In early August, the Innovative Roofing & Siding team completed a full roof replacement in Friendsville, TN, for a homeowner who wanted more than just a new roof. They saw the project as an opportunity to completely refresh their home’s exterior and bring in more natural light. The result? A stronger roof, a brighter interior, and upgrades designed for a wooded East Tennessee property.
The Home and the Problem
The home, tucked away among towering trees in Friendsville, had an aging roof showing significant wear and tear. The homeowner contacted us ready for a replacement after years of storms, sun, and seasonal debris had taken their toll. During our detailed inspection, we uncovered:
- Deteriorated shingles and worn chimney flashing
- Severe water and carpenter bee damage to most fascia boards
- Outdated 5-inch gutters clogged with debris and not draining properly
- One roof slope with original 1×6 decking boards, which no longer meet modern building codes and don’t qualify for GAF’s warranty
The homeowner’s overall goal was a new roof, but those additional issues played a major role in the scope of the project. We adapted the plan based on what we found during the inspection and our homeowner’s budget. Our checklist was simple:
- Install a durable, warrantied roofing system
- Add eight new skylights for additional natural light, replacing the existing five for a total of thirteen
- Upgrade to a larger gutter system with gutter guards to handle heavy leaf fall and prevent future clogs
Our Roof Replacement Process
We started by installing a full GAF Timberline HDZ® roofing system in Shakewood, a warm and inviting color that complements the home’s natural wood exterior. Known for its durability and wind resistance, this shingle choice will provide years of protection against Tennessee weather. This project was much more than shingles. Here’s what we completed during this roof replacement in Friendsville:
- Skylight installation: Cut in and installed eight new skylights and replaced the existing five—bringing the total to thirteen for maximum natural light inside the home.
- Decking upgrade: Installed 42 sheets of ½-inch plywood over the outdated 1×6 decking to meet building code and GAF warranty requirements.
- Fascia replacement: Replaced almost all of the existing fascia boards using premium cedar to match the home’s all-wood exterior. Cedar is naturally weather-resistant and insect-resistant, making it ideal for this wooded setting.
- Flashing and wood repairs: Installed new flashing and replaced any damaged wood around critical areas.
- Gutter system upgrade: Removed the undersized 5-inch gutters and installed new 6-inch gutters with gutter guards for improved water flow and debris protection—especially important in a wooded property like this.
Despite the extra work—cutting skylight openings, replacing fascia, and adding decking—the project took just three days to complete. The weather was on our side, with dry conditions and only a few light summer showers overnight.
The Finished Result
This Friendsville homeowner now has a durable GAF Timberline HDZ roofing system in Shakewood that enhanced their curb appeal and provided superior weather protection. As a result of this project, they also are experiencing a brighter interior thanks to 13 total skylights! The roof deck is fully warrantied, and the higher capacity gutter system with newly installed gutter guards will provide better drainage year-round.
Why This Roof Replacement Stands Out
Every roof replacement is unique, but this project highlights why professional inspections and quality materials matter. Uncovering issues like outdated decking or hidden fascia damage early can save homeowners from bigger problems later and ensures the new roof lasts as long as possible.
If you live in Friendsville or the greater Knoxville area and are looking for a reliable contractor to provide a roof replacement, skylight installation, or gutter upgrade, Innovative Roofing & Siding is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation roofing inspection!
Before & After Images
