Ann Arbor Roof Replacement Featuring CertainTeed Landmark Pro Moire Black and Torch Down Roofing
At Level Up Improvement, we believe that a successful roofing project starts long before the first shingle is installed. Last week, we completed a roof replacement in Ann Arbor, Michigan, featuring CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles in Moire Black along with a torch down roofing system on a low-slope section of the home that was not visible from the street.
This project is a great example of why thorough inspections matter and why homeowners should be cautious when comparing roofing estimates that may not account for every area of the roof.
A Beautiful New Roof in Moire Black
For the main roof areas, the homeowner selected CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles in Moire Black. This color continues to be one of the most popular choices among Southeast Michigan homeowners because it provides a clean, modern appearance while complementing a wide variety of siding, brick, and trim colors.
Landmark Pro shingles offer enhanced durability, excellent wind resistance, and the dimensional appearance that homeowners expect from a premium architectural shingle. The darker Moire Black color gave this Ann Arbor home a fresh, updated look while increasing its overall curb appeal.
Discovering the Hidden Low-Slope Roof Area
During our initial inspection, we identified a section of the roof that was not visible from the street. While many roofing companies focus only on the areas that are easy to see, we take the time to inspect the entire roofing system.
This hidden section featured a low-slope roof that required a completely different roofing material than traditional asphalt shingles.
Shingles are designed for steeper roof slopes where water can quickly drain away. On lower-pitched roof sections, water moves more slowly and can sometimes pond on the surface. Installing shingles in these situations can lead to leaks and premature failure.
Because of this, the low-slope section required a torch down roofing system.
What Is Torch Down Roofing?
Torch down roofing is a modified bitumen roofing system commonly used on low-slope and flat roof sections. Instead of individual shingles, torch down roofing consists of rolled roofing membranes that are heat-applied using a specialized propane torch.
As the membrane is heated, it bonds directly to the roofing surface, creating a continuous waterproof barrier.
Torch down roofing offers several advantages:
- Excellent waterproof protection
- Strong resistance to standing water
- Durable performance on low-slope roofs
- Long service life when properly installed
- Reduced risk of leaks compared to improper shingle applications
Because these systems require specialized installation techniques and safety procedures, they should only be installed by experienced roofing professionals.
For this Ann Arbor project, the torch down roofing section blended seamlessly with the rest of the roofing system while providing the protection the low-slope area required.
Why Proper Roof Inspections Matter
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when replacing a roof is assuming every contractor is inspecting the same areas.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
A contractor may provide a lower estimate simply because they missed a hidden roof section, failed to identify a low-slope area, or did not account for the correct roofing materials needed to complete the project properly.
When these issues are discovered during installation, homeowners are often faced with unexpected change orders, additional costs, or difficult conversations that could have been avoided with a more thorough inspection process.
At Level Up Improvement, we take a different approach.
Our Two-Step Inspection Process
Every roofing project begins with a detailed inspection during the initial appointment. We inspect the roofing system, evaluate ventilation, identify potential problem areas, and document any special conditions that may affect the installation.
But we do not stop there.
Before installation begins, Brandon Parsons, one of the owners of Level Up Improvement and Director of Operations, performs a pre-installation inspection.
This second inspection serves several important purposes:
- Confirms measurements and material requirements
- Verifies any unique roofing conditions
- Reviews ventilation needs
- Identifies hidden areas that may not be visible from the ground
- Ensures the installation crew is fully prepared before arriving on site
This additional step helps eliminate surprises and allows us to deliver a smoother installation process for our customers.
Doing It Right From Start to Finish
This Ann Arbor roofing project demonstrates why experience and attention to detail matter. The homeowner received not only a beautiful new CertainTeed Landmark Pro roof in Moire Black, but also the confidence that every section of the roofing system was inspected and addressed using the proper materials.
From the visible roof slopes to the hidden low-slope section requiring torch down roofing, every part of the project was planned carefully before installation began.
At Level Up Improvement, we believe that doing the job right starts with understanding the entire roof, not just the parts visible from the street.
If you are considering a roof replacement in Ann Arbor or anywhere in Southeast Michigan, contact our team to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection and experience the difference a detailed approach can make.
