Cedar Conversion to Fiberglass Composition Shingles: A Seamless Transition
At Neo Roofing Solutions, we take pride in transforming roofs to enhance both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. In a recent project, we converted an old cedar roof to durable fiberglass composition shingles, ensuring a high-quality installation that meets modern standards. Here’s a detailed overview of the process we followed to achieve a successful conversion.
Step 1: Removing the Old Cedar Roof
The first step in our cedar conversion project was to carefully remove all existing cedar shingles from the roof’s strapping. This involved prying up each shingle and ensuring that no debris was left behind. After removing the shingles, we bent down any exposed nails to create a flat surface, preventing any future issues with the new roofing materials.
Step 2: Installing the Substrate
With the old cedar removed, we installed ½” exterior plywood over the strapping to create an approved substrate for the new fiberglass laminate shingles. This step is critical, as a solid substrate ensures a secure installation and contributes to the overall durability of the new roof.
Step 3: Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is essential for maintaining the health of your roofing system and ensuring its longevity. In this case, we noted the lack of soffit intake vents at the eave, which are necessary to create a manufacturer-approved ventilation system. To address this, we cut a 1” lateral opening through the new roof deck, allowing air to enter the attic space. For effective airflow, we used CertainTeed's shingle-over vent hardware over this opening, which includes a bug screen and baffling to keep out pests while promoting ventilation.
Step 4: Installing the Underlayment
Next, we covered the entire roof deck with CertainTeed Diamond Deck synthetic underlayment, secured with manufacturer-approved cap fasteners. This high-quality underlayment adds an additional layer of protection against moisture and is designed to perform well under fiberglass shingles.
Step 5: Adding Flashing and Edging
To ensure a watertight seal at critical points, we installed 26-gauge drip edge flashings at all eaves and gutter edges. We also utilized 26-gauge W-formed valleys to facilitate proper water drainage. For all valleys, eaves, and rake edges, we employed CertainTeed's Swiftstart starters, which provide an excellent foundation for the shingles and enhance overall performance.
Step 6: Installing the Fiberglass Composition Shingles
The homeowner chose CertainTeed's Landmark AR Shingles in Moire Black, a stylish option that combines durability with a classic look. We carefully installed the shingles, ensuring that each piece was aligned and secured properly. During this process, we also installed seven 75 sq-in passive attic vents to achieve a minimum 1:300 attic vent ratio, adhering to building codes and meeting the requirements for the manufacturer's warranty.
Step 7: Flashing for Chimneys and Skylights
For any chimney or skylight flashings, we used brand-new 26-gauge factory-coated steel to ensure long-lasting performance and protection against leaks. Proper flashing is vital for these areas, as they are common points of vulnerability on a roof.
Step 8: Final Inspection and Cleanup
Once the installation was complete, we conducted a thorough inspection to ensure that everything was properly installed and met our high-quality standards. After verifying that the roof was secure and watertight, we performed a full magnet sweep of the yard, garden, and driveway to collect any stray nails or debris, leaving the property clean and safe.
Conclusion
Converting a cedar roof to fiberglass composition shingles not only enhances the home's appearance but also provides superior protection and durability. At Neo Roofing Solutions, we are committed to delivering top-notch roofing solutions tailored to your needs. If you're considering a roofing upgrade or have questions about your options, feel free to contact us. Let us help you create a beautiful and resilient roof that you can enjoy for years to come!
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