Process: We Have Great Pride in How We Work

There are roofers, and then there are roofers! 

We are roofing technologists. We focus on the engineering and science of what roofing is supposed to provide to a structure. We are proud to state that our roofing process is held to the very highest of standards. 

We often find poor performance issues in the roofs that we repair and replace. Homeowners cannot be expected to understand all the things that fall short of an excellent installation, but we want our work to be flawless every time. 

At Taylor, we ensure that every step of building a roof is followed letter by letter to give you a roof that will protect your home or business for years to come. The steps required are specific and vital to maintain the structure and protect your investment. The process breaks down like this:​

[A] TEAR OFF OLD DAMAGED ROOF
If you’re putting a new roof on an existing structure, installing the new system properly without removing the old material is impossible. Unfortunately, many fly-by-night companies have been known to install new shingles over the old—this is a sure way to make sure that your roof isn’t going to last. One of the most tedious components of tearing off an old roof is making sure all the old shingles are removed or pounded flat into the remaining structure. Leaving nails sticking out will tear holes in the new shingles, so it’s vital not to cut corners on this step.

​[B] INSTALL DRIP EDGE
While this isn’t usually required, a drip edge gives a nice finished look, prevents shingles from curling, and keeps water from running down your fascia boards. The drip edge must be fastened to the eaves before the underlayment is installed and nailed every couple of feet to keep it secure.

​[C] ROLL OUT UNDERLAYMENT
Underlayment is essential because it can prevent ice dams and strong winds from allowing water into the house. This material is self-adhesive, so the backing is peeled off, and the underlayment is applied as flat and straight as possible to the deck. Depending on the temperature (warmer is better), it might stick on its own or require a few nails to keep it in place.

[D] FELT PAPER COVER
Also referred to as “tar paper,” felt paper helps remove the water that gets under the shingles and increases the roof’s fire rating. The product is rolled out in short sections, and staples are used to secure it to the deck. Each paper needs to overlap the one before to provide adequate coverage.
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A Re-Roofing Process Sequence: Camelot II in Barkwood by GAF

[E] WATERPROOF THE VALLEYS
One of our specialties! We do not tolerate weakness in these critical application areas. Roof valleys direct water away from the structure, so they need extra protection. Underlayment and felt paper are installed much the same way as above, but with different methods that allow for the specific structure of the valley coverage.

[F] APPLY STARTER SHINGLES
Starter shingles are a critical step. Shingles are meant to overlap each other, but starter shingles are specifically designed to be the first row of flat, and they are only ½ as wide as regular shingles. This first row acts as a barrier to keep water from running in between the seams of the first shingles and creating a leak.

[G] SHINGLE INSTALLATION
​This process is tedious, but it’s probably the most straightforward part of roofing a house. Shingles are applied in an overlapping pattern and secured with a nail gun. Did you know that some work crews are not trained or knowledgeable on using a nail gun effectively? If the power level is too strong, the nail can penetrate too far and cause all sorts of problems for the durability of the newly installed roof. Unfortunately, a common issue with roofers, but not with Taylor!
​[H] FLASHING INSTALLATION
Just like waterproofing the valleys, this is an extra step that needs to be completed to get a tight seal around chimneys, windows, and any structures that touch the roof. But, again, we have a lot of experience in this technical area, no matter what material is selected.

[I] RIDGE CAP
These are the top shingles at the very peak of your roof. Often, we use special shingles specifically designed for this purpose. Securing these shingles requires longer nails due to having to go through multiple layers of shingles.

[J] SEAL IT UP!
Sweep any debris off the roof and seal all the exposed nails. We go the extra mile when it comes to picking up debris: Instead of the typical big box store handheld magnetic nail sweeper that pulls at a force of 45 pounds, we invest in the most powerful available equipment that pulls at a force of 175 pounds. Our teams are trained to apply a unique technique in using this heavier-duty equipment. We don’t recommend silicone sealers, as they don’t hold up, or asphalt-based sealants that dry out in the sun. Instead, we use a specialized hybrid product that lasts for years.

Superior Engineering/Craftsmanship: Before & Afters Detail Views

Camelot in Antique Slate by GAF

Decorative Wood American Thatch Cedar Shingles with Curved Rakes by Custom Shingles

Camelot I in Sheffield Black by GAF

Cedar Shingles Being Replaced with Single Width Black Slate by DaVinci Roofscapes

Storm Damage Cannot Wait. Our Most Requested Service!

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