Repairing Three Roofs for Three Identical Duplexes in Cincinnati, Ohio

Challenge

This neat little street in Mt Lookout housed three identical duplexes, all of which needed new roofs. Upon inspection, we learned that some of the decking spots on all of the roofs may need to be replaced, but we weren't really going to know for sure until we tore off the existing shingles. We also worked with the customer and their insurance to get a large portion of the roofing job to be covered under their insurance. Lastly, we helped the customer pick what shade of shingles they wanted to match the homes. After the inspection and agreement on the contract, we began to replace all three roofs with a 50 year guarantee warranty.  

Solution

We started prepping the duplexes by laying down some matting around the three duplexes to catch all debris that may fall off the roofs. We then started on the first home by stripping all two layers of the existing shingles. Having two layers of shingles may sound good in theory, but they actually decrease a roofs lifespan by trapping unnecessary amounts of heat, which is what happened here. After stripping the shingles, we examined the decking, then we replaced all the spots of the decking that were compromised. After the decking was replaced, we placed down decking tape on all the decking seams, which acts as an extra step for waterproofing the roof. It also helps us layout where we will separate our two underlayments.  After the taping, we placed down our first underlayment called KRS Sealoron XT Premium Ice/Water shield, which will be placed two feet away from the entire perimeter of the roof. We like to place this underlayment like that because two feet around the perimeter of the roof is usually where the roof receives the most amount of rain fall. This type of underlayment is called a membrane because it adheres to the decking with a glue like substance. This glue like substance is great because when we nail the shingles down on top of it, the glue will surround itself around the nails, further protecting the decking from water. We finish the underlayment process by then placing our KRS Velora One synthetic underlayment everywhere else on the decking. We place this underlayment by mechanically attaching plastic caps to the decking. After the underlayments were installed, we began nailing down IKO Dynasty AR shingles in the shade of brownstone. We use galvanized nails, which will never rust. We then installed all the details of the roof like the flashing, edges, perma-boots, and hip and ridge shingles. Lastly, we installed new gutters called Rain Drop Gutter Guards. 

We repeated this process for all three duplexes. The finished roofs are strong as ever, and they will stay that way for a fifty year guarantee. The roofs also look beautiful thanks to the IKO Dynasty AR shingles, in a color that matches the homes perfectly.