Shingle Roof Replacement

The complete shingle system,
layer by layer.

A proper shingle replacement in Vermont isn't just swapping old shingles for new ones — it's installing a fully engineered roofing system designed to handle decades of freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and ice dam pressure. Here's how we built this Fairfax roof from the deck up.

Tear-Off and Deck Assessment

Every full replacement starts with stripping the existing roofing system down to bare sheathing. We inspected every square foot of the Fairfax roof deck for rot, delamination, soft spots, and failed fasteners before any new material went on. Damaged or saturated sheathing sections were replaced before the layered system was installed — this is where a lot of contractors take shortcuts, and where you pay for it years later.

Ice & Water Shield

Ice and water shield is the most critical layer on any Vermont roof. This self-adhering membrane bonds directly to the deck and seals around fastener penetrations, creating a continuous waterproof barrier that holds even when ice dams force standing water beneath the shingles. We installed it at all eaves (a minimum of 36″ from the fascia, extending past the interior warm wall), up every valley, and around all penetrations and flashing transitions. Vermont's freeze-thaw cycles generate significant ice dam pressure — without this layer, even perfectly installed shingles can fail to stop water infiltration.

Synthetic Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment was installed across the full roof deck as a secondary moisture barrier. Compared to traditional felt paper, synthetic underlayment is lighter, more tear-resistant during installation, and maintains its performance in temperature extremes without wrinkling or becoming brittle. It provides a durable secondary layer of protection behind the shingles for the life of the roof — important in a climate where wind-driven rain can find its way behind shingle edges.

Owens Corning Duration Shingles

Owens Corning Duration shingles were selected for this Fairfax home for their SureNail Technology — a reinforced nailing zone strip that dramatically improves shingle holding strength in high-wind conditions and through repeated thermal expansion and contraction. Duration shingles carry a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner and a 10-year wind warranty. Their dimensional profile gives the finished roof a clean, substantial appearance that resists premature granule loss in Vermont's harsh UV and freeze-thaw environment.

Ridge Cap and Ventilation

New ridge vent was installed along the full ridge line to complete the attic ventilation system. Continuous ridge ventilation works with soffit vents to create airflow that equalizes attic temperature, reduces moisture buildup, extends shingle life, and — critically in Vermont — helps prevent ice dams from forming at the eaves. Owens Corning-matching ridge cap was installed over the vent for a cohesive, finished appearance.

Flashing Replacement

All existing flashing was replaced — including step flashing, counter flashing, and drip edge. Reusing old flashing under new shingles is a false economy; corroded or improperly lapped flashing is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. New metal drip edge was installed at eaves before the ice and water shield, and at rakes over the underlayment, per manufacturer specifications.

Rivers Construction handles residential and commercial roofing throughout Chittenden County and Franklin County — including Fairfax, Milton, St. Albans, Georgia, Highgate, Swanton, Sheldon, and surrounding Vermont communities. Contact us for a free estimate.