Situation
In 2018, Northbrook resident Steven Elisco reached out because it was time for him to replace his roof. His existing roof was made of cedar, and he wanted to replace it with a high-end asphalt product that would simulate cedar as much as possible. As an architect, Steven has a keen eye for detail and a deep knowledge of materials, so we understood that the expectations were high and that we had to deliver.
Challenge
There were two challenges in front of us: working with a specialized product and meeting the high expectations of an architect.
The roofing material has unique properties:
- It is very thick, which meant we had to take a specific approach to installation that entailed cutting accessories it needed and carefully installing the underlayments underneath the shingles below the roof.
- Since the roofing material is asphalt and fiberglass-based, it isn’t flexible, and it made each tab and individual shingle heavier than usual. It was harder to cut and carry, and it laid differently.
- The product had varying patterns, and the way it fit together was different from a typical shingle. How it intersected–where a roof meets a wall–was also different.
- The product called for higher-end copper products, which required using copper nails that are less versatile compared to aluminum nails. We couldn’t mix the two materials because copper is vulnerable to oxidation and doesn’t react to water well.
We also felt more pressure than normal serving a client who’s an architect by trade. Steven has incredible attention to detail, which meant our work had to be perfect. Make no mistake, we provide the same quality of service to all of our clients, but we certainly worked under more scrutiny than normal.
Solution
Once we established the scope of the project and received the products and materials, we got to work…and then we hit a bit of a snag. We encountered some issues, including rotted wood, but we made the necessary adjustments and only added a couple of days to our timeline.
On day one, we removed the back portion of the roof, repaired the damaged lumber and decking, and began to shingle. On day two, we finished the majority of the shingling on the back portion and started to remove the front portion and cover it with underlayments. We spent days three and four completing the shingling, installing the flashings–which direct water away–and tidying everything up.
Outcome
Steven wanted a roof that resembled his old one that was made with a superior product, and that’s exactly what we accomplished. All the work that went into it– the installation, performance, and the acquisition–resulted in an impressive showpiece roof, and that’s exactly what Steven wanted.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
