What Happens During a Roof Tear-Off? Why It Matters for Northwest Homeowners
If you're a homeowner in the Northwest United States, chances are you’ll eventually need to replace your roof. With the region’s heavy rain, wind, snow, and fluctuating temperatures, roofing systems are put to the test year-round. When that time comes, one critical decision is whether to do a roof tear-off or an overlay (installing new shingles over the old ones). This article breaks down what happens during a roof tear-off and why it’s usually the smarter choice—especially in the Pacific Northwest climate.
What Is a Roof Tear-Off?
A roof tear-off involves completely removing your existing roofing materials down to the roof deck before installing a brand-new roof. This includes stripping off shingles, underlayment, and sometimes even damaged decking. Unlike overlays, which merely add a new layer of shingles on top of the old, tear-offs start fresh, allowing your roofer to inspect and repair hidden damage.
What to Expect During the Roof Tear-Off Process
- Initial Inspection and Protection Reputable roofing companies like Apex Roofing begin with a thorough inspection. They’ll assess the current state of your roof and prepare your property by covering landscaping, driveways, and windows to protect them from falling debris.
- Shingle Removal Using special roofing tools, workers carefully remove all existing shingles and underlayment. This step exposes the roof deck, which is the structural foundation for your roofing system.
- Deck Inspection Once the surface is cleared, your roofer will inspect the deck for signs of rot, mold, or structural damage—especially important in the Northwest where moisture can wreak havoc on wood.
- Repairing the Roof Deck Any damaged or rotting sections are replaced to ensure a solid foundation for your new roof. Skipping this step (which can’t be done with an overlay) risks premature failure of your new roof.
- Installing Underlayment and Flashing After repairs, the crew installs high-quality underlayment and flashing, which act as a secondary moisture barrier. This is crucial in our wet Northwest climate.
- Shingle Installation Finally, your new shingles—preferably from a trusted manufacturer like Owens Corning—are installed, followed by proper ventilation components and sealing.
- Cleanup and Final Inspection A good roofing company will leave your property cleaner than they found it. Apex Roofing ensures a complete magnet sweep for nails and a thorough inspection to confirm everything was done right.
Why Tear-Off Is Better Than Overlay in the Northwest
While overlays may seem faster and cheaper, they often mask underlying problems like moisture damage or structural weaknesses. This is especially risky in the Northwest, where rain and snow can lead to mold, leaks, and roof deck rot. Tear-offs allow for a complete assessment and fix of these hidden issues, increasing the lifespan and performance of your new roof.
Trust the Experts at Apex Roofing
Choosing the right roofing contractor makes all the difference. Apex Roofing brings years of experience, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality materials like Owens Corning shingles. Their deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest climate ensures that your roof is built to last, even in the harshest weather.
Final Thoughts
When it’s time to replace your roof, don’t cut corners. A full roof tear-off provides superior protection, durability, and peace of mind—especially in the rain-soaked Northwest. Contact Apex Roofing today to schedule a free inspection and get the expert care your home deserves.
Optimize your roof. Protect your investment. Trust Apex Roofing.









