Why Proper Roof Installation Matters for Your Insurance - Blanchester, OH

Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 by Jack Purdon

Challenge

A homeowner in Blanchester, OH, discovered a serious problem with their roof when multiple shingles began sliding and falling off entirely. The home originally had a cedar shake roof, which was replaced 13–15 years ago with a full wood decking replacement and asphalt shingles. Over time, it became clear that the previous asphalt roof had not been installed correctly - the shingles were not properly fastened to the roof deck.

This issue had significant insurance implications. When the homeowner filed a claim for storm damage, their insurance company inspected the roof and determined that the shingles were failing due to improper installation, not storm events. As a result, the claim was denied. This highlights a common challenge for Ohio homeowners: even if a roof appears damaged from a storm, insurance policies generally do not cover problems caused by poor workmanship or non-compliance with local building codes.

Proper roof installation matters for several reasons:

Insurance coverage: In Ohio, insurance policies typically require roofs to be installed according to local building codes and manufacturer specifications. Claims for damage caused by improper installation can be denied.
Storm protection: Correct installation ensures shingles are properly secured to withstand wind, hail, and other extreme weather conditions common in Ohio.
Longevity and performance: Even high-quality shingles will fail prematurely if not installed correctly, leading to leaks and structural issues.

Solution

For this home, our team carefully removed and reinstalled the siding in a specific area to properly install new apron flashing. We also installed KRS Sealoron XT Ice & Water Shield, KRS Velora One synthetic underlayment, and aluminum drip edges in white. The roof was finished with IKO Dynasty AR shingles in Atlantic Blue, which are Class 3 rated against wind and hail. While we can’t say whether the homeowners saw insurance savings, these shingles provide enhanced storm resistance, giving homeowners potential leverage with their insurance rates.

This roof is now backed by our 50-year no-leak warranty, giving the homeowner long-term protection and peace of mind. By following code and manufacturer specifications, the homeowner now has a durable, properly installed roof that protects their home, their investment, and their insurance coverage. This case serves as a reminder for Ohio homeowners: proper roof installation isn’t optional - it can directly affect your insurance claims and the longevity of your roof.

Be sure to scroll through the attached photos to learn more about this project.

This photo was taken upon the initial inspection and it reveals many missing shingles.

This photo was also taken upon the initial inspection and it shows a close up of the shingles, as well as the deteriorating box gutters.

This photo was taken after we stripped the existing roof down to the decking, inspected & replaced the damaged decking, and taped the seams in the decking with our waterproof decking tape. We then began installing our two underlayments, as seen by this photo.

Our white colored KRS Ice & Water shield membrane was adhered to the most vulnerable spots of the roof. More specifically - six feet up from all edges, in the valleys, and all over the lower sloped front and back porch roofs. This shield is adhered with its gluey substance backing, which helps create a waterproof seal over the galvanized nails we installed over the top of it.

After we installed our underlayments to the decking, we then installed our IKO Dynasty AR shingles over them. These shingles come with a tear-resistant ArmourZone nailing tab, which provides a wider nailing surface for stronger fastening and improved resistance against high winds.

This photo shows the new rubber liner we installed in the box gutter. The EPDM reaches 18 inches up under the shingles, and we installed termination bars at the eaves and rakes.

Our IKO Dynasty shingles are class 3 rated against wind and hail damage, which may allow homeowners to qualify for insurance discounts while also giving them added peace of mind during severe Ohio weather.