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Your new roof is only as good as the products with which it is made up. In an attempt to save on material costs, many contractors omit vital components of a proper roofing system.
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D. Ross Renovations & Roofing won't settle for inferior products. We use the following quality materials on every project:
01. Deck
Sheathing or roof deck usually consists of wood materials like plywood or OSB that is nailed to the roof truss. The deck is your roof’s foundation; a solid roof starts with a solid deck. Any part of the deck that is rotten or warped must be replaced. It is important that only proper cured lumber be used for sheathing as otherwise the roof material may buckle or pull away as the wood dries.
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02. Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is used on pitched roof as a second layer of protection (most against the elements while shingles are installed) or for added protection if shingle blow-offs are experienced. Proper underlayment will extend your roof’s life.

Felt paper (tar paper) is used by some as underlay due to its low cost and water resistant properties. There are 3 major issues that tar paper can present. First, it is susceptible to lifting due to heat, causing waves in the roof. Second, it is not breathable. Therefore, it can actually case damage to the roof deck (such as rot) and add heat to the underside of the shingle. Lastly, it tears easily. Since there are at least 130 nails per sheet of ply 4’x8’ decking, you can imagine water will easily get through no problem.

At D. Ross Renovations & Roofing, we use only synthetic underlay. Synthetic roof underlayment serve the function as a secondary weather barrier with better resistance to tearing, moisture, ultraviolet rays, and is fully breathable.

Our product of choice is Titanuim Synthetic Underlayment.
TITANIUM UDL-25 PLUS is 100% synthetic, therefore totally unaffected by water, which means it is 100% mold free, lays flat and will not wrinkle.

During the installation of your roof, your home is protected from rain without the need for tarps which can blow off.
Unlike felts, TITANIUM UDL-25 PLUS does not dry out, crack, or leech oils in the heat.

TITANIUM UDL-25 PLUS will continue to protect your high cost, primary roofing long after felt has turned to dust. >>>

NOTE: It is imperative that the entire roof surface is covered with a quality underlay as high winds may lift your shingles leaving an exposed roof surface.

03. Ice Shield Eave & Valley Protection
Eaves, where your roof starts at the bottom, is one of the most crucial spots on your roof. Considerable damage can be caused to the eaves as a result of ice build-up during winter freeze/thaw cycles.

Ice and water leak barrier, eave guard, refer to at least 3 feet of special water resistant material, or 6 feet on lower pitched roofs, that protects your eaves area and valleys.

Many contractors do not install Ice Shield as it is a costly material. It is a critical component of your roof, however.

Some well meaning, but misinformed contractors install Ice Shield on the entire roof surface. This a counter-productive measure as this material is not breathable, thus leading to moisture issues, mold, and premature aging of the entire roof system. This also voids all manufacturer warranty.


04. Eave/Drip Edge Treatment
A drip edge is a piece of metal that is nailed at the bottom of the roof edge (or eaves) to facilitate proper water drainage. The metal drip edge should be positioned under the eaves protection membrane at the eaves edge. It allows for the water to drain into gutters or cleanly off of the roof rather than running down the roof edge and down the fascia, which will eventually lead to rot.

The drip edge is one of the first things attached to the roof and should be installed underneath the roofing underlay with about ¾ inch of overhang extending past the fascia and hanging just over the gutters. The application of drip edge also prevents curling of the shingles at the eaves.



05. Shingles In order to get the maximum performance out of your shingles, all other roof components must be carefully chosen and properly installed; however,
06. Ridge Cap The ridge is at the top of a roof where the sides meet to form an angle. The ridge runs the length of the roof, and must be capped with ridge cap shingles.​


07. Starter Strip A starter strip is typically a row of shingle material that is applied on top of the underlayment and drip edge but underneath the primary shingle layer. The starter strip is a strip of asphalt material half the width of a shingle. It protects the shingles from wind at the bottom of the roof by being adhered to the edge of the eaves, and it fills in the spaces left by the tabs of most shingles.


08. Ventilation A properly ventilated attic will keep your roof deck and insulation dry, dissipate heat build-up in the attic space, minimize the potential for ice dams, and extend the life of your shingles significantly.

Having proper levels of ventilation will also help ease your heating and cooling costs and make your home a healthier place. Chances are your roof is in need of more ventilation, especially if you see any curled shingles anywhere. An excess of ventilation, however, will considerably increase your heating costs.

There are many different types of vents; make sure you know what type presents the most value or which is most suitable for your purpose. If your roofer can’t tell you what types are available, how much you need, and what the best options are, find a new roofer!

Venting doesn't need to be electrical or mechanical to work perfectly well; you should have enough and the proper type for your application. You may be able to add years to your roof by just adding one vent!

We do not install mushroom-type vents as they are problematic in our climate. We also caution that the same type of ventilation system is used on your roof as combining different systems may interfere with the proper air intake of the vents. (ex. Mushroom vents can not be used in combination with Maximum Ventilation Systems)

Maximum Ventilation is the superior ventilation manufacturer of choice in the roofing industry. >>>


09. Flashing Systems
Flashing systems are a site where many roof leaks occur. Whether flashing is located where roof planes intersect, around vents, or at the chimney, flashing systems should be replaced when a new roof is being installed. Think of flashing like a kind of metal angle around chimneys, dormers, vents, skylights, and etc. A flashing system that is properly installed will have water run over joints, not in them.

Flashing is to be installed on top of the ice and water membrane with proper Self-Sealing Flashing Screws to prevent leaking. All to often, contractors cut corners by installing flashing with roofing nails. We are called to repair many leaks each year due to this poor workmanship .



10. Valley Treatment
The valley (the low point of where 2 roof fields join together making an in ward angle) is a crucial spot that must be installed properly. A premium ice and water membrane should be installed under the metal valley flashings. It is imperative that the ice and water membrane be free of nail punctures.