Our Process: Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation
Katelyn Lewis • June 28, 2022
How is an asphalt shingle roof properly installed? So glad you asked!
Let's walk through the process together, using aerial photos from a recent Retex roof replacement project in the Surreywood neighborhood of North Chesterfield, VA.
Here's our simple process:
1: Tear off the existing shingles, starting from the ridge and moving down the roof.
2: Assess and replace any decking that's damaged, rotten, or soft. At this step, we also cut along the ridge so we could install a ridge vent, enabling passive attic ventilation for this home.
3: Install aluminum drip edge, Ice & Water Shield, and synthetic underlayment. This layer will protect your roof decking! We also install any skylights, pipe collars around plumbing vent pipes, and flashing at this stage.
4, 5 & 6: Transfer shingles to roof and begin shingle installation.
7: Smile at the awesome new roof and clean up!
Our crews also go the extra mile to clean up your yard of debris.
We run a nail rake multiple times to ensure a clean and safe environment, and once everything's looking good we will haul away and dispose of the debris (this final photo was captured post-cleanup, pre-dumpster pickup).
Want to discuss your roofing project? Call us at 804-442-3314 or click the button below to get in touch with us.
Unfortunately there are folks out there more concerned with a quick sale than with helping you with your home exteriors.
This Midlothian homeowner originally reached out to Retex in October 2023 for a roof repair for a leak in her kitchen as well as a roof replacement estimate. RETEX’s Andy Connor met with her, gave her both quotes, and we repaired her roof. She reached back out to Andy in March 2024, ready to move forward with RETEX on replacing her roof.
If your siding is 20+ years old, it’s worth getting a pro to assess it, even if it looks okay. Hidden issues can lurk beneath the surface.
Bryan Rizo serves on our Repair Team Alpha. Alongside Julio, Bryan repairs shingle roofs and installs small flat TPO roofs on homes across Richmond and Fredericksburg. He’s been with RETEX for three years, and we’re blessed to have him on board.
Montpelier homeowner Patrick Fadden reached out to RETEX in January for an estimate for replacing his home's roof and windows.
Always get detailed, apples-to-apples quotes so you know exactly what’s included (tear-off, underlayment, warranties, disposal, etc.) to avoid surprise costs or a roof replacement that’s not up to state code requirements.
This story began in April 2022, when a neighbor with many hats – a fellow Surreywoodian, a local pastor, and owner of an auto mechanic shop – reached out to RETEX’s Josh Lewis and Mark Erickson to assess his church’s roof and siding after experiencing hail damage.
We are thankful for the soldiers and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country today and everyday. We admire your strength, courage, humility, and perseverance to fight on the frontlines.
Wishing another fantastic year around the sun for Iris Hernandez, our incredible assistant project manager.
Let’s quickly refresh:repointing is, and whether your chimney or front steps may need a little TLC.