Essential Components of Your Roof
Your roof will be one of the most significant investments as a homeowner. Roofs come in many shapes, and they provide your home protection from the elements. A roof comprises many important components: decking, underlayment, shingles, sheathing, ventilation products, flashings and insulation. Each component of your roof is essential in its way. If a shingle is damaged, it can cause water to seep into your home and damage your floors, walls, and furniture. If the sheathing on your roof is compromised, water could penetrate the roof insulation and lead to mould or structural problems. It's also essential to have the proper ventilation products, so you don't suffocate inside your house! In this blog, we'll go over the most essential components of your roof so you can minimize any surprises when it comes time for a repair or replacement!
The shingles on a roof are the most visible part of the structure and are often what people first think of a roof. They're among the essential part of the roof because they cover all the other parts. Shingles can be made of many different materials like asphalt, rubber, metal, wood, clay and slate. The shingles are designed to protect the roof from wind, rain, hail, fire, etc. It's important to know that not all shingles are created equally. For example, some shingles have a lifetime warranty while others do not. The shingles that would work best for your roof will depend on what type of roofing system your home has and the climate in your area. Knowing this information will help you make an informed decision about your materials.
Another essential component of a roof is the underlay. The underlayment is the material on top of your home's sheathing, preventing water leaking into your interior walls and ceilings. The underlay plays a crucial role in keeping your roof waterproofed. It is generally made of felt paper or tar paper which helps seal the joints and protects against wind-driven rain and ice dams. It's essential to inspect your underlayments for any tears or missing pieces as they can lead to leaks!
The purpose of flashings is to seal the roof's joints and keep water from seeping in. Flashings are installed around openings such as chimneys, skylights, vents, pipes, and gutters. There are three types of flashings: roof-edge, step or valley, and continuous. A roof-edge flashing is a metal strip overlaps the shingles on either side of a chimney. Step or valley flashings are sheets of metal that overlap the shingles at each corner where two roofs meet. Continuous flashings are when there is no need for a step flashing because it continues across the entire slope of the roof.
The most important thing to know about a roof is its type of venting. Venting systems are essential for protecting a building in virtually any climate. They allow moisture that accumulates on the roof's surface to escape, preventing water from accumulating at different levels within the structure. A ridge vent is a product installed under the shingles on the ridge of your roof that helps move heat and moisture out of the attic and help control your home's temperature. Gable vents allow air to flow out of your attic through specific roof parts. They can be installed on either side or at both ends of a gable wall, typically near the peak; they are usually placed higher up on the roof than ridge vents. Soffit/fascia vents are installed into the underside or edge of eaves or siding materials to help expel heat and humidity from your home's attic.
Your roof has many components that create this one piece of critical architecture. Each part has a design and a purpose that add to the stability and look of the roof. By understanding the importance of the various components used in a roofing project, homeowners will better decide what type of roofing material is appropriate for their particular needs. At United Roofing & Exteriors, we know how important your roof is. Whether you're looking to preserve the value of your home or want a new roof, we are here to help! Contact us today; we've got you covered.