Your roof is a complex system involving many specialized components, all of which play a critical role in performance, beauty, energy efficiency and longevity. Understanding the function of each of these components can help you take better care of your roofing system.
In addition to the asphalt shingles you see from the street, here are eight of the most important components of your roofing system:
1. Sheathing
Strictly speaking, the sheathing is the roof itself, and everything else on top of it is just a covering. It’s composed of decking boards nailed onto the rafters, providing a clean, flat surface upon which materials can be laid properly. Usually made from wood, the sheathing is the foundation of your roof.
2. Underlayment
The underlayment is anything applied directly to the sheathing to protect against rain and snow. It’s usually made from felt, which serves as a water barrier. Specialized underlayment, such as an ice barrier, can be installed to increase weather resistance to vulnerable areas, such as valleys, pipes and chimneys.
3. Starter Strip Shingles
They provide a first row of sealant necessary to keep asphalt shingles in place no matter how hard the wind blows. Without them, the roof would be extremely vulnerable to blow-offs and water leaks.
4. Flashing
It’s any piece of metal used to render any leak-prone roof section water-resistant. Some kinds are more popular, like drip edges.
5. Fascia Boards and Soffits
Fascia boards hold the gutters in place, while soffits cover the gap between the siding and the roofline. Soffits come with holes to breathe in cold air and ventilate the attic.
6. Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters can be sectional or seamless, and their role is to direct water into the downspouts, which channel it safely away from your property. Seamless gutters are made from straight shots of unmarred metal, eliminating the need for sealant, thus improving the gutters’ leak resistance.
7. Exhaust Vents
Roof vents are responsible for preventing heat buildup and expelling moisture, which helps prevent premature shingle curling and ice damming. While vents are critical to your roof, having too many can actually increase the chances of water leakage. An experienced roofing and siding contractor will know exactly how many vents your roofing system needs.
8. Trim
The trim covers the seams, such as hips and ridges, to keep water from getting in.
Let Universal Roofing and Exteriors bolster your roof’s performance and weather resistance with our high-quality products and expert workmanship. Call us at (317) 257-0779 now to discuss your home improvement needs and get a FREE estimate in Carmel, IN.
