A roof installation goes best when the decisions are made before the first shingle or panel is delivered. MQ Roofing, based in Tomah, WI and in business since 2008, installs shingle, slate, and metal roofing, including standing seam metal, for homeowners in Marshfield and across its Wisconsin service area. This guide walks through a roof installation from planning to closeout, so you know which decisions to make and which checks to ask for along the way.
This is a planning guide for homeowners who are preparing to install a roof, not a way to diagnose an existing leak. Before scheduling work, settle the roof system, written scope, hidden-deck allowances, access and closeout expectations. Those decisions make it easier to compare proposals and recognize changes during installation.
Roof Installation Process
1. Consultation and Existing Conditions
Start with a physical roof inspection by the contractor. They should look at the current roofing, the condition of the deck where it can be seen, attic ventilation, flashing, and signs of past moisture. Measurements, roof shape, and access for equipment and materials are recorded at this stage. Ask the contractor to explain what they found and why it points to installation.
2. Substrate and Structural Suitability
The roof deck supports the new roofing assembly. Ask how the contractor will check the deck, what happens if rotted or damaged sections are found after tear-off, and how those repairs will be priced and approved. If you are considering a heavier or different system, ask whether the structure suits it.
3. Material and System Choice
MQ Roofing installs shingle, slate, and metal roofing, including standing seam. Compare the options for your roof, budget, and how much maintenance you want to plan for. Ask for named product information, not general descriptions. The asphalt shingles page and the residential metal roofing page describe two of those options in more detail.
4. Permits and Written Scope
Ask who handles any permit your city requires and confirm requirements with the state or city. The written scope should name the roofing product, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, deck repair terms, cleanup, and exclusions. A scope you can compare line by line makes proposals easier to evaluate.
5. Tear-Off, Underlayment, and Installation
Tear-off removes the existing roofing and exposes the deck. Damaged decking is repaired, underlayment and water barriers are installed, and the new roofing goes on. Flashing at vents, pipes, valleys, chimneys, and walls is where many leaks begin, so ask how each detail will be handled. Tear-off is noisy and dusty, so plan for vehicles, pets, and attic storage.
6. Weather and Access Planning
Wisconsin weather affects scheduling. Ask how the crew protects an open roof if rain or snow arrives, how start dates shift, and where materials and dumpsters will be staged on your property.
7. Inspection and Closeout
At the end, walk the property with the contractor. Check that debris and nails are cleaned up, that flashing and vents look finished, and that you have the paperwork you were promised. Your city may require its own inspection; ask whether one applies.
Installation Checkpoints at a Glance
| Stage | Decision to make | Check to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | Material, system, and written scope | A named product list and itemized scope |
| Deck review | How hidden damage is handled | Photos and written approval before extra work |
| Underlayment and flashing | Details at penetrations, valleys, and walls | Photos or a contractor explanation of flashing details before they are concealed |
| Roof surface | Installation method for the chosen material | Confirmation it follows the product’s installation instructions |
| Closeout | Cleanup, paperwork, and any required inspection | Final walkthrough and any applicable written warranty documents |
Questions to Settle Before Work Begins
Put these questions to every contractor you are considering, and ask for the answers in the proposal rather than by phone:
- Is tear-off included, and how many layers of existing roofing will be removed?
- What underlayment and water barrier will be used, and where?
- How will ventilation be checked or improved as part of the installation?
- Who is the on-site contact, and how will schedule changes be communicated?
- How will the crew protect landscaping, siding, and the driveway?
- What is excluded from the price, and how are changes approved?
Warranty Scope
Ask for warranty terms in writing. A product warranty, if applicable, comes from the manufacturer and has its own conditions. A workmanship warranty, if provided, comes from the contractor and covers the defined installation work. Ask which warranties actually apply, what each covers, how long it lasts, what could void it, and who to call if there is a problem.
Roof Installation Experts
An experienced local contractor can explain each step above and put the answers in writing. For more on comparing companies and scopes, see the Marshfield roofing contractor guide and the guide to roof installation preparation and final acceptance in La Crosse. To talk through your project, call MQ Roofing in Tomah, WI at (608) 553-3300 or use the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens first in a roof installation?
The contractor inspects the roof, measures it, discusses material options, and puts a written scope together before any tear-off begins.
What happens if rotted decking is found after tear-off?
Damaged decking is usually repaired before new roofing goes on. Ask how it will be priced and approved before work starts.
Do I need a permit for a new roof?
Requirements vary by city. Ask your contractor who handles permits, and confirm local requirements with the state or your city.
What materials does MQ Roofing install?
MQ Roofing installs shingle, slate, and metal roofing, including standing seam metal, for residential customers.