Are you in need of a new roof? If so, you need to know that it is more than just a new layer of shingles that will be installed on your home. There are several components that make up a roof, and it helps to understand what they are prior to having them all installed.
The Roofing Barrier
The first things that will be done is installing a roofing barrier. This is placed in problematic areas where the roof needs extra protection, such as in valleys, along the edges, and around chimneys. This waterproof barrier is made of rubber, and goes a long way in protecting your roof.
It is also common to place roof felt along your entire roof deck for protection from water that may seep through the shingles.
The Drip Edge
Every roof needs a drip edge, which is a metal component that helps keep water away from the edge of your roof. Without the drip edge, water may wrap around the bottom edge of the roof and get underneath the roofing material. The drip edge also helps the roof have a clean looking edge looks great from the ground.
The Starter Strips
The first row of shingles that are placed on your roof are a special material known as starter strips. There is an adhesive on the bottom edge of the starter strip that holds everything in place, as well as help prevents wind from getting underneath the shingles and rip them off.
The Ridge Cap
A ridge cap can help allow the hot air trapped in your attic escape to help regulate the temperature of the roof. When combined with soffit vents, the roof will be able to remove all of that moisture and heat that would normally be stuck inside. The ridge cap is then covered with special shingles that match the rest of the roof so that the ridge cap blends in seamlessly.
The Flashing
Flashing material is used in places where objects stick out from your roof, which can be a potential point where water can leak underneath the shingle material. Flashing is typically made out of metal, and will wrap around those objects so that there is an additional layer of protection. Flashing is held to the roof using roofing cement, which helps the material form a solid bond with the roof and become a waterproof barrier.
Reach out to a roofing contractor for more information about roofing services.
Share17 September 2019
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.