Malarkey Vista Orchard Lake: A 30-Square Roof Replacement Done Right
Malarkey Vista Orchard Lake Village homeowners are choosing one of the best impact-resistant shingles on the market, and this 30-square roof replacement shows exactly why the product earns that reputation.
Alvin and the Level Up Improvement crew recently completed a full roof replacement on a home in Orchard Lake Village, and this one had a few layers to it. Beyond swapping out the old shingles, the job included a complete redeck, two skylight flashings, and ventilation corrections that the roof system needed before anything new went on top. Here is a full breakdown of what we did and why each piece of it matters.
About the Home and Why It Needed a Full Redeck
Orchard Lake Village sits in western Oakland County, and the homes here tend to be larger, well-maintained, and built with quality in mind. But age catches up with every roof eventually, and when it does, a shingle swap is not always enough.
On this project, the existing deck had taken on enough damage over the years that putting new shingles over it was not an option. A redeck means removing everything down to the framing and installing fresh plywood or OSB before the new roofing system goes on. It costs more up front, but it is the only way to guarantee the new roof has a solid foundation. Cutting corners on the deck and covering it up with new shingles is exactly the kind of shortcut that leads to callbacks, warranty issues, and homeowners who feel like they got taken advantage of.
We redecked the full 30 squares, which gave us a clean, flat, dry surface for everything that followed.
Skylight Flashing Done Properly
Skylights are one of the most common sources of roof leaks, and they almost always come down to flashing that was done wrong the first time or flashing that has deteriorated over the years. On this home, both skylights got new flashing as part of the roof replacement.
Proper skylight flashing uses step flashing along the sides and a saddle or counter flashing at the top to redirect water away from the opening. When it is done right, a skylight should never leak. When it is done wrong, it is only a matter of time. We treat skylight flashing as a non-negotiable part of any roof replacement that involves them, not an optional add-on.
Fixing the Ventilation Before the Shingles Go On
This is the part of a roof replacement that most homeowners never think about, but it is one of the things that separates a roof that lasts 30+ years from one that fails in 15.
Poor attic ventilation traps heat in the summer and moisture in the winter. That trapped heat degrades shingles from the underside, shortening their lifespan significantly. Moisture buildup causes decking to rot, insulation to fail, and mold to develop in the attic. Before we installed a single shingle on this project, we corrected the ventilation to make sure the new roof system would perform the way it is supposed to.
Malarkey Vista Orchard Lake installations require proper ventilation to maintain the manufacturer warranty. Getting the ventilation right is not just good practice. It is part of doing the job correctly.
Why Malarkey Vista in Brilliant Black
The Malarkey Vista is a Class 4 impact-resistant shingle, which is the highest impact resistance rating available. For Michigan homeowners, that matters. Wind, hail, and severe spring and fall storms put real stress on roofing systems, and a Class 4 shingle is built to take it.
The Vista line also qualifies for insurance discounts in many cases because of that Class 4 rating. Homeowners who upgrade to an impact-resistant shingle sometimes see enough savings on their premium to offset a meaningful portion of the project cost over time. It is worth a call to your insurance provider before you choose a shingle.
Brilliant Black was the color choice on this project, and it works exceptionally well on Orchard Lake Village homes. The deep, rich tone gives the roof a sharp, finished look that holds up against the larger home profiles common in the area. Black roofing has become one of the most popular choices in Oakland County for good reason. It photographs well, it pairs with virtually every exterior color palette, and it ages gracefully.
The Finished Roof
Thirty squares of fresh decking, two properly flashed skylights, corrected ventilation, and Malarkey Vista shingles in Brilliant Black. The roof on this Orchard Lake Village home is built to last and backed by a warranty that means something.
If your home in Orchard Lake Village or the surrounding Oakland County area is showing its age, reach out to Level Up Improvement and let us take a look. We will tell you exactly what it needs and why, no pressure and no shortcuts.