Home/Roofing guide
For our trade partners

Roofing project guide

What we expect on every Canopy roofing project, from start to closeout, so the work runs smoothly and the finished result holds up.

If anything in the field doesn't match this guide or the work order, reach out before proceeding. We'd rather pause and talk it through than fix something twice or void a warranty.

Before we start

Registration & permits

Confirm your registration with the local jurisdiction for the property before mobilizing. Canopy works primarily in Ross and Fairfield Counties, and requirements vary by city, village, or township. If you're unsure whether a project needs registration or a permit, ask your project manager before the start date.

Reviewing the work order

Each work order is project-specific. Review yours in full before the scheduled start — scope, line items, installation notes, and any property-specific details called out by the project manager. The work order is the source of truth for the job.

If something looks incorrect, contradicts what was discussed, or is missing, reach out before mobilizing.

During your project

Site protection

Protect landscaping, walkways, HVAC units, siding, windows, and exterior fixtures with tarps, plywood, or other appropriate methods. Establish a clear debris path to the dumpster or dump trailer, and keep entryways and high-traffic areas covered throughout the job.

Tarps & plywood on landscaping
Clear debris path to dumpster
Entryways covered throughout
PM notes any items flagged in advance

Customer communication

The homeowner has been told their project manager is their primary point of contact. Direct any homeowner questions to the project manager rather than answering on Canopy's behalf. Maintain professional conduct on site, keep active work zones clear of children and pets, and treat the property with the same care you'd expect on your own home.

Daily documentation

Take and send progress photos at meaningful stages so we can keep the homeowner informed and our records complete. We'll send a CompanyCam collaborator link for each job — upload photos there as the project moves.

Tear-off
Deck condition
Underlayment & flashing
Completed sections & final results

Hidden damage & scope changes

If you uncover rotted decking, structural concerns, wood board substrate, inadequate ventilation, or anything outside the contracted scope, stop and notify your project manager before proceeding. Document the finding with photos. Don't perform additional work, install over questionable conditions, or commit Canopy to added materials without prior written approval.

Quality & warranty standards

Manufacturer compliance

Complete all work in line with the manufacturer's published installation instructions, applicable Ohio Residential Code, and Canopy installation standards. Where these conflict, follow the strictest applicable requirement and notify your project manager so we can review it together.

Warranty-critical items

A handful of items consistently affect manufacturer warranty on roofing work.

Substrate

Wood board decking isn't an acceptable substrate for Malarkey shingles unless properly overlaid. Flag it to the project manager before installation.

Ventilation

Ridge vent systems need balanced intake ventilation (approximately 50% intake to 50% exhaust) — confirm intake is adequate before cutting the ridge slot.

Fastening

Drive fasteners flush within the Zone nailing area — no overdriven, underdriven, or crooked nails.

Sealing & steep slopes

In cold, windy, or dusty conditions, hand-seal with ASTM D4586 roof cement. On slopes greater than 21:12, use six nails per shingle and hand-seal underneath.

Flashing & penetrations

Don't reuse existing flashing, ridge cap, or underlayment. Replace all flashing at penetrations and transitions with new material, integrated correctly with underlayment and shingle courses. Sealant is supplemental — don't rely on caulk in place of proper flashing detail.

Project closeout

Final cleanup

Remove and dispose of all construction debris. Conduct a magnetic sweep for nails daily, with a thorough final sweep at completion covering the driveway, landscaping beds, walkways, and the perimeter around the dumpster or trailer. It's normal for stray debris to surface in the days after a tear-off, but a careful final sweep should leave the property in good condition.

Final walkthrough

Complete a final walk-around with the project manager when possible. Submit final completion photos and any required documentation before invoicing.

Invoicing & payment

Per the Subcontractor Agreement and Project Service Addendum, payment is contingent on full completion of the scope of services to Canopy's approval and satisfaction. Invoices are processed within thirty (30) days of receipt unless otherwise agreed in writing. Submit invoices to the project manager listed on your work order.

Communication & field issues

Your project manager is your primary point of contact throughout the project. If anything comes up — an unexpected condition, a homeowner concern, a question about scope, or a better way to handle something — reach out. We'd rather take ten minutes on the phone than discover it later.

For issues outside normal hours: call or text 740.930.ROOF or info@canopygc.com

References & resources

These support our roofing scopes as a reference — not a replacement for the project work order, which remains the source of truth for any individual job. If anything here conflicts with the work order or what you're seeing in the field, contact your project manager before proceeding.

Installation instructions

Manufacturer-published instructions control product application. Most Canopy roofing scopes are built around Malarkey Roofing Products; if a project specifies a different manufacturer, follow that manufacturer's published instructions as identified on the work order.

Malarkey Technical Services: product questions at (800) 545-1191, weekdays 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific, or technicalinquiries@malarkeyroofing.com.

Warranty information

Manufacturer warranty coverage is contingent on installation per the manufacturer's published instructions. Common conditions that void or reduce coverage: installation over an unapproved substrate (Malarkey shingles over wood board decking without a code-approved overlay), inadequate attic ventilation, improper fastener type, placement, or quantity, and reuse of components specified for replacement on the work order.

Canopy Management also provides a separate workmanship warranty to homeowners covering installation labor, distinct from the manufacturer's product warranty. Workmanship issues attributable to installation are addressed by Canopy directly — we expect our subcontractor partners to stand behind their work alongside us.

Code references

Residential roofing in Ohio is governed by the Residential Code of Ohio (RCO), adopted at Ohio Administrative Code Title 4101:8 — current edition the 2019 RCO with updates effective March 1, 2024. Roof assembly requirements are at OAC 4101:8-9, which incorporates Chapter 9 of the International Residential Code.

OAC 4101:8-9-01 / IRC R905 — Roof coverings, including asphalt shingles
IRC R905.1.2 — Ice barrier requirements; minimum 24" inside the exterior (warm) wall line, extended to 36" for slopes ≥ 8:12
IRC R905.1.1 (Tables 1–3) — Underlayment standards, application, and fastener attachment
IRC R905.2.7 — Underlayment requirements for asphalt shingles
IRC R905.2.8 — Flashing for asphalt shingles, including drip edge at eaves and rakes
IRC R905.2.5 — Asphalt shingle fasteners; minimum four per strip shingle, manufacturer instructions controlling above 21:12
IRC R908 — Reroofing
OAC 4101:8-8 — Roof-ceiling construction, including ventilation requirements

Design criteria across Canopy's primary service area (Ross and Fairfield counties): 115 mph design wind speed (3-second gust), 30 psf ground snow load, Seismic Design Category B. Local jurisdictions may adopt amendments or have their own permit and inspection requirements — confirm with the local building department or your project manager before mobilizing.

Our commitment to you

We've worked in this trade long enough to know a good roofing crew is worth its weight, and a working partnership runs both ways. Canopy provides clear scopes of work, fair pricing, prompt payment for completed work, and a project manager who picks up the phone when something needs to be sorted out. In return, we ask that work be completed in line with manufacturer instructions, Canopy standards, and the work order — and that you reach out honestly when something needs to change.

We appreciate the trust and effort you bring to our projects, and we look forward to building good work together.