Ever wondered what makes up a roof?
-Maybe you don’t care.
-Maybe you think it’s just the shingles or metal “up there”.
-Maybe it’s never even crossed your mind, “It just came with the house.”
BUT…then comes that one fateful day when you notice a brown spot on your ceiling. Ought-oh, now you have to care.
So, you go outside and look up and all you see is your shingles. You don’t even know where to begin. You notice some of the shingles have these places where the edge is popped up. Heck, maybe you even get a ladder and shakily get up on the roof. You notice all these little places where it seems like there are small bubbles.
So, you call a guy, and hope he knows what to look for.
More Than Just Shingles
There are multiple facets to a Roofing System and each one is as equally important as the other. Let’s go over them so you know where to begin and maybe even what questions to ask a Roofing Contractor.
The Substrate/Decking
The decking of your roof is the wood that sets on the rafters. There are several types:
· Plywood – layers of wood glued together; not as strong as other decking
· OSB – (Oriented Strand Board) rectangle, heat-treated, wood chips that are adhered together in a way that increases its strength and thus the life of the substrate; the most cost effective for the life of the product
· Wood Planks – Boards applied as a continuous layer (usually 1 x ?) to form the substrate
Whatever substrate you choose, know that it is the basic essential element of a good roofing system and you need to choose a contractor who understands it’s importance.
If you are thinking about undergoing a roof replacement, just know that there may be part of your decking that needs to be replaced. Usually a very small section needs fixing, but occasionally a larger section requires attention. Your contractor should take photos and let you know BEFORE tearing up any decking.
Ice & Water
A special layer of waterproof membrane that adheres to:
· Valleys
· Around penetrations
· Perimeters
It allows for extra protection in particularly vulnerable areas to:
· Water
· Ice
· Wind
Starter Shingles
Starter shingles are the initial, single row of shingles that form an extra layer of protection around the entire perimeter of the roof.
o Eaves
o Rakes
Some contractors will cut corners by using old 3-tab shingles cut in pieces, but these don’t have the adhesive patches which adhere to the shingles. These patches allow for more adhesion, vis-avis more water reistence.
Underlayment
Underlayment is the decking cover that adds an extra layer of water resistance for any roof.
There are basically 2 types:
* Felt – not used much these days
· 15 lb
· 30 lb – thicker and stronger of the 2
* Synthetic – a layer of amalgamated material
· Stronger than felt
· Better protection against water
· Longer lasting
Some roofers in your area will avoid using this layer to save money. It’s important to make sure your contractor uses the appropriate underlayment as this is key in making sure your warranty is good.
Shingles
There are a multitude of different types of shingles. For a more detailed description you can check this article, but the basic types are:
· 3-Tab
· Dimensional/Architectural
· Dimensional Plus
· Luxury
The best choice for your roof depends on:
· Price
· Individual home needs
Ventilation/Penetrations
It is essential for an attic space or ceiling space to have proper ventilation. This can serve 2 purposes:
· Air flow to regulate temperature and increase the life of your roof
· Vent gasses from various:
o Rooms
o Appliances/heaters
Ventilation is one of the most important and overlooked parts of a roofing system.
So there you have it - Roofing Basics
So you can see that there’s way more to your roof than just what you see. Without each and every part listed above the lifespan of your roof suffers…and that costs you the homeowner money.
If you have doubts about the various parts of your roofing system, call someone who has over 20+ years of experience. Let True Line Roofing perform a Complimentary Inspection.
True Line Roofing…we got you covered!
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