What Goes Into a Roof? The Complete Roof Installation Process

The installation of a new roof involves many critical components that most homeowners never see. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into a roof, the answer includes proper tear-off, underlayment, ice and water protection, ventilation, flashing, and correct shingle installation.

At Revived Exteriors, we take the roof installation process seriously and ensure every step is performed correctly. Our roofing professionals complete most installations in one day, from tear-off to final clean-up, while making sure your home receives a roofing system designed for long-term performance.

Follow along as we explain the full process of what goes into a roof installation and the best roofing practices homeowners should expect.

What Goes Into a Roof? It Starts With the Tear-Off

Every new roof installation begins with removing the existing roofing system. While some contractors may install new shingles over old ones, this is rarely recommended, especially if multiple layers already exist.

Our roofing team carefully removes damaged or aging shingles so the roof deck can be properly inspected and prepared for the new roofing system.

Detaching the Gutter Hangers

After the tear-off, attention turns to the gutter apron and the gutter hangers attached to the roof edge. Proper installation requires temporarily removing these components so new flashing and drip edge can be installed correctly.

Some contractors cut around gutter hangers to save time, but this can compromise the integrity of the flashing system. At Revived Exteriors, we remove and reinstall components properly to ensure long-term protection.

Ice and Water Shield and Underlayment

One of the most important components that goes into a roof installation is the protective underlayment system.

Ice and water shield is installed along roof edges and valleys where leaks are most likely to occur. This waterproof membrane prevents water from penetrating beneath the shingles during ice dams or heavy storms.

Across the rest of the roof surface, a synthetic underlayment is installed to provide an additional layer of moisture protection. At Revived Exteriors we use high-quality synthetic felt systems from GAF, designed to shed water and protect the roof deck.

Starter Shingles

Starter shingles are installed along the eaves and rake edges of the roof before the main shingles are applied. These starter strips create a strong seal along the roof edges where wind uplift is most likely to occur.

Without properly installed starter shingles, the first row of shingles can be vulnerable to wind damage and premature failure.

Installing the Main Shingles

The visible portion of your roofing system is the architectural shingle layer. Choosing high-quality shingles and installing them correctly is critical to the long-term performance of the roof.

At Revived Exteriors we frequently install premium architectural shingles such as asphalt shingles designed for durability and wind resistance.

While many contractors install shingles with four nails, our team installs a minimum of six nails per shingle to provide stronger wind resistance and long-term reliability.

Ridge and Hip Protection

The final stage of the roofing system includes ridge cap shingles installed along the peaks and hips of the roof. These specialized shingles are designed to flex over the ridge line while protecting the most exposed areas of the roof.

Some contractors cut three-tab shingles to create ridge caps, but properly manufactured ridge cap shingles provide superior durability and warranty protection.

Final Clean-Up

Once the installation is complete, our crew performs a full site clean-up including removal of old shingles, debris, and nails. Magnetic rollers are used throughout the property to ensure no fasteners remain around the home.

Understanding what goes into a roof installation helps homeowners make informed decisions when selecting a contractor and evaluating the quality of work being performed.

Revived Exteriors Roofing Experts

If you want a roof installed according to the highest industry standards, the team at Revived Exteriors is here to help. Our experienced roofing professionals provide reliable installations designed to protect your home for decades.

If you are located in the southwest suburbs, our experienced Bolingbrook roofing professionals can evaluate your roof and recommend the best long-term solution for your home.