From Tear-Off to Top-Notch: A Bird’s-Eye View of a Semper Fi Roofing Transformation
Elisa DeFoe • July 29, 2025
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a roof transform from worn and weathered to crisp and clean—especially when you see it from the air. At Semper Fi Restoration, we pride ourselves not just on the quality of our craftsmanship, but on delivering that “wow” moment when a homeowner steps outside, looks up, and sees their home looking better than ever.
Our latest project showcases exactly that—a full roof replacement documented mid-build and after completion with drone photography. These images tell a story of hard work, precision, and pride in a job well done. Whether you're in Thornton, Commerce City, Longmont, or Aurora, Colorado, this is the level of service and transformation you can expect when you work with our veteran-owned, local roofing team.
Phase 1: Tear-Off and Prep – Laying the Foundation for Longevity
Before we even touch a shingle, we ensure the entire roofing system is evaluated and prepped properly. This roof, like many we work on across northern Colorado, had suffered from hail damage—a common issue in this region. We began by removing all of the existing shingles and underlayment to expose the decking. From there, we installed GAF’s synthetic underlayment (seen clearly in the drone shots), which provides better water resistance, durability, and walkability compared to outdated felt paper.
The product seen here—GAF FeltBuster®—acts as a moisture barrier and helps protect the decking from rain or unexpected weather during the installation process. It's a crucial step in ensuring long-term roof performance, especially in Colorado where sudden summer storms and winter snow loads can test any roof’s integrity.
Mid-Build: Precision, Teamwork, and Progress
In the second and third drone images, you can see our team in action. Every section is being tackled with care, from valley flashing to starter strips and shingle alignment. At Semper Fi, we never rush a roof—we build it the way it’s supposed to be built.
We also ensure all roof penetrations (vents, pipe boots, and chimneys) are properly flashed and sealed. This roof was a split-level layout, with multiple ridgelines and valleys. Our crew worked in teams to ensure each section flowed seamlessly, overlapping with proper water-shedding techniques and compliance with manufacturer specs.
You’ll notice the timberline shingles being staged and installed with consistent spacing. These architectural shingles not only add visual appeal but also improve wind resistance and roof lifespan. It’s little details like these—along with nail placement and proper ventilation—that separate a fly-by-night roofer from a professional contractor like Semper Fi.
Final Phase: Clean Finish and Elevated Curb Appeal
Once the shingles were fully installed, we cleaned up the job site, swept for nails, and made sure every vent, ridge cap, and edge was trimmed and sealed professionally. The final images show the finished roof from multiple angles, and the results speak for themselves.
With a fresh, clean color that complements the siding and deck, this home now has enhanced curb appeal, increased value, and much-needed peace of mind going into the next storm season.
This roof is now ready to handle everything Colorado throws at it—from intense summer sun in Commerce City, to the winds off the plains in Aurora, or the early frost that creeps into Longmont and Thornton come September.
Why Drone Imagery Matters
We love using drones to document our work. Not only does it give homeowners a full view of what’s happening on their roof, but it also provides a before-and-after visual record for insurance claims, inspections, and warranties.
In this case, the aerial photos helped us:
- Capture all build stages for transparency
- Ensure every plane was aligned and finished properly
- Share our craftsmanship with future clients
- Celebrate the transformation with the homeowner
Whether you’re shopping around for a roofer or just curious how the process works, seeing the difference from above really highlights the level of detail and professionalism we bring to each job.
Local, Trusted, and Veteran-Owned
We’re not just another roofing company. Semper Fi Restoration is proudly veteran-owned, and we bring military discipline, precision, and integrity to every job site. We’ve worked on hundreds of homes across Thornton, Longmont, Aurora, Castle Rock and Commerce City, helping families recover from hail, wind, and age-related roof damage.
Our team understands the nuances of Colorado roofing—especially when it comes to insurance claims, hail assessments, and fast-turnaround repairs that don’t cut corners. We’re always happy to perform free roof inspections for homeowners and connect them with local insurance agents when needed.
What Homeowners Are Saying
We don’t just build great roofs—we build trust. Here’s what some of our recent clients have said:
“The Semper Fi team made the entire process easy from start to finish. They walked us through the insurance side, got us on the schedule quickly, and the finished roof looks fantastic. Highly recommend them to anyone in the Longmont or Thornton area!”
— Sarah M., Homeowner in Thornton, CO
“Loved seeing the progress on our home through drone pics—great communication and top-notch work. Thanks for taking care of our home like it was your own.”
— Alex T., Homeowner in Castle Rock, CO
Book Your Free Roof Assessment Today
If your home is in
Thornton, Commerce City, Longmont, Castle Rock, or Aurora and you suspect hail or wind damage—or your roof is simply aging—it’s time for a free, no-obligation roof inspection.
Let us show you what quality craftsmanship looks like from above.
✅ Free Drone Inspections
✅ Hail Damage Specialists
✅ Fully Licensed and Insured
✅ Veteran-Owned and Operated
✅ GAF-Certified Roofing Team
📍 Based in Brighton, CO | Proudly Serving Northern Colorado
Schedule your free roof assessment today and see your transformation from the top down.
We'd love to do a complimentary roofing assessment for you!
