In November 2025, Innovative Roofing & Siding completed a full roof replacement for a homeowner in Kingston, Tennessee, who was preparing to sell their home. The project was initiated after an insurance agent contacted our team on the homeowner’s behalf following a home inspection that identified the roof as a major obstacle to the sale. What initially appeared to be a standard replacement quickly revealed widespread installation issues from previous roofing work. Issues that, if left unaddressed, could have led to leaks, deck damage, and long-term structural concerns. By taking a comprehensive approach, this project not only resolved the inspection findings but also ensured the home was market-ready with a fully warrantied roofing system designed to protect future homeowners for decades.
Project Background
The property had undergone a previous roof installation where a second layer of shingles was installed directly over the original roof. While this practice is sometimes used as a shortcut, roofing over an existing roof is an improper installation method and more often than not creates hidden problems. Shingles are never intended to function as underlayment, and a roof system relies on proper layering, flashing, and accessories to perform correctly. In addition to the double-layered shingles, the inspection noted concerns around flashing and overall installation quality, prompting the insurance agent to recommend a full evaluation before the home could move forward in the selling process.
Initial Findings
During our inspection, several serious issues became immediately apparent:
Multiple Layers of Shingles
The roof had two layers of shingles installed, which adds unnecessary weight and prevents proper inspection of the roof deck. Without a full tear-off, there is no way to verify deck condition or ensure proper installation of critical roofing components.
Improper Use of Shingles as Underlayment
The second installation relied on the existing shingles as a base layer, which is never acceptable. A proper roofing system requires dedicated underlayment and moisture barriers designed to protect the roof deck.
Missing and Improper Flashing
Dormer walls had never been properly flashed, leaving vertical intersections vulnerable to water intrusion. Additionally, the chimney flashing had been shingled over rather than removed and replaced–one of the most common causes of roof leaks.
Inconsistent and Incorrect Shingle Installation
Some areas of the roof did not receive new shingles during the second installation, while others showed improper fastening and alignment. These inconsistencies compromised both performance and appearance.
Together, these issues made repairs impractical and reinforced the need for a complete roof replacement.
Scope of Work
To fully resolve the problems and provide a long-term solution, the homeowner elected to proceed with a total roof replacement on both the main home and the garage. The project scope included:
- Complete tear-off of all existing roofing materials
- Full roof replacement using a GAF Timberline HDZ® roofing system
- Installation of new underlayment and system accessories
- New dormer wall flashing installed to current best practices
- Complete replacement of chimney flashing
- Proper installation of all shingles to the manufacturer’s specifications
The homeowner selected GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in the color Cedar Falls, a dimensional shingle known for its durability and visual depth. The color choice added strong curb appeal, an important factor when preparing a home for resale.
Project Execution
At approximately 92 squares, this was a large-scale roofing project. Due to the size of the roof and the use of a smaller, highly skilled crew focused on quality and precision, the installation took close to one full week to complete. The project was completed in late fall, requiring careful coordination to maintain proper installation standards while working within seasonal weather conditions. Our team at Innovative Roofing & Siding ensured that all flashing details, transitions, and system components were installed correctly, creating a cohesive roofing system rather than a patchwork of materials.
Warranty and Long-Term Value
To further strengthen the value of the investment, the homeowner chose to upgrade to the GAF Golden Pledge® Warranty, which includes 25 years of workmanship coverage in addition to manufacturer-backed material protection. This warranty is transferable, offering added peace of mind to future homeowners and serving as a strong selling point during the real estate process.
Final Outcome
With the new roof installed, the homeowner was able to move forward confidently with the sale of the property. The roof now meets modern installation standards, eliminates previous leak risks, and provides a clean, polished appearance that enhances overall curb appeal. Most importantly, the future homeowners will inherit a properly installed roofing system, free from hidden defects, improper layering, or compromised flashing, and backed by one of the strongest warranties available in the industry.
Conclusion
This Kingston roofing project highlights the importance of addressing roofing issues the right way, especially when preparing a home for sale. Shortcuts like roofing over existing shingles or skipping flashing details may appear cost-effective initially, but they often lead to larger problems down the road. By completing a full roof replacement and correcting all underlying issues, Innovative Roofing & Siding delivered a long-term solution that protects the home, supports the sale, and provides lasting value for years to come.