Asphalt Shingle Roofing Company

The Project Workflow: What to Expect After You Hire

A professional company follows a structured process:

1. Scheduling & Pre-Construction: Once the contract is signed, the company will schedule your project, order materials, and pull necessary permits.

2. Material Delivery: Shingles, underlayment, nails, and other supplies are delivered to your home, often on the day before or the morning of the project.

3. Site Preparation: The crew arrives, lays down ground protection (tarps, plywood) for your landscaping and driveway, and sets up safety equipment like ladders and scaffolding.

4. Tear-Off: The old roofing materials (shingles, underlayment) are removed and loaded into a dump truck or container. This is the noisiest and most disruptive phase.

5. Inspection of Roof Deck: Once bare, the wooden deck is thoroughly inspected for rot, soft spots, or damage. Any compromised wood is replaced—this is a critical step for a solid roof and is often a line item in the contract.

6. Installation of New System:

   • Drip Edge: Metal flashing installed along the roof edges.

   • Ice & Water Shield: A self-adhering waterproof membrane is installed in vulnerable areas (valleys, eaves) in cold climates.

   • Underlayment: A synthetic or felt fabric is rolled out over the entire deck, acting as a secondary water barrier.

   • Flashing: New metal flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections.

   • Shingle Installation: Shingles are nailed down systematically from the bottom edge (eaves) upward to the peak.

   • Ridge Vents: Special shingles are installed at the peak to allow for proper attic ventilation.

7. Clean-Up: The crew uses magnetized rollers to pick up nails and debris from your yard, driveway, and gutters. All old materials are hauled away.

8. Final Inspection: The project manager or foreman conducts a final walk-through with you to ensure you are satisfied and to explain the warranty details.

Industry Trends & What Modern Companies Offer

The best companies stay ahead of the curve by adopting new technologies and responding to market demands.

• Solar-Reflective Shingles: Offering “cool roof” shingles in lighter colors that reflect more sunlight, reducing attic temperatures and energy bills.

• Impact-Resistant Shingles: Shingles rated (Class 3 or 4) to withstand hail impact, which can lead to significant discounts on homeowners insurance in hail-prone regions.

• Integrated Solar Solutions: Some companies partner with solar installers or offer systems like GAF’s Timberline Solar™, which are shingles that function as solar panels.

• Drone Technology: Using drones for safer initial inspections, especially on steep or high roofs, and to provide aerial before/after photos.

• Digital Workflows: Using software for precise measurements (via satellite imagery), creating digital quotes, and streamlining communication with customers.

• Sustainability: Recycling old asphalt shingles, which are commonly ground down for use in road pavement.

The Business Side: Running a Roofing Company

For those interested in the entrepreneurial aspect, a successful asphalt shingle roofing company must master:

• Lead Generation: A mix of online marketing (SEO, Google Ads, social media), referrals, and partnerships with insurance adjusters and general contractors.

• Supply Chain Management: Navigating material cost fluctuations and availability, especially from major manufacturers.

• Skilled Labor: Finding, training, and retaining qualified roofers, foremen, and salespeople is one of the industry’s biggest challenges.

• Safety Culture: Implementing rigorous safety protocols to prevent falls and other jobsite injuries is non-negotiable and a sign of a professional operation.

• Insurance & Risk Management: Maintaining adequate coverage and managing the risks associated with high-value projects and potential storm-chasing work.

Common Red Flags to Avoid

Be wary of a company that:

• Demands Full Payment Upfront: A reasonable deposit (often 10-30%) is standard, but full payment before work begins is a major risk.

• Uses High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Especially “today-only” discounts or creating a false sense of urgency.

• Has No Physical Address or Local Presence: “Fly-by-night” operators often follow storms and cannot be held accountable later.

• Is Vague About Materials: The contract should specify the exact brand, line, and color of shingle, as well as the type of underlayment and flashing.

• Asks You to Handle the Permit: A reputable contractor handles this; pulling a permit ensures the work will be inspected to meet building codes.

• Only Communicates via Phone with No Website or Paperwork: A lack of a professional digital footprint or written contracts is a major warning sign.

The Future of Asphalt Shingle Roofing Companies

The industry continues to evolve toward:

• Higher Performance: Shingles are becoming more durable, lightweight, and aesthetically sophisticated.

• Smart Home Integration: Potential for shingles with integrated sensors to monitor roof health.

• Increased Professionalism: As manufacturer certifications and extended warranties become more important, the bar for quality and customer service will continue to rise, separating the professional contractors from the amateurs.

By understanding these aspects from the on-the-ground workflow to the broader business trends you gain a complete picture of what a modern, reputable asphalt shingle roofing company is and how to ensure you partner with the best one for your home.