Our latest Bloomfield Hills roof replacement project is a great example of why roofing isn’t always as straightforward as it looks from the ground.
Over the last two days, our Level Up Improvement crew has been working on a roughly 25-square roof in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The homeowners selected CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles in Moire Black, one of our favorite colors for a clean, classic look.
The project also came with a surprise. Once we started removing the existing roofing, we discovered that an entire slope on the back of the house had been covered with ice and water shield.
It wasn’t something we expected, but it’s something we worked through.
A 25-Square Roof Replacement in Bloomfield Hills
This home has approximately 25 squares of roofing, or around 2,500 square feet of roof area.
For homeowners unfamiliar with roofing terminology, one roofing square equals 100 square feet.
We’re installing CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles in Moire Black.
Landmark PRO is an architectural asphalt shingle with a dimensional appearance and a heavier design than CertainTeed’s standard Landmark line.
Moire Black is a popular choice because it works well with a wide range of exterior colors. It offers a dark, consistent appearance without looking overly flashy.
For this Bloomfield Hills roof replacement project, it’s a great fit.
An Unexpected Surprise Under the Old Roof
One of the more interesting parts of this project came during the tear-off.
We discovered that an entire slope on the back of the house was covered with ice and water shield.
For anyone unfamiliar with the material, ice and water shield is a self-adhering waterproof membrane installed directly over the roof decking.
It’s commonly used along roof eaves, in valleys, and around vulnerable roof areas.
Certain low-slope roofing applications also require more extensive coverage.
The challenge comes when it’s time to replace the roof.
Why Is Full Ice and Water Shield Harder to Remove?
Unlike standard roofing underlayment, ice and water shield is designed to adhere tightly to the roof decking.
That’s great for helping protect against water intrusion, but it can make future roof replacements more complicated.
Depending on the product, age, and condition of the decking, removing the existing roofing materials can take additional time and effort.
In some situations, the membrane can be difficult to separate from the wood without causing damage.
That’s why discovering full ice and water shield coverage during a tear-off can change how a roofing crew approaches the job.
In our case, the back slope wasn’t what we expected.
We adjusted and worked through the additional challenge.
Why Unexpected Conditions Matter During Roof Replacement
Every roof replacement starts with an inspection and a plan.
However, there are some things you simply can’t see until the existing roofing materials are removed.
That might include damaged decking, multiple layers of roofing, unusual flashing details, or unexpected underlayment.
On this Bloomfield Hills roof replacement project, it was the full ice and water shield on the back slope.
Finding something unexpected doesn’t automatically mean the previous roof was installed incorrectly.
There may have been a reason the membrane was installed across the entire slope.
The important thing is understanding the conditions and making sure the new roofing system is installed correctly.
At Level Up Improvement, we believe homeowners deserve straightforward explanations when something unexpected comes up.
It’s part of our approach to roof replacement in Michigan.
Why We Like CertainTeed Landmark PRO Shingles
We’ve installed CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles on many homes throughout Metro Detroit.
There are several reasons we like the product.
Dimensional Appearance
Landmark PRO shingles feature a dimensional architectural design that gives the roof more character than traditional three-tab shingles.
Max Def Color Technology
CertainTeed’s Max Def color technology creates more pronounced color variation and definition.
Moire Black offers a relatively subtle look while still providing the dimensional appearance of an architectural shingle.
Algae Resistance
Landmark PRO shingles include CertainTeed’s StreakFighter algae resistance technology.
This helps protect against the dark staining associated with algae growth.
Manufacturer Warranty Coverage
Landmark PRO comes with manufacturer warranty coverage, subject to CertainTeed’s terms and installation requirements.
The specific warranty available depends on the roofing system, installation, and applicable qualifications.
You can learn more about the product directly from CertainTeed’s Landmark PRO product information.
Why Moire Black Works So Well on Michigan Homes
Roof color can make a surprisingly big difference in a home’s overall appearance.
Moire Black is a versatile option for homeowners who want a darker roof without choosing a color that feels too bold.
It pairs especially well with white trim, brick exteriors, gray siding, and neutral exterior colors.
We’ve used Moire Black on roof replacements throughout Southeast Michigan because it complements so many different architectural styles.
And while appearance matters, the most important part of a roof is still the installation underneath those shingles.
Proper decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and manufacturer-approved installation methods all play a role in the finished roofing system.
For more information about roof materials and installation considerations, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association offers useful homeowner resources.
What Homeowners Should Know About Ice and Water Shield
The unexpected back slope on this project is also a good reminder that ice and water shield deserves attention during a roof replacement.
In Michigan, ice barrier protection is particularly important because of our winter weather.
But more membrane isn’t automatically better in every situation.
The amount and placement depend on roof pitch, construction details, applicable building codes, and the roofing manufacturer’s instructions.
For example, a low-slope roof may have different underlayment requirements than a steeper roof.
Homeowners should ask their roofing contractor where ice and water shield will be installed and why.
The U.S. Department of Energy also provides helpful information about attic ventilation, which plays an important role in managing heat and moisture beneath the roof.
Another Bloomfield Hills Roofing Project for Level Up Improvement
We’ve had the opportunity to work on several homes in Bloomfield Hills and the surrounding Oakland County communities.
Every home is different, and every roof presents its own set of conditions.
This approximately 25-square roof replacement is another example.
The homeowners chose a great-looking shingle, and our crew encountered an unexpected challenge beneath the existing roofing.
We worked through it and kept the project moving.
That’s part of roofing. You plan carefully, pay attention to the details, and adapt when the job requires it.
Looking for a Roofing Contractor in Bloomfield Hills?
If you’re considering a roof replacement in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Troy, or another Metro Detroit community, we’d be happy to take a look.
Level Up Improvement is a family-owned exterior remodeling company specializing in roofing, siding, and windows.
We don’t believe in high-pressure sales appointments or pushing homeowners into work they don’t need.
Our goal is to give you an honest assessment, explain your options, and do the work right.
Explore our Michigan roofing services, visit our website, or call (313) 287-9525 to discuss your project.
Do it right!