Northwest Heights Home Gets Major Exterior Upgrade Courtesy of RedBird Roofing

We reroofed this 20-plus-year-old asphalt roof in two days, replacing it with the Malarkey Highlander system and a full set of new vents and pipe boots for better airflow and protection.

Project at a Glance

The Challenge

This Portland homeowner knew the existing asphalt roof was nearing the end of its useful life. At around 20 to 25 years old, the system was showing its age. The home also needed an attic inspection to make sure there were no hidden issues. When a roof gets to that point, even normal Portland weather can start to expose weak spots quickly.

An older asphalt roof doesn't have much margin for error in a rainy climate like ours. Moisture, temperature swings, and day-to-day exposure all add up over time. The concern isn't just how the roof looks from the street. It's whether the system is still protecting the decking, the ventilation, and the home underneath the way it should.

Our Approach

For this re-roofing project, our team started by preparing the property so work could move efficiently and safely from the first day on site. We tore off the existing shingles and underlayment to expose the full roof system, giving us a clear look at the condition of the decking and allowing us inspect for rot or other damage that needed attention.

From there, we installed the components that determine how well a roof performs over time: the drip edge, ice and water shield, fresh underlayment, starter shingles around the roof perimeter, and new architectural shingles. We also used ring shank nails with the proper nailing pattern, installed hidden ridge vents where applicable, and finished the ridges and hips to match the shingle color for a more cohesive appearance.

We completed the reroof with the Malarkey Highlander Roof System, then replaced every roof penetration on the home: new pipe boots, 750 vents, and bathroom vents. That's important on an aging roof because cracked boots and worn vent seals are usually where a 20-year-old system starts leaking first. Together with our attic inspection, we ensured that the roof and ventilation underneath it are working together rather than against each other. We finished by hauling away all debris and leaving the property clean.

As a Malarkey Emerald Pro Certified Contractor, the manufacturer's top installer tier, we're able to back this reroof with Malarkey's limited lifetime warranty, wind resistance rated up to 130 mph, and our own 25-year labor warranty.

Before & After Results

Once the old materials were removed and the new system was installed, the home had a much more consistent, well-protected roofline. The finished roof gave the property a cleaner appearance. More importantly, we addressed the concerns that come with an older asphalt system by adding updated waterproofing layers, improved vent details, and a fresh shingle surface designed for long-term durability.

The contrast from start to finish was easy to see. What began as a worn roof approaching the end of its life became a clean reroof project with updated protection across the full system. That means better peace of mind heading into the next stretch of wet weather and a roof that's ready to do its job again.

Why Reroofing Works in Portland, OR

Portland roofs deal with a lot of moisture over the course of a year, making timing especially important when a roof is already 20-plus years old. An aging asphalt system can start to hold water, lose granules, and become more vulnerable around ridges, vents, and other roof penetrations. Replacing the system before those weak points turn into leaks is often the smarter long-term move. And because both the Malarkey warranty and our 25-year labor warranty transfer one time to a new owner, a reroof also becomes an asset that follows the house if you sell.

That's also why details like ice and water shield, underlayment, ventilation, and properly installed edge protection matter so much in our region. In Portland, a reroof isn't just about appearance. It's about building a system that can manage steady rain, seasonal debris, and everyday weather exposure more reliably. 

Need Reroofing in Portland, OR?

If your roof is past the 20-year mark or you're starting to wonder how much life it has left, we'll take a look and give you a straight answer. RedBird Roofing is a family-owned, licensed and insured contractor serving Oregon and Washington. Every reroof project we work on is backed by our 25-year labor warranty.

Call us at (360) 605-3127 or request your free estimate to get started.