Replace Asphalt Shingle Roof in Oak Harbor, WA

Signs an asphalt shingle roof needs replacing on Whidbey Island and in Anacortes

Asphalt shingle roof replacement usually starts with wear a homeowner notices from the ground, in the gutters or in the attic. On an Oak Harbor project documented by Wind Proof Roofing, the problem was "aging shingles with heavy granule loss," and the fix was a full tear-off with GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles.

• Heavy granule loss: bare-looking patches on shingles or granules collecting in gutters and at downspouts.
• Curled, cupped or cracked shingles spread across several slopes rather than in one spot.
• Missing or lifted shingles after a windstorm, especially along ridges and edges.
• Water stains on ceilings or attic sheathing near chimneys, vents, skylights or valleys.
• Moss or debris that keeps returning and holds moisture against the shingles.
• Previous patches that keep failing in the same area.

Repair or replace: how Wind Proof Roofing decides on an asphalt shingle roof

Choosing between an asphalt shingle repair and a full replacement starts with an inspection on the roof itself. At Wind Proof Roofing, the owner inspects the roof, and Bruno "tells you straight what it needs — a repair or a replacement." You receive photos and a written estimate, so you can see the same conditions he saw.

• Is the damage limited to one slope, one penetration or one storm event, or is wear visible on every slope?
• Do the inspection photos show soft or damaged decking under the shingles?
• Is the leak coming from flashing, a pipe boot or a skylight rather than the shingles themselves?
• Have earlier repairs in the same spot already failed?
• How long do you plan to stay in the home, and does the written estimate show both options?

What a full asphalt shingle roof replacement includes

A full asphalt shingle roof replacement from Wind Proof Roofing follows the installation steps the company lists for its own work. The sequence below reflects those steps; ask for the schedule of your specific roof in the written estimate, because timing depends on the roof and the conditions found during tear-off.

• Owner inspection on the roof, with photos and a written estimate.
• Full tear-off of the existing roofing materials.
• Detailed inspection and preparation of the roof decking, with deteriorated plywood replaced where needed.
• New underlayment over the prepared deck.
• Flashing, valleys, ventilation and clean transitions detailed to prevent leaks.
• Sealed pipe boots, vents, chimneys and all penetrations.
• Secure shingle installation finished with clean ridge lines.

Asphalt shingles compared with metal and low-slope roofing

Replacing an asphalt shingle roof is also a chance to confirm that shingles are still the right material for the house. Wind Proof Roofing installs roofing ranging from composition shingles to metal and advanced roofing systems, so the comparison below sticks to systems the company actually installs.

What to compare in a written asphalt shingle roof estimate

Comparing written estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement works only when each bid describes the same scope. Two numbers that look far apart may cover different work, and two that look close may leave out different items.

• Does the estimate state a full tear-off of the existing roofing materials?
• How is damaged decking handled if it is found after tear-off, and how is that change communicated?
• What underlayment is included, and over which areas?
• Which shingle product and line is specified by name?
• Are flashing, valleys and chimney details replaced or reused?
• Are pipe boots, vents, skylights and other penetrations listed individually?
• How is attic ventilation addressed?
• Are gutters, fascia and roof edges inspected, and is any gutter work priced separately?
• Who confirms permit needs, and when?
• Is cleanup and debris removal written into the scope?

Mistakes that cause rework on a shingle roof replacement

Rework on an asphalt shingle roof replacement usually traces back to a decision made before the first shingle comes off. The points below are general guidance drawn from the steps Wind Proof Roofing lists for its own installations.

• Choosing a bid that skips a full tear-off, which leaves the decking unseen and unprepared.
• Reusing old flashing or pipe boots without anyone checking their condition.
• Treating ventilation as an afterthought instead of part of the roof design.
• Comparing estimates with different scopes and picking the lowest number.
• Ignoring a skylight or chimney detail that was already leaking before the replacement.
• Leaving clogged or damaged gutters in place under a brand-new roof edge.
• Starting work before permit needs are confirmed.

Preparing your home for an asphalt shingle tear-off

Preparing a home for an asphalt shingle tear-off makes the job smoother for the household and the crew. The steps below are general guidance; ask Wind Proof Roofing about anything specific to your property when you review the estimate.

• Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the drip line.
• Clear patio furniture, planters, grills and decor from around the house.
• Cover items stored in the attic, since vibration from tear-off can shake loose dust.
• Take down fragile wall hangings on upper floors.
• Mark sprinkler heads, septic lids or anything else hidden in the yard.
• Agree on where materials and the debris container will sit.

Gutters and upkeep after a new asphalt shingle roof

Gutters finish the job on a new asphalt shingle roof, because water from the shingles has to leave the roof edge cleanly. Wind Proof Roofing installs custom seamless gutters with downspouts placed to protect the foundation and siding, in corrosion-resistant aluminum and steel options.

Frequently asked questions