most residential replacements are completed in a single day. Crew arrives 7–8 AM and finishes tear-off, decking inspection, installation, and cleanup before end of day. Milwaukee homes with significant decking replacement, steep pitches, or multiple dormers may require a second day. You’ll have a clear, specific timeline before we start — not a vague range.

What roofing materials work best for Milwaukee's climate?

GAF Timberline HDZ and UHDZ are the optimal choice for most Milwaukee homes — engineered for high wind resistance, algae resistance for the moisture-heavy near-lake environment, and eligible for the 50-year System Plus warranty with Master Elite installation. For homes with persistent ice dam problems despite proper ventilation, metal roofing is worth a serious conversation — it sheds ice naturally rather than accumulating it.

Can my replacement be covered by insurance?

If the replacement is triggered by hail, wind, or storm damage, most Wisconsin homeowner’s policies cover the full replacement cost minus your deductible. Buckshot is pre-approved through five carrier programs and provides free damage inspections with professional documentation. We attend the adjuster visit and present our findings directly. If your claim was denied, call us — denials are frequently the beginning of the process, not the end.

How do I know if my Milwaukee home already has too many layers?

Wisconsin building code limits roofs to two shingle layers. Homes built before 1980 — a significant portion of Milwaukee’s housing stock — may already be at that limit. Look at the roof edge: if the roofline appears unusually thick, or the fascia looks buried under the drip edge, multiple layers are likely present. A free inspection from Buckshot confirms exactly what’s on your roof and what the replacement scope will be.

What warranty comes with a Buckshot replacement?

Through our GAF Master Elite certification, your replacement qualifies for the GAF System Plus 50-year warranty — covering the full roofing system including shingles, workmanship, and weather events. It’s non-prorated and transferable to one subsequent homeowner. Standard Milwaukee contractors offer the 25–30 year shingle-only warranty, which covers materials but not labor. We also provide our own 10-year workmanship warranty on every installation.

Replace or repair — how do I tell which one I need?

Replacement is the right call when: the roof is 18 or more years old, it has two existing shingle layers, hail or wind damage covers multiple facets, or the decking has moisture damage. Repair is usually right when the roof is under 15 years old and damage is clearly isolated to one area. We’ll give you an honest answer during your free inspection. We don’t push replacements when a repair is genuinely sufficient. See our Milwaukee roofing page →

Which neighborhoods do you serve?

All Milwaukee city neighborhoods — Bay View, Riverwest, Walker’s Point, Brewers Hill, the East Side, Near West Side, North Side, South Side — and all Milwaukee County suburbs: Wauwatosa, West Allis, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Greenfield, Greendale, Oak Creek, Franklin, Cudahy, South Milwaukee, St. Francis, Brown Deer, Glendale, Fox Point, and Bayside. Call (608) 909-9109 to confirm your address.

Milwaukee County Service Area

City, Suburbs, and
Beyond — All Covered.

From our Wisconsin crew base we complete roof replacements across Milwaukee city and all surrounding communities. Same-week scheduling, same-day emergency response.

Community	Area	Same-Day Emergency?
Milwaukee (all neighborhoods)Primary	Milwaukee County seat	Yes
Wauwatosa	Milwaukee County	Yes
West Allis	Milwaukee County	Yes
Shorewood	Milwaukee County	Yes
Whitefish Bay	Milwaukee County	Yes
Greenfield	Milwaukee County	Yes
Oak Creek	Milwaukee County	Yes
Greendale	Milwaukee County	Yes
Franklin	Milwaukee County	Yes
Waukesha · Brookfield · New Berlin	Waukesha County	Yes
Mequon · Cedarburg · Grafton	Ozaukee County	Yes