GAF HDZ Roof Replacement and Decking Repair in Oberlin, OH

Nestled in the historic and picturesque community of Oberlin, OH, this charming residential property was in dire need of a professional touch. The homeowner, who have lived in their Northeast Ohio home for over a decade, knew it was time for a new roof. They reached out to M&T Roofing & Restoration, their local GAF Master Elite® Certified contractor, to ensure the job was done right the first time.

The Problem

Upon our arrival in Oberlin, our team conducted a comprehensive 21-point roof inspection. We discovered that the existing shingles were brittle, losing granules at an accelerated rate, and beginning to curl at the edges—clear indicators that the roofing system had reached the end of its functional lifespan.

In Northeast Ohio, moisture infiltration is a common enemy. The existing flashing around the pipe boot had begun to fail, allowing water to seep under the shingles during heavy rain and snowmelt. If left unaddressed, these rotted sections of plywood decking would have compromised the structural stability of the roof, potentially leading to interior ceiling damage and mold growth. The homeowners knew that a simple patch job wouldn't suffice; they needed a comprehensive roof replacement to protect their investment.

Our Solution

M&T Roofing & Restoration proposed a full system replacement using the GAF Lifetime Roofing System. Because we are GAF Master Elite® contractors, we were able to offer the homeowners a level of protection and warranty coverage that standard contractors simply cannot provide. Our solution focused on three pillars: structural integrity, superior ventilation, and aesthetic appeal.

We planned to strip the roof down to the wood to address the rotted decking directly, install premium leak barriers in high-risk areas like valleys and eaves, and utilize the GAF Cobra® Ridge Vent system to ensure proper attic ventilation. For the shingles, we helped the homeowners select a color that would complement the unique architectural character of their Oberlin neighborhood while providing the best wind and algae resistance on the market.

Materials & Products

Quality materials are the backbone of every M&T project. For this Oberlin home, we utilized the following high-performance products:

• GAF Timberline HDZ® Shingles: We installed these in the sophisticated Cliffside color. Cliffside offers a beautiful, multidimensional gray-brown tone that mimics natural stone, providing incredible curb appeal.

• GAF LayerLock™ Technology: These shingles feature the industry's widest nail zone, ensuring a rock-solid installation and a WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty.

• Replacement Decking: We utilized OSB to replace the rotted sections, restoring the structural diaphragm of the roof.

• GAF WeatherWatch® Leak Barrier: A self-adhering mineral-surfaced peel-and-stick liner was applied to the eaves and valleys to prevent damage from ice dams, a common occurrence in Northeast Ohio.

• GAF Tiger Paw™ Roof Underlayment: Unlike traditional felt paper, this synthetic underlayment provides an extra layer of moisture protection and durability.

The Process

The project kicked off early on a Thursday morning. Our crew arrived on-site in Oberlin, setting up ladders and equipment. We began by removing the old layer of shingles and felt, exposing the wooden deck below. As suspected, we found three sections of rotted plywood near the pipe boot and along the lower eave. Our team quickly removed the damaged wood and installed fresh, sturdy decking to ensure a level and secure nailing surface.

By mid-afternoon, the new GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in Cliffside were being meticulously laid. We finished the day with a thorough "magnetic sweep" of the entire yard to ensure every single stray nail was recovered, leaving the property cleaner than we found it.

The Result

The transformation was immediate. The Cliffside shingles gave the Oberlin home a modern, refined look that perfectly balanced the home's siding color and natural surroundings. Beyond the aesthetics, the homeowner gained incredible peace of mind knowing their roof was backed by a GAF Golden Pledge™ Limited Warranty, covering both materials and workmanship.

With the rotted decking replaced and the new GAF system in place, the home is now fully equipped to handle the unpredictable weather of Northeast Ohio for decades to come. The homeowner is thrilled with the efficiency of our crew and the stunning final result, confirming once again that when it comes to quality and reliability, M&T Roofing & Restoration is the premier choice for Oberlin residents.