Roofing Process from Start to Finish

The Roofing Process

Tear Off - Our crews use various techniques and tools to remove the existing shingles. The deck surface, and any other wood, will be inspected and according to Iowa and Illinois building code any damaged or rotten wood must be replaced. Keep in mind that many reroofs will require tearing off more than 1 layer of shingles.

Mold / Rot Inspection - there are many different stages of rot. Once rot has started it can be stopped by proper ventilation (unless it is past a certain point). Mold cannot survive in a dry, cool environment so ventilation is crucial for mold remediation as well as keeping the temperature of the decking down (which allows the shingles to last longer). If your attic maintains a hot moisture-laden environment the wood decking and rafters will not last as long as they could; but, if you properly ventilate the moisture and heat will have a place to escape. Ice Dams are also prevented by proper ventilation and insulation of the attic space. A hot attic allows the snow on your roof to melt unevenly and freeze at the eves, water will then dam and wick up the shingles, eventually leaking into your attic.

Pre-Shingle Installation - Shingling requires a proper nail surface, once that has been established with decking we will start the install. First we will install an Ice and Water shield two feet into heated air space (1-3 rows up the eves) and up each valley; once exposed to proper heat, this material seals around every nail and to the deck in order to help prevent ice dams in the most obvious areas. The next step in the installation process is to install either 15# or 30# felt depending on the pitch of your roof. This material is a secondary water barrier, felt is also protection for the shingles as certain wood saps can blister the shingles. The main purpose of felt is to maintain a Class A fire rating.

Shingle Installation - With most roofing installations we will need to replace metal flashings such as drip edge, wall flashings, and chimney/skylight flashings...so these will most likely be done in conjunction with the shingle install. The shingle installation starts at the eves and our crews work their way up the ridge. On almost all of our reroofs we recommend a shingle over ridge vent which allows for the maximum attic exhaust. Keep in mind, shingles are only one part of a roof, that is why we call it a system, all of the pieces put together make a roof last the life of the warranty. Please call today if you have more questions about EIC's shingling process.