Ruth Roofing
How Our Roofing System Works
A quality asphalt shingle roofing system is built through multiple carefully executed stages, each designed to protect your home, prevent leaks, and extend the life of your roof. At Sunday Roofing, we follow a proven process that combines premium materials, skilled workmanship, and attention to detail at every step.
While every roof replacement is customized to your home's design, structure, and ventilation needs, the foundation of a quality roofing system always follows the same key steps and principles.
Once we have inspected your roof, ordered and received your materials, and have our team on site, we follow six essential steps to ensure a professional, quality installation.
We begin with a starter shingle strip, followed by shingles installed across the roof with ridge caps at the peak.
Replace Deck/Sheathing & Add Drip Edge
Any areas of damaged wooden deck (sheathing) are replaced and drip edge is installed along the edges.
Ventilation and Flashing
Flashing is installed around any chimneys, skylights, or siding, and new ventilation is added to aerate your attic.
Ice and water shield is applied to all roof eaves and valleys, and underlayment is added to higher sections of the roof.
We thoroughly clean and provide a detailed inspection to ensure your roof meets our high standards and your satisfaction.
Our Roof Replacement Process
1
Old Roof Removal and Tear Off
We remove the old shingles, underlayment, ice and water shield, and flashing, giving us a clean slate for your new roof.
2
Ice and Water Shield & Underlayment
Shingle Installation
Final Cleanup and Quality Check
3
6
5
4
Key Components of a Quality Shingle Roof
1
Roof Decking (Sheathing)
Roof decking, also called sheathing, is nailed to the trusses to create a strong, flat surface for underlayments and shingles. Over time, your existing decking can begin to rot, warp, and disintegrate if your roof does not have adequate ventilation or is exposed to water.
A solid deck foundation is crucial to extending the life of your asphalt shingle roof and keeping your home safe. The two most common types of decking are plywood, which is stronger, more durable, and has better moisture resistance, or OSB, which is a more budget-friendly option.
Ensuring your roof decking is in good condition, paired with proper ventilation, helps protect your investment and prevent costly repairs down the line.
2
Drip Edge / Gutter Apron
Drip edge and gutter apron are metal trim applied to the edges of your roof to direct water flow off the roof and into your gutters. The gutter apron is installed along the eaves (flat, horizontal edges at the bottom of your roof with gutters), and drip edge is used on the rakes (sloped edges of your roof) and any eaves sections without gutters.
Drip edge has a larger lip or edge, pushing water further away. Gutter aprons have a smaller lip, allowing water to flow easily into the gutters below.
3
Ice and Water Shield & Underlayment
Installed over the decking but beneath the shingles, ice and water shield and underlayment provide critical protection against leaks and water damage.
Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane installed in areas vulnerable to leaks and ice dams. This is necessary at the eaves (bottom of the roof), valleys (where two roof slopes meet), and around chimneys and skylights. This gives your roof additional protection against heavy rain, ice, and snow.
Underlayment covers the rest of the roof, adding an extra layer of protection against moisture, wind, and minor leaks.
Both ice and water shield and underlayment are required by the Ontario Building Code.
4
Shingle Installation
Once the ice and water shield and underlayment are placed, we install starter shingles, then lay shingles in a staggered pattern. Shingles are staggered to ensure that water flows away from nails and onto the shingles beneath it. At the ridges, we install shingle ridge caps for a finished roof and added protection.
At Ruth Roofing, we specialize in asphalt shingles, the most common roof type in Ontario. Asphalt shingles are low cost, durable, easy to install, and have low maintenance. Other materials on the market include metal roofs, which offer a longer lifespan but are typically double the price of asphalt shingles. Shale and cedar shake roofs provide unique aesthetics but are quite rare due because they are expensive, require routine maintenance, and are challenging to install.
5
Ventilation & Flashing
Ventilation and flashing are critical aspects of your roof. Improperly installed, they can cause rot, water damage, and leaks to form.
Flashing is the protective metal layer applied around chimneys, skylights, and siding to direct water away from vulnerable areas and back onto your shingles. Flashing is typically aluminum on residential roofs, but can also be galvanized steel or copper.
Ventilation is crucial for your roof's longevity. During Ontario's cold winters, warmth and humidity from your home rises into the attic. Without adequate ventilation, this will start to rot your roof decking. During our hot, humid summers, the heat and humidity can cause even more harm. Roof exhaust vents come in four major forms, ridge vents, box vents, turbine vents, or powered vents. Adequate intake airflow is also critical to proper ventilation.
6
Cleanup & Final Inspection
Once flashings, shingles, ridge caps, and ventilation is installed, we complete a thorough final inspection to ensure your roof meets our high standards.
Our team cleans as we work before final cleanup, including removing debris, emptying gutters, and collecting leftover materials. We also use a magnetic nail roller in your yard and driveway to pickup any stray nails, ensuring your backyard and driveway are safe.
Get Your Free Inspection & Quote Today
Don't guess what your roof needs - get a free, professional assessment from our experienced team. We will inspect all parts of your roof, identify issues, and provide a clear, detailed roof replacement quote within 24 hours. No pressure, no up-selling. Just honest advice.
Free No-Obligation Inspection
Detailed Quote Within 24 Hours
Licensed and Insured Local Roofers
Click Below to Call/Text Or Reach Out Directly
1-226-218-7270
Why Ruth Roofing?
Quality
Honesty
Expertise
Value
We pride ourselves on providing honest, ethical, and professional roofing services at a fair price. Our team has the experience and training to deliver quality results on every project - from small repairs to a full asphalt shingle roof replacement.
If you're looking for top-tier service and quality roofing anywhere in Southwestern Ontario, contact Ruth Roofing today.
Proudly Serving
We provide full roof replacement and installation services in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, Milton, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Paris, Woodstock, Rockwood, and any of the surrounding areas.
Contact us today for your free inspection!