What Does a New Roof Include?
When you get an estimate for a new roof, it can be easy to focus on one thing: the shingles. But a complete roof replacement involves a lot more than simply removing old shingles and putting new ones down.
Your roof is an entire system made up of decking, underlayment, ice & water protection, flashing, ventilation, shingles, and other components that work together to protect your home.
So, what should be included when you get a new roof in Michigan? Here’s what homeowners should know before comparing roofing estimates.
1. Removing the Existing Roofing
In a typical roof replacement, the existing roofing materials are removed so the roof deck underneath can be inspected.
This may include removing:
Existing shingles
Underlayment
Old flashing when necessary
Existing ridge caps
Damaged roofing accessories
Tearing the roof down to the decking gives the roofing contractor an opportunity to see what's happening underneath the old roofing system.
This is important because problems such as rotten or damaged wood aren't always visible before the roof is removed.
2. Inspecting the Roof Decking
Once the old roofing is removed, the roof decking or sheathing is inspected.
The decking creates the solid surface that the roofing system is installed over. If sections are rotten, soft, broken, or otherwise damaged, they may need to be replaced before the new roof can be installed.
Installing a brand-new roofing system over deteriorated decking can lead to problems down the road.
Because damaged decking is sometimes hidden until the roof is torn off, roofing estimates may include an allowance for a certain amount of decking replacement or list additional decking as a separate cost if more is discovered.
3. Ice & Water Protection
Ice and snow are a major consideration for Michigan roofs.
Ice & water protection is a waterproof membrane installed in vulnerable areas of the roof to provide additional protection against water intrusion.
Depending on the roof and applicable requirements, it may be installed along areas such as:
Roof eaves
Valleys
Around certain roof penetrations
Other vulnerable areas
This layer is particularly important in Michigan because ice dams can cause water to back up underneath roofing materials.
4. Synthetic Underlayment
The shingles aren't installed directly over bare roof decking.
After the roof deck is prepared, roofing underlayment is installed beneath the shingles. Many modern roofing systems use synthetic underlayment.
Underlayment provides an additional protective layer between the roof decking and exterior roofing material.
While you won't see it once the roof is finished, it's an important part of a complete roofing system.
5. Drip Edge
Drip edge is the metal installed around the edges of the roof.
Its job is to help direct water away from the roof decking and into the gutter or away from vulnerable roof edges.
It also gives the perimeter of the roof a clean, finished appearance.
Small components like drip edge may not be the first thing homeowners think about when replacing a roof, but they're important to the overall performance of the system.
6. Starter Shingles
Before the main field shingles are installed, starter shingles are installed along designated roof edges.
Starter shingles help properly secure the first row of shingles and provide additional protection at areas particularly exposed to wind.
A complete roofing system isn't simply bundles of standard shingles. Manufacturers typically design starter, field, and ridge-cap components to work together as part of the system.
7. New Shingles
Now we get to the part everyone sees!
The shingles are the primary exterior covering of an asphalt roofing system.
Homeowners can choose from different manufacturers, product lines, styles, and colors depending on their budget and the look they want for their home.
Architectural shingles are a popular option because they provide more dimension than traditional three-tab shingles and are available in a wide variety of colors.
The quality of the shingle matters, but proper installation is just as important as the product itself.
8. Flashing
Flashing is used anywhere the roofing system meets another surface or where water needs to be directed away from a vulnerable area.
Depending on the home, flashing may be needed around:
Chimneys
Walls
Valleys
Skylights
Roof transitions
Plumbing vents
Other penetrations
Existing flashing may sometimes be reusable depending on its type and condition, while other situations require new flashing.
Poorly installed or deteriorated flashing is a common source of roof leaks, so these details are extremely important during a roof replacement.
9. Pipe Boots and Roof Penetrations
Plumbing vents and other penetrations through the roof need to be properly sealed.
Pipe boots are installed around plumbing vent pipes to create a weather-resistant connection between the pipe and the roofing system.
These are relatively small components, but a deteriorated pipe boot can cause a surprisingly frustrating roof leak.
During a roof replacement, existing roof penetrations should be evaluated and properly incorporated into the new roofing system.
10. Roof Ventilation
A new roof isn't just about keeping water out. Your attic also needs to breathe.
Proper roof and attic ventilation helps control heat and moisture within the attic space.
Depending on the home's existing ventilation system, a roof replacement may involve ridge vents or other types of exhaust ventilation.
Ventilation works together with proper attic insulation and intake ventilation to help manage moisture and temperature.
Improper ventilation can contribute to problems such as condensation, premature roof deterioration, and ice damming.
11. Ridge Cap Shingles
The peaks of the roof require specially installed ridge cap shingles.
These cover the ridge where two roof slopes meet and create a finished, weather-resistant surface.
Like starter shingles, ridge caps may be a small part of the overall material quantity, but they're an important part of completing the roofing system correctly.
12. Cleanup and Disposal
A roof replacement creates a lot of debris.
A roofing estimate should clearly explain how removal and disposal of the existing roofing materials will be handled.
This can include:
Dumpster or dump trailer
Disposal fees
Jobsite cleanup
Removal of roofing debris
Magnetic cleanup for loose nails
Roofing nails have an impressive ability to find tires and bare feet, so cleanup is an important part of finishing the job.
13. Permits
Depending on the project and local requirements, a building permit may be required for a roof replacement.
Your roofing proposal should clarify whether the contractor is handling the required permit and whether permit costs are included in the quoted price.
Requirements can vary by municipality, so homeowners should make sure the project is being completed according to applicable local requirements.
What Might NOT Be Included in a Standard Roof Estimate?
This is where comparing roofing estimates can get tricky.
Two contractors can provide estimates for the "same roof," but the actual scopes of work may be very different.
Depending on the contractor and project, items that could potentially be additional include:
Extensive decking replacement
Structural repairs to rafters or trusses
Fascia replacement
Soffit replacement
Gutter replacement
Chimney repairs
Skylight replacement
Significant ventilation modifications
Unexpected damage discovered during tear-off
That's why homeowners should compare what is included, not just the number at the bottom of the estimate.
A cheaper estimate isn't necessarily cheaper if important components are excluded and added later.
Why the Entire Roofing System Matters
The shingles may be the most visible part of your roof, but they're only one layer.
A properly installed roofing system relies on all of its components working together:
Decking → Ice & Water Protection → Underlayment → Starter → Shingles → Flashing → Ventilation → Ridge Caps
Skipping or improperly installing one component can affect the performance of the entire roof.
That's also why choosing a roofing contractor based solely on the price per square isn't always the best comparison.
Ask what materials are being used, what's included in the scope, how damaged decking is handled, what roofing system is being installed, and what workmanship warranty is provided.
How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the roof, weather, number of roofing layers, decking condition, and the amount of repair work discovered during tear-off.
Many straightforward residential shingle roofs can be completed relatively quickly, while larger or more complicated roofing systems may take longer.
Michigan weather can also have a mind of its own, so roofing schedules sometimes need to be adjusted around rain, high winds, or other unsafe conditions.
Getting a New Roof in Genesee County, Michigan?
If you're considering a new roof in Flint, Grand Blanc, Davison, Burton, Flushing, Fenton, Swartz Creek, Clio, or elsewhere in Genesee County, it's important to know exactly what you're getting for your investment.
At Murphy Builders, our goal is to install a complete roofing system—not simply put new shingles over a problem.
We can inspect your existing roof, discuss material and color options, and provide an estimate outlining the work needed for your home.
Ready for a New Roof?
If your roof is leaking, showing signs of age, has storm damage, or you're simply ready to replace it, contact Murphy Builders to request a roofing estimate in Genesee County, Michigan.
We'll help you understand what's included, what your roof needs, and what to expect from the replacement process.
