Some roofing projects stand out because of an unusual problem. Others are memorable because of the history behind them.
ThisGarland roof replacement had both.
Bert Roofing first installed the roof on this home in 2001. Approximately 25 years later, the homeowners called us back when it was time to replace it again.
For a roofing company, there are few better endorsements than returning to replace a roof we installed more than two decades earlier.
The project also had a longstanding local connection. The homeowners were friends and neighbors of the Ballantyne family, owners of Scottie Ballantyne Roofing in Garland.
A Longstanding Relationship Between Two Roofing Companies
Scottie Ballantyne Roofing specializes in slate and tile roofing. Bert Roofing works extensively with composition shingles and low-slope roofing systems.
Because those specialties often overlap, the two companies have referred work to one another for many years.
It is not unusual for both companies to be involved at the same property:
- Scottie Ballantyne Roofing handles the slate or tile roof.
- Bert Roofing handles the composition shingle sections.
- Bert Roofing may also install or repair lower-slope roof areas.
- Each contractor works within the roofing systems it knows best.
This type of relationship is useful on larger or more complicated homes. Slate, tile, composition shingles and low-slope roofing are separate specialties. Each requires different materials, installation methods and experience.
In this case, the Ballantyne connection eventually led the homeowners back to Bert Roofing.
What Condition Was the Existing Roof In?
By 2026, the roof had reached the end of a long service life.
Our inspection showed general wear across the roof, along with several areas that had been repaired over the years. The photographs documented aging shingles, exposed fasteners, prior patching and wear around several roof details.
The roof also had several features that required careful installation:
- Multiple valleys and intersecting roof slopes
- Nine plumbing pipe penetrations
- Two turbine vents
- A large masonry chimney
- Steeper roof sections
- More than 100 feet of gutter screen to detach and reset
The total project covered approximately 45 squares of roofing.
That is important because a roof is more than the shingles visible from the street. Valleys, chimneys, penetrations, walls and ventilation components are usually where workmanship matters most.
What Was Included in the Garland Roof Replacement?
The old composition shingles were removed and hauled away. The roof deck was then inspected before the new roofing system was installed.
The project included:
- Removal of the existing laminated shingles
- New roofing underlayment
- New perimeter drip edge
- Manufacturer starter shingles
- New plumbing pipe flashings
- New turbine vents
- Chimney flashing work
- New hip and ridge shingles
- Replacement of one damaged sheet of roof decking
- Reinstallation of the existing gutter screens
Only one sheet of decking required replacement after the old roof was removed.
That is a relatively small amount of decking repair for a roof of this age and size. It also suggests that the previous roof had generally protected the structure well over its service life.
Why Did the Homeowners Choose Class 4 Shingles?
The homeowners upgraded to CertainTeed ClimateFlex Class 4 impact-resistant shingles in the Resawn Shake color.
Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance classification commonly used for asphalt shingles. It does not mean the roof is hail-proof. No asphalt shingle can guarantee that.
It does mean the shingles are designed and tested to provide better impact resistance than a standard architectural shingle.
That can make sense in North Texas for several reasons:
- Hail is one of the leading causes of premature roof replacement.
- Impact-resistant shingles may reduce damage from smaller hail.
- Some insurance carriers offer discounts for qualifying roofs.
- Heavier upgraded shingles may provide better long-term durability.
- Homeowners can improve performance without changing to slate, tile or metal.
Insurance discounts vary by carrier and policy. Homeowners should confirm any potential discount directly with their insurance company before selecting a roofing product.
Why Was CertainTeed ClimateFlex a Good Fit?
CertainTeed ClimateFlex is designed as an impact-resistant architectural shingle. The homeowners selected the Resawn Shake color, which combines warm brown and muted reddish tones.
That color worked well with the home’s existing exterior:
- Light brick
- Dark trim
- Tudor-style gable details
- Mature trees and landscaping
- Existing masonry chimneys
The finished roof updated the appearance of the house without making it look like a completely different home.
Bert Roofing is a CertainTeed-credentialed contractor, and members of our team have completed CertainTeed’s Master Shingle Applicator training.
Manufacturer training is useful because correct shingle installation involves more than simply nailing down shingles. It also includes proper roof layout, ventilation, flashing, starter shingles, underlayment and accessory installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Class 4 Roofs
Are Class 4 shingles hail-proof?
No. Class 4 shingles are impact-resistant, not impact-proof. Large or wind-driven hail can still damage them.
Will Class 4 shingles lower my insurance premium?
Possibly. Some insurance companies offer discounts, while others do not. The amount can also vary by product and policy.
Do Class 4 shingles look different from standard shingles?
Usually not dramatically. Most Class 4 shingles are available in traditional architectural colors and profiles.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth the added cost?
They can be worthwhile in hail-prone areas such as Dallas and Garland. The value depends on the added cost, insurance discount, expected time in the home and the specific roofing product.
Does a Class 4 rating guarantee a longer roof life?
No. Installation quality, ventilation, roof design, weather exposure and maintenance still matter. The Class 4 rating primarily addresses impact resistance.
The Chickens in the Backyard
The homeowners also had some unusual jobsite residents.
They kept chickens in the backyard, complete with a chicken coop. Roofing crews commonly work around dogs, cats, gardens and swimming pools. Chickens are less common.
They added a little personality to the project and made the backyard more memorable than the typical roof replacement.
It was also a reminder that we were not simply returning to the same address. We were returning to a home that had continued to change over the previous 25 years.
Why Returning Customers Matter
The finished roof provided the homeowners with:
- A complete new roofing system
- Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
- New flashings and roof penetrations
- Improved protection around the chimney
- A color that fit the original character of the house
- Installation by the same roofing company that completed the prior roof
The most meaningful part of this project was the continuity.
Bert Roofing has served Dallas, Garland and the surrounding communities since 1988. Returning to replace a roof we installed in 2001 shows what that longevity means in practical terms.
The company is still here. The local relationships still matter. And when a roof reaches the end of its useful life, the homeowner can still call the same contractor who installed it the first time.
That is not something every roofing company can offer.
