Project Overview
The Peterson family contacted us from their home at 2145 Country Club Drive in the Lake Gibson Estates neighborhood of Lakeland. Their 2,224 sq ft two-story colonial-style home was built in 2006 and had the original 3-tab shingles, which were now 19 years old and showing significant deterioration. Located in inland Polk County, their roof had experienced intense Florida sun and heat cycles that accelerated shingle aging beyond the manufacturer’s 20-year expected lifespan.
During our initial inspection, we found severe granule loss (60%+ bare spots on south-facing slopes), multiple cracked and curled shingles, deteriorated sealant strips, and one active leak in the upstairs bathroom where a pipe boot had failed. The homeowners had noticed their electric bills increasing over the past 2 years, which we attributed to inadequate attic ventilation causing heat buildup and making their HVAC system work harder.
The Petersons were long-term homeowners planning to stay in their house for at least another 10-15 years. They wanted a quality roof that would last, improved energy efficiency, and a reasonable investment that fit their retirement budget. We recommended GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles with upgraded ventilation to address both roof longevity and energy concerns.
Scope of Work
Tear-Off & Preparation
- Removed existing 19-year-old 3-tab shingles (single layer)
- Inspected all 7/16” OSB roof decking
- Found 6 sheets of damaged decking around failed pipe boot (water intrusion damage)
- Replaced damaged decking with new 7/16” OSB per Florida building code
Installation
- Underlayment: GAF FeltBuster synthetic underlayment (superior to old felt paper)
- Ice & Water Shield: GAF WeatherWatch in valleys and along eaves
- Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ Weathered Wood architectural shingles
- Wind Rating: 130 mph wind resistance (standard Florida requirement)
- Ventilation Upgrade: Replaced inadequate gable vents with continuous ridge vent system
- Intake Ventilation: Verified soffit vents were unblocked (added baffles in 8 rafter bays)
- Flashing: All new aluminum valley flashing, step flashing, and drip edge
- Accessories: Replaced 7 pipe boots, new chimney flashing, updated all penetrations
Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Upgraded from minimal ventilation to balanced ridge/soffit system
- Installed insulation baffles to ensure proper airflow from soffit to ridge
- Light-colored shingles (Weathered Wood) vs. dark original shingles (reduces heat absorption)
- Expected attic temperature reduction: 15-20°F during summer peak
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Hidden Water Damage
Problem: During tear-off, we discovered water damage around a failed pipe boot that was more extensive than visible from interior inspection. The failed boot had been leaking for an estimated 2-3 years, rotting 6 sheets of plywood decking. The homeowners were not aware of the leak until recently when a bathroom ceiling stain appeared.
Solution: We immediately documented the damage with photos and called Mr. Peterson to the roof for inspection. We explained that the decking damage was hidden and not detectable during our initial estimate. We provided a written change order for $900 (materials + labor for 6 sheets decking replacement) and explained the importance of addressing it before installing the new roof. The homeowners appreciated our transparency and approved the additional work. We also pointed out that discovering this now prevented much more expensive structural damage in the future.
Challenge 2: Inadequate Existing Ventilation
Problem: The original roof had only two small gable vents and minimal soffit ventilation. This violated Florida building code requirements for attic ventilation (1:150 ratio) and was causing extreme attic heat buildup (140°F+ in summer). This heat was accelerating shingle aging, increasing cooling costs, and potentially shortening the lifespan of the new roof we were installing.
Solution: We educated the homeowners on the importance of balanced attic ventilation. We explained that proper ventilation would extend their new roof’s life by 5-10 years and reduce cooling costs by 10-15%. We upgraded to a continuous ridge vent system (20 linear feet) and ensured all soffit vents were unblocked. We installed insulation baffles in 8 rafter bays where blown insulation was blocking airflow. This created a balanced intake/exhaust ventilation system meeting code requirements. The homeowners noticed an immediate difference in upstairs comfort after installation.
Challenge 3: Two-Story Access Challenges
Problem: The Peterson home is a two-story colonial with steep 8/12 pitch roof and second-story sections reaching 28 feet high. This created safety challenges for crew and required additional fall protection equipment. Material staging was also more complex, as shingles needed to be carried up to the second story.
Solution: We used professional roofing jacks and safety harnesses for all work on the steep upper slopes. We set up a material staging area on the ridge of the first-story section, allowing crew to access second-story work without repeatedly descending to ground level. We also used a conveyor belt to lift shingle bundles to the staging area, reducing crew fatigue and improving efficiency. All crew members were trained in steep-slope safety protocols. Zero safety incidents occurred during the project.
Challenge 4: Summer Heat Timing
Problem: The project was scheduled for early July during Lakeland’s hottest season. Daytime temperatures exceeded 95°F with heat index over 105°F. This created crew safety concerns and made the work extremely demanding. However, the homeowners needed the roof completed before the peak summer storm season (August-September).
Solution: We adjusted our work schedule to maximize cooler morning hours. Crew arrived at 6:30 AM (vs. typical 8:00 AM start) and worked intensely through the morning. We implemented mandatory shade breaks every 90 minutes, provided coolers with ice water and electrolyte drinks, and reduced afternoon hours on Day 1 when temperatures peaked. The crew worked efficiently and safely despite the heat, completing the project on schedule.
Timeline
Day 1 (Tuesday) - Tear-Off & Decking:
- 6:30 AM: Crew arrived early to maximize cool morning hours
- 7:00 AM: Began tear-off starting at upper roof sections
- 9:30 AM: Tear-off 60% complete, discovered water damage around pipe boot
- 10:00 AM: Called homeowner for decking damage inspection
- 10:30 AM: Change order approved, began decking replacement
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break (extended to avoid peak heat)
- 1:00 PM: Completed decking replacement (6 sheets)
- 2:00 PM: Finished tear-off of entire roof
- 3:00 PM: Installed FeltBuster synthetic underlayment across 70% of roof
- 4:30 PM: Installed ice/water shield in valleys
- 5:00 PM: Roof weatherproofed with underlayment, cleanup
- Reduced hours due to extreme heat (95°F+ afternoon temperatures)
Day 2 (Wednesday) - Shingle Installation:
- 6:30 AM: Crew arrived, finished underlayment installation
- 7:30 AM: Began shingle installation starting at eaves
- 9:00 AM: Installed continuous ridge vent system
- 10:00 AM: Mandatory shade break (heat safety)
- 10:30 AM: Continued shingle installation (50% complete)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM: Continued shingles, installed valley flashing
- 2:30 PM: Installed ridge cap shingles
- 3:30 PM: Installed new pipe boots and chimney flashing
- 4:00 PM: Final detail work and cleanup
- 4:30 PM: Three-pass magnetic nail sweep of yard
- 5:00 PM: Homeowner walkthrough and warranty documentation
Day 3 (Thursday):
- 9:00 AM: Polk County building inspector final inspection (passed)
- Dumpster removed
- Permit closed
Results
Inspection & Code Compliance
Polk County building inspector passed the installation on first attempt, specifically noting the quality of the ventilation upgrade and proper installation of ridge vent system. Inspector commented that the balanced ventilation would significantly extend roof life in Lakeland’s hot climate.
Building permit closed successfully within 2 days of final inspection.
Homeowner Satisfaction
Mr. Peterson (homeowner):
“Rain Right provided excellent service from estimate to completion. The crew was professional, the work was high quality, and our new roof looks fantastic. They explained everything clearly and finished exactly when they said they would. We especially appreciate how they handled the unexpected decking damage - complete transparency and fair pricing. Highly recommend for Lakeland homeowners.”
Mrs. Peterson added:
“We’ve already noticed a difference in our upstairs comfort. The second floor used to be unbearably hot in the afternoons, but with the new ventilation it’s much more comfortable. Our air conditioning doesn’t run as constantly. The roof looks beautiful too - the Weathered Wood color was perfect for our home.”
Energy Efficiency Results
Two months after installation, the Petersons reported:
- Upstairs bedroom temperatures 5-7°F cooler during afternoon peak
- Air conditioning runtime reduced by approximately 15-20% (based on smart thermostat data)
- Estimated monthly electric bill reduction: $35-50 during summer months
- Annual savings projection: $280-400 per year
Warranty Coverage
- 15-year workmanship warranty from Rain Right Roofing
- GAF Lifetime Limited Material Warranty on Timberline HDZ shingles
- 10-year SureStart warranty (enhanced material coverage first 10 years)
Long-Term Value
- Expected roof life: 25-30 years with proper ventilation (vs. 15-20 years with poor ventilation)
- Energy savings: $280-400/year = $4,200-6,000 over 15 years
- Home value: New roof adds $12,000-15,000 to home value in Lakeland market
- Insurance: Improved wind rating may qualify for minor insurance discount
Cost Breakdown
Total Investment: $16,850
Itemized:
-
Materials: $6,400
- GAF Timberline HDZ shingles: $3,500
- FeltBuster synthetic underlayment: $800
- Ice/water shield (valleys, eaves): $520
- Starter shingles + ridge cap: $580
- Continuous ridge vent system: $380
- Aluminum flashing, drip edge: $420
- Pipe boots, nails, misc: $200
-
Labor: $7,200
- 3-person crew × 2 days @ $1,200/day
- Includes tear-off, installation, cleanup
- Steep-slope premium for two-story access
-
Decking Replacement: $900
- 6 sheets 7/16” OSB @ $50/sheet = $300
- Labor for removal & installation: $600
-
Ventilation Upgrade: $650
- Ridge vent installation: $380
- Insulation baffles (8 rafter bays): $160
- Soffit vent verification and clearing: $110
-
Tear-Off & Disposal: $1,100
- Dumpster rental (30-yard): $550
- Labor for tear-off (two-story complexity): $550
-
Permits: $350
- Polk County building permit + inspections
-
Insurance/Overhead: $250
- $2M general liability insurance allocation
- Workers compensation allocation
Pricing Context: At $7.57/sq ft, this project reflects typical Lakeland pricing for architectural shingles ($7.00-8.00/sq ft). The two-story configuration and steep pitch added approximately $0.50/sq ft compared to single-story homes. Ventilation upgrade added $650 but will save $4,000-6,000 in energy costs over roof lifetime.
Why proper ventilation matters: In Lakeland’s inland heat (summer temps regularly 95°F+), attic temperatures can reach 150°F without proper ventilation. This heat accelerates shingle aging, shortens roof life by 30-40%, and increases cooling costs. The $650 ventilation investment pays for itself within 2-3 years through energy savings.
Photos
Before: 19-year-old 3-tab shingles with severe granule loss and curling During: Exposed water-damaged decking around failed pipe boot (hidden issue discovered) Ventilation: New continuous ridge vent and insulation baffles After: Fresh Weathered Wood architectural shingles with clean appearance
Materials Used
- Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ Weathered Wood (architectural style, dimensional appearance)
- Underlayment: GAF FeltBuster synthetic (260°F temperature rating)
- Ice/Water Shield: GAF WeatherWatch (valleys, eaves)
- Ridge Vent: GAF Cobra continuous ridge vent (20 linear feet)
- Starter: GAF Pro-Start starter strip shingles
- Ridge Cap: GAF Timberline HDZ ridge cap shingles
- Flashing: Aluminum valley flashing, drip edge, step flashing
- Pipe Boots: OATEY rubber pipe boots (7 total)
- Ventilation: Insulation baffles (Durovent style)
Lessons Learned
What Went Well
- Early morning start times helped crew avoid extreme afternoon heat
- Transparent handling of unexpected decking damage built homeowner trust
- Ventilation upgrade addressed energy concerns and will extend roof life
- Two-story safety protocols kept crew safe on steep slopes
- Completed on schedule despite heat challenges
Challenges Overcome
- Discovered and repaired hidden water damage before it worsened
- Upgraded inadequate ventilation to code-compliant balanced system
- Worked safely on steep two-story roof with proper equipment
- Adjusted schedule to manage extreme July heat
Inland Climate Roofing Considerations
Lakeland’s inland Polk County location creates different roofing challenges than coastal areas:
Inland Climate Factors:
- Extreme Heat: Summer temps regularly 95-100°F (higher than coastal areas with Gulf breeze)
- Intense UV: Central Florida receives some of nation’s highest UV radiation
- Thermal Cycling: Greater day/night temperature swings than coast (stresses shingles)
- Less Salt: No salt air corrosion (advantage over coastal roofs)
- Less Algae: Lower humidity than coast reduces algae growth
Recommended Solutions for Lakeland:
- Light-colored shingles to reflect heat (dark shingles reach 170°F+ in summer)
- Premium ventilation to combat attic heat buildup
- UV-resistant materials (architectural shingles better than 3-tab)
- Impact-resistant shingles for hail protection (more common inland than coast)
- Regular inspections to catch heat-related deterioration early
Service Area
We serve all of Polk County including Lakeland and surrounding communities:
Free Roof Inspections: Serving Lakeland homeowners with expert roof assessments