See What Goes Into Every Shingle Roof We Install
A new roof is more than the shingles you see from the street. Underneath them is a system of layers that work together to keep water out, let heat escape from your attic, and hold up to North Alabama storms. When one layer is skipped or cut short, the whole roof pays for it.
This page walks you through every layer of the shingle roof system our crews install, the two shingle options we recommend, and the colors you can choose from. That way you know exactly what you are getting before any work begins. When you are ready to move forward, our team handles roof replacement in Huntsville, AL from tear-off to final cleanup.
Pick the Shingle That Fits Your Home
Both options are installed as part of the same full roof system. The main difference is how much protection you want from hail.
Architectural Shingles
Our Most Popular Choice
Architectural shingles are a step up from lighter, economy three-tab shingles, with a layered, dimensional look that adds curb appeal. They are the right fit for most homeowners and a popular pick in Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur. The architectural shingle systems we install are rated for 110 to 130 mph winds.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
Our Toughest Option
Impact-resistant shingles carry a Class 4 impact rating and resist hail damage better than standard shingles. That makes them a smart upgrade if your home has been hit by storm damage before. Many insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing, and impact-resistant shingles are part of the FORTIFIED Roof standard.
Shingle Colors You Can Choose From
Color is one of the biggest choices you will make on a new roof, and it is hard to judge from a small chip. Below are common shingle color families. Weathered Wood, Driftwood, and black shades are some of our most popular choices. Each sample shows how the color looks across a full section of shingles, not just one piece.
Charcoal Black
Deep, clean black. A sharp match for white, gray, and modern farmhouse exteriors.
Charcoal Gray
Dark gray with soft variation. Works with almost any brick or siding color.
Pewter
Medium gray that stays neutral. A safe pick for light siding and stone.
Slate Gray
Cool gray with a hint of blue. Pairs well with white trim and gray or blue siding.
Weathered Wood
A blend of gray and brown. One of the most popular roof colors with home buyers.
Driftwood
A warm mix of tan and gray. Softens red brick and earth tone exteriors.
Cedar Brown
A rich brown blend. A natural fit for red brick and wood accents.
Desert Tan
A light, sandy tone. Keeps a warm look on cream and beige homes.
Hunter Green
A deep green blend. A classic pick for traditional homes and wooded lots.
Exact shade names and availability depend on the shingle line you choose. Your project manager will give you color samples to compare against your home before you decide, or you can browse our roofing products for the full lineup.
Our Shingle Roof System, Layer by Layer
Here is what our crew installs on your home, from the wood deck up to the ridge. Each picture adds the next layer so you can see how the full system comes together.
Layer 1: Roof Deck
The deck is the wood surface everything else is fastened to. Once the old roof is torn off, we assess the deck for damage before any new work begins. Any damaged section is replaced before anything new goes on top, because new shingles will not last on a weak base. See our decking replacement service for more detail.
Layer 2: Ice & Water Shield
Ice and water shield is a self-sealing membrane that sticks directly to the deck. We install it in the most vulnerable areas, along the eaves and in the valleys, as an extra barrier against wind-driven rain during spring storm season. Around vents and chimneys, we add precise flashing to keep water out.
Layer 3: Synthetic Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment goes down across the entire roof. It sits between the deck and your shingles as a second line of defense if water ever gets past the shingles. If you already have a leak, start with our roof repair team.
Layer 4: Starter Strip
Starter strips run along the eaves and rakes, the bottom edges and sides of the roof. They give the first row of shingles a sealed edge to bond to, which helps hold the roof edges down in high winds.
Layer 5: Field Shingles
Field shingles cover the main surface of the roof and give your home its color and style. Our crews lay them from the bottom up in a staggered pattern and follow the manufacturer’s specs for nailing and exposure, which matters for your warranty coverage. This is the layer you see every day, and the one you get to choose. See our asphalt roofing page for more on this material.
Layer 6: Ridge Vent & Ridge Cap
The ridge vent runs along the peak and lets hot, damp air escape from your attic. Good ventilation helps lower summer cooling bills and protects your roof from premature aging caused by trapped heat and moisture. Ridge cap shingles go over the top to seal the peak and finish the roof with a clean line. Learn more about our attic venting repairs.
Shingle Roofs We Have Installed Across North Alabama
Here are a few of the shingle roofs we have installed in Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Hartselle, Harvest, and nearby communities. You can see more of our work in our project gallery.
Ready to Choose Your New Roof?
Call us at 256-603-9171 or request a free estimate. We will inspect your roof, go over your shingle and color options, and give you a free estimate with no surprises on the invoice.
FAQs
Most shingle roof replacements take one to three days, depending on the size of the home, the weather, and whether decking repairs are needed. Larger or steeper roofs may take longer.
Yes. Your project manager will provide color samples you can compare against your siding and trim while you decide. Start with a free estimate.
Not every home needs them. Class 4 impact-rated shingles resist hail damage better than standard shingles, and many insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing. If your current roof already has hail damage, our insurance claims team can help you document it.
If we find damaged decking after tear-off, we document it with photos and discuss repair costs with you before we proceed. Damaged sections are replaced before the new roof system goes on.
Every roof installation we complete comes with our 5-year workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturer’s material warranty, which ranges from 20 to 50 years depending on the product.