Most homeowners think of a roof as just shingles and nails. But if that’s all your contractor is talking about, you’re only getting half the story and maybe half the protection. At Storm Master Exteriors, we build complete systems as a roofing company in Saginaw, MI, because that’s what it takes to protect a home through Michigan’s seasons, storms, and everything in between.
A proper roof isn’t one product; it’s a combination of layers, materials, and details that have to work together. If one part fails, it weakens everything above and below it.
The first layer of any roofing system is the decking. This is the structural base, usually made of plywood or OSB, that every other component is fastened to. If it’s rotted, warped, or improperly installed, nothing above it can function correctly.
Storm Master Exteriors checks decking integrity on every job, not just for safety, but because it impacts how the roof breathes, holds weight, and sheds water. If your roofer skips this step, you’re building on guesswork.
Beneath your shingles sits the underlayment, a critical barrier between the decking and everything else. It protects against moisture, wind-driven rain, and temperature swings. And not all underlayments are created equal.
We use high-performance synthetic underlayment, not the outdated felt paper many contractors still roll out. Why? Because it holds up better to weather delays, offers superior tear resistance, and creates a more secure base for the layers above. It’s not the flashiest part of the system but it’s one of the most important.
Most roofing failures don’t happen in the field of shingles; they happen at the edges. That’s where flashing and fasteners come in. Flashing protects vulnerable spots like chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys. Fasteners hold the entire system down.
We install flashing with precision, not just wherever there’s a visible gap, but where water is most likely to sneak in over time. Our crews use manufacturer-approved fasteners, applied at the correct spacing and angle. Because a great shingle means nothing if it’s installed with the wrong nail or sloppy technique.
Your roof isn’t just keeping water out; it’s regulating air and temperature inside your home. That’s why proper ventilation matters more than most people realize. Without it, you’ll end up with trapped moisture, warping, mold, and premature roof failure, even if everything looks fine from the outside.
Storm Master Exteriors checks for soffit vent function, ridge vent balance, and attic airflow on every inspection and install. We don’t figure it out later. We build the ventilation in from day one, because your roof shouldn’t suffocate your home.
Shingles matter. We install StormMaster® Shake and other high-performance options for a reason: they resist wind, hail, UV damage, and thermal movement better than standard shingles. But shingles are the final layer, not the fix-all.
They’re designed to work in tandem with everything beneath them. Without the proper structure, barrier, and breathability underneath, even the best shingle will fail early. That’s why we treat shingles as the polish, not the protection.
A complete roofing system isn’t a marketing term; it’s the difference between a roof that holds up for 30 years and one that needs repairs in five. Every layer plays a role. At Storm Master Exteriors, we build from the ground up, with no skipped layers, no subcontracted labor, and no surprises. Because your roof should protect more than your house. It should protect your investment, your safety, and your peace of mind.
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