Roof Replacement in Brookville, Ohio – Project Story

Key Takeaways

• Full roof replacement due to age and damage in Brookville, Ohio.
• GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in black for a modern, durable roof.
• GAF FeltBuster underlayment installed for added protection.
• Roof replacement covered by insurance, homeowner only paid the deductible.

Why the Roof Needed Replacement

This roof replacement project in Brookville, Ohio, was driven by a combination of factors, primarily damage and age. Over time, the roof had endured severe wear and tear, leading to multiple issues that made it no longer viable for simple repairs.

Upon inspection, we identified extensive deterioration of the shingles, and the roof deck beneath showed signs of water damage. The existing shingles were no longer functioning as an effective protective barrier. Worse, the ITEL report confirmed that no matching shingles were available to replace the damaged ones, meaning repairs wouldn’t restore the roof’s uniformity or aesthetic.

Due to Ohio’s matching code 3901-1-54, which mandates full roof replacement when identical shingles are unavailable, this project qualified for a total overhaul. Fortunately, the homeowner’s insurance company, State Farm, covered the full cost of the roof replacement, leaving the homeowner responsible for only the deductible. This comprehensive replacement was not only necessary to comply with local regulations but also critical for the long-term protection and appearance of the home.

Location Details

This roof replacement project took place in the charming town of Brookville, Ohio, known for its historic homes and tight-knit community. The property in question was a classic, two-story home located in a quiet residential neighborhood. With its steep-pitched roof and traditional design, the house stood out as a well-preserved piece of local architecture, but the aging roof had begun to detract from its curb appeal.

The home’s steep roof design made it crucial for us to choose high-quality, durable materials, like the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, which not only provided superior protection but also enhanced the overall look of the home. Brookville’s climate, with its cold winters and hot summers, demanded a roofing system that could withstand extreme weather conditions, making our choice of shingles and underlayment critical for long-term durability.

Positioned in the heart of Brookville, this home’s location made it essential to complete the project swiftly and professionally, minimizing disruption to the homeowner and the neighborhood. The new roof was not only an aesthetic upgrade but also a necessary improvement to protect the home from the elements for years to come.

Initial Inspection and Planning

Before starting the roof replacement in Brookville, Ohio, our team conducted a detailed initial inspection to assess the full extent of the roof’s damage. The inspection revealed widespread wear, including cracked and missing shingles, water damage, and underlying issues with the roof deck. It was clear that the roof had reached the end of its lifespan and would need a comprehensive replacement, not just spot repairs.

One critical finding during this inspection was that the existing shingles had no available match in the current market, as confirmed by the ITEL report. This was an important development because Ohio’s matching code 3901-1-54 requires a full roof replacement when exact matches for shingles cannot be found. With this information, we initiated the process of working with the homeowner’s insurance company, State Farm, to help cover the full cost of the roof replacement.

Once the insurance claim was filed, our team coordinated closely with State Farm to ensure that all necessary documentation was in order. We handled the claim process on behalf of the homeowner, allowing them to focus on other matters while we took care of the paperwork. Thanks to the comprehensive claim approval, the homeowner was only responsible for paying their deductible, making this a highly cost-effective solution.

In terms of planning, we carefully scheduled the project to minimize disruption to the homeowner and ensure that the roof replacement was completed efficiently. Given the cold Ohio weather during the project, we also accounted for potential weather delays and employed cold-weather roofing techniques to keep the project on track.

Roof Removal and Preparation

Once the project was approved and scheduled, our team began the roof removal process on the Brookville, Ohio home. The first step was to strip away the old, damaged shingles. This process revealed significant deterioration of the sheathing underneath, with some areas showing clear signs of rot and water damage. It was critical that we address these issues before installing the new roofing materials to ensure the home’s long-term protection.

We carefully removed all the old roofing materials, down to the roof deck, to inspect for any hidden damage. Any compromised sheathing was replaced with high-quality new plywood sheathing, ensuring a solid and durable base for the roof. This step was essential to prevent future issues such as leaks or structural damage and provided a secure foundation for the new GAF FeltBuster underlayment and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles.

During the removal process, we also took care to protect the homeowner’s property. We laid down tarps around the house to catch any debris and ensure that the landscaping and surrounding areas were kept clean and safe. By working efficiently and methodically, our team was able to remove the old roof quickly, minimizing disruption to the homeowner and the neighborhood.

With the old roofing materials removed and the new sheathing in place, the roof was fully prepared for the next phase: installing the high-performance underlayment and shingles that would provide the home with long-lasting protection from Ohio’s weather conditions.

Installing the Underlayment: GAF FeltBuster

After completing the roof removal and sheathing replacement, we moved on to installing the GAF FeltBuster underlayment—a crucial step in ensuring the roof’s long-term protection. The GAF FeltBuster underlayment was specifically chosen for its superior performance in providing an extra layer of moisture protection between the roof deck and the shingles.

Why GAF FeltBuster? Unlike traditional asphaltic felt underlayments, GAF FeltBuster is a high-performance, non-asphaltic product designed to offer better resistance to tearing and enhanced durability, even in extreme weather conditions. This was especially important for a roof in Brookville, Ohio, where cold winters and wet conditions could lead to increased risks of moisture infiltration.

Installation Process:

1. Surface Preparation: Before installing the underlayment, we ensured that the new roof deck was clean and dry, free of debris and moisture. This allowed the FeltBuster to adhere properly and provide a smooth base for the shingle installation.
2. Underlayment Application: We rolled out the GAF FeltBuster in horizontal strips, starting at the eaves and working our way up to the ridge. Each strip was overlapped to create a continuous moisture barrier, ensuring no gaps or weak points where water could potentially seep through.
3. Secure Fastening: To guarantee the underlayment stayed in place during installation and beyond, we used corrosion-resistant nails with plastic caps to fasten it securely to the roof deck.

Benefits of GAF FeltBuster:

• Superior Durability: It resists tearing better than traditional felt, ensuring the roof remains protected during harsh weather conditions.
• Enhanced Moisture Protection: The underlayment provides an additional layer of defense against moisture, safeguarding the roof deck from potential leaks or water damage.
• Lightweight and Easy to Install: The lightweight nature of GAF FeltBuster made the installation process efficient, helping us complete the project on schedule despite the colder weather.

With the GAF FeltBuster underlayment securely in place, the roof was now fully prepped for the installation of the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, ensuring the home would have long-lasting protection from Ohio’s unpredictable weather.

Installing GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles

With the underlayment in place, we moved on to installing the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, a critical step in providing the home with durable, long-lasting protection. GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are renowned for their superior performance, enhanced wind resistance, and striking appearance. For this project, the homeowner chose the black color, giving the home a sleek and modern look that greatly improved its curb appeal.

Why GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles?

• Durability: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain, which are common in Ohio.
• Advanced Protection: With LayerLock™ technology, these shingles feature a strong, adhesive bond that helps secure them tightly to the roof, providing excellent wind uplift protection.
• Lifetime Warranty: GAF offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty with these shingles, ensuring long-term peace of mind for the homeowner.

Shingle Installation Process:

1. Starting with the Starter Strip: We began by installing the Pro-Start® Starter Strip shingles along the eaves and rakes of the roof. This ensured a clean edge and provided additional protection against wind uplift.
2. Shingle Layout: Our team meticulously aligned the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in neat, overlapping rows, starting from the bottom of the roof and working upward toward the ridge. The black shingles were perfectly placed to create a uniform and visually striking appearance.
3. Securing the Shingles: We used six nails per shingle, as recommended by GAF, to ensure maximum wind resistance. The StrikeZone™ nailing area on each shingle made it easier to fasten them securely and quickly, ensuring a solid installation.
4. Ridge Cap Installation: Once the main shingles were in place, we installed the Seal-A-Ridge® ridge cap shingles along the roof’s peak. These specially designed ridge shingles provided a finished look and additional protection at the most vulnerable part of the roof.

Benefits of the GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles:

• Wind Resistance: These shingles offer up to 130 MPH wind warranty protection, perfect for handling Ohio’s unpredictable weather.
• Stunning Aesthetics: The black color added a modern, sophisticated look to the home, significantly enhancing its curb appeal.
• Improved Roof Ventilation: We also installed 750 Roof Vents to ensure proper ventilation, which is essential for preventing moisture buildup and extending the life of the roof.

Overall, the installation of the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles was completed efficiently and with great attention to detail. The new shingles not only improved the home’s appearance but also provided the homeowner with a durable, weather-resistant roof that will last for decades.

Matching Code and ITEL Report

A key factor in this roof replacement project was Ohio’s matching code, which played a significant role in qualifying the homeowner for a full roof replacement. Under Ohio’s matching code, if replacement shingles cannot be found that match the existing ones, insurance companies are required to cover the cost of a full roof replacement. This was a critical point in this project, as the homeowner’s original shingles were no longer available on the market.

To confirm the unavailability of matching shingles, we obtained an ITEL report—a detailed analysis provided by ITEL Laboratories, which specializes in determining the exact match for building materials like roofing shingles. The ITEL report indicated that there were no current manufacturers producing shingles that matched the size, color, or style of the damaged shingles on the Brookville home. This report was essential because it provided the documented proof needed to satisfy the requirements of the matching code.

With the ITEL report confirming the unavailability of matching shingles, the homeowner’s insurance company, State Farm, approved a full roof replacement under the matching provisions. This was a major win for the homeowner, as it ensured that the entire roof would be replaced with GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, rather than patching smaller sections, which would have left the roof looking inconsistent and potentially less durable.

By working with the ITEL report and Ohio’s matching code, we were able to secure a full roof replacement, covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy, with the homeowner only responsible for the deductible.

Timely Completion

One of the standout aspects of this roof replacement project in Brookville, Ohio, was the speed and efficiency of the work. Our experienced roofing team was able to complete the entire project— from removing the old roof to installing the new GAF Timberline HDZ shingles—in just one day.

Given the challenges of Ohio’s weather, it was crucial for us to complete the project as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. By thoroughly planning the job in advance, coordinating materials, and having a full team on-site, we were able to minimize downtime and disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine.

Our team worked from early morning until evening to ensure that the roof was completely installed and fully secure before the end of the day. This timely completion not only protected the home from potential weather exposure but also ensured the homeowner could quickly get back to normal life with the peace of mind that their new roof was ready to withstand the elements.

The ability to finish a full roof replacement in just one day reflects our commitment to providing high-quality service while also respecting our clients’ time.

Final Walkthrough and Inspection

Once the roof replacement was completed, our team conducted a thorough final walkthrough and inspection to ensure everything met our high standards of quality. This step is essential for confirming that every aspect of the new roof, from the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles to the GAF FeltBuster underlayment, was installed properly and would provide lasting protection.

During the inspection, we checked all critical points, including:

• Shingle Alignment: We made sure that all shingles were perfectly aligned and securely fastened to maximize durability and weather resistance.
• Ridge Caps and Vents: Special attention was paid to the ridge cap shingles and the newly installed roof vents, as these areas are often the most vulnerable to water infiltration. We confirmed that they were properly sealed and functioning as intended.
• Flashing and Seals: We inspected the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations to ensure that no gaps or weak spots could allow water to seep in over time.

After the visual inspection, we also walked the homeowner through the project, showing them the completed work and explaining the warranty that comes with their new GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. The homeowner was extremely satisfied with the results, particularly the sleek, modern look of the black shingles, which gave the home a significant curb appeal boost.

To complete the project, we removed all debris from the site, leaving the homeowner’s property clean and ready to enjoy their new roof. With everything in place and passing inspection, the homeowner was assured that their new roof would provide strong, reliable protection for many years to come.

Before and After Comparison

The transformation of this home’s roof in Brookville, Ohio was nothing short of remarkable. The before and after comparison highlights just how important a full roof replacement was for both the home’s protection and its curb appeal.

Before:

Before our team stepped in, the roof was in visibly poor condition. The shingles were cracked, curling, and discolored due to years of exposure to the elements. There were clear signs of water damage on the roof deck beneath, and several areas had missing shingles, leaving the home vulnerable to leaks and further deterioration. The roof’s overall appearance detracted from the beauty of the house, with patches and worn-out sections giving it an aged and neglected look.

Additionally, because the shingles were outdated and no longer manufactured, repairs weren’t a viable solution. The ITEL report confirmed that a full roof replacement was the best option, particularly given Ohio’s matching code requirements.

After:

Once the new roof was installed, the difference was dramatic. The GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in black gave the home a sleek, modern appearance. These architectural shingles not only improved the aesthetics but also provided superior protection from wind, rain, and other harsh weather conditions.

The new shingles were perfectly aligned, with clean edges and a striking uniformity that completely transformed the home’s curb appeal. The home now looks refreshed and more valuable, with a roof designed to last for decades.

Beyond appearance, the homeowner now enjoys the peace of mind that comes from knowing their roof is secure, well-ventilated, and backed by a lifetime warranty. The home is better protected against the unpredictable Ohio weather, and the project was completed efficiently—within just one day.