Roof Replacement in Madison and Dane County

What a roof replacement actually includes

A roof is a system of layers, and shortcuts at any layer are how roofs fail early. Every full replacement we do covers the same basics, in the same order:

• Tear-off down to the deck

  We strip the existing roof completely. Going over an existing layer hides decking damage, voids most manufacturer warranties, and adds weight your trusses weren't engineered for.

• Decking inspection and replacement

  With the old roof off, we walk the deck and replace any rotted, soft, or split sheathing. Most Madison roofs need 1–4 sheets replaced; a few need significantly more.

• Ice and water shield

  Self-adhered membrane along eaves, valleys, and around penetrations — extending well past the inside wall line, not just the standard 24 inches code minimum. Wisconsin ice damming demands the extra coverage.

• Synthetic underlayment

  Across the field of the roof. Tougher and lighter than felt; doesn't tear when it gets wet during install.

• Drip edge, starter, ridge cap

  All factory-coordinated with the field shingle or metal panel. Done right, these are invisible. Done wrong, they're how leaks start at the edges.

• Architectural shingles or standing-seam metal

  Installed to manufacturer specs — nailing pattern, exposure, pattern shift — so the warranty actually applies if anything goes wrong.

• Ventilation and flashing

  Ridge venting balanced with soffit intake. New step and counter flashing at every wall, chimney, and skylight. Old flashing reused is a leak waiting to happen.

Materials we install

• Architectural asphalt shingles

  30–50 year manufacturer warranties, good wind and impact ratings, predictable cost. Right for most Wisconsin homes.

• Standing-seam metal

  Sheds snow well, lasts 50+ years, costs 2–3× asphalt up front. Best for steeper roofs, homes you plan to keep, and where insurance discounts apply.

• Flat / low-slope membranes

  TPO and modified bitumen for porches, dormers, and additions. Different install rules than pitched roofs — we handle the transitions.

Warranties

Workmanship warranty in writing from us. Manufacturer warranty from the shingle or metal panel maker. Both handed over at the final walkthrough — not buried in fine print, not contingent on staying enrolled in a maintenance plan.

The Defender Shield ($295/year) is optional, but it's the cheapest way to keep both warranties valid: annual inspection catches the small issues that turn into warranty denials a decade later.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a roof replacement take?

Most single-family homes are one or two days for the tear-off, decking, and new install — three days for larger or more complex roofs. We don't leave the deck exposed overnight; if weather forces a stop, we tarp and seal everything before we go home.

Do you handle the dump load and cleanup?

Yes. The estimate includes the dump trailer, dump fees, magnet sweep for nails (twice — start and end of day), and a final walkthrough with you. We don't leave shingles in your yard or nails in your driveway.

What happens if you find rotted decking under my old roof?

We replace it and document what we replaced. The estimate includes 1–2 sheets of decking at no extra charge — that covers most homes. Anything beyond that is itemized at the price quoted on the estimate, so there are no surprises.

Will my homeowner's insurance pay for the new roof?

Only if the replacement is driven by covered storm or hail damage. Wear-and-tear and end-of-life replacements aren't covered. If you think there's storm damage on your existing roof, start with a free inspection — see the storm damage page for how the claim process works.

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