Asphalt shingle roofs look simple from the outside. But peel back the layers and you’ll see a complex system that protects your home from the elements. Local roofing and siding company M & A Roof Home Improvement share a look at the key components of a typical asphalt shingle roof.
1. Framing — Roof framing is the skeleton that supports all other parts of the roof, including the layer of asphalt shingles. It consists of the trusses, rafters and other parts that form the framework upon which the other parts are installed onto. Roof framing needs to be made from treated timber to minimize warping and moisture damage.
2. Decking — Roof decking or sheathing on an asphalt shingle roof are boards that are nailed to the rafters, creating a flat surface for other roofing components to be installed onto during a roof install. Oriented strand board (OSB) and five-ply plywood are the most common materials used for decking. Decking is typically good for two installations: a new roof and a replacement.
3. Underlayment — Roof underlayment or felts is the moisture barrier that protects the decking and framing from moisture infiltration, in the event that the outer roofing layer is damaged or punctured. Manufacturers such as GAF offer breathable underlayment, which lets moisture underneath it to evaporate.
4. Starter Strips — Starter strips are installed at the roof’s edge and are the first row of shingles installed on the roof. Starter strips come in rolls of material that match the rest of the roof and are typically reinforced by adhesive. This protects the roof edge from water infiltration and damage caused by updrafts.
5. Asphalt Shingles — The starter strips are then followed by the main body of the roof, the asphalt shingle layer. Asphalt shingles require precise nail placement to ensure protection against wind damage.
6. Flashing — Flashing is the strips of metal that protect breaks in the roof, including valleys and dormers. A cone-shaped type of flashing, called rubber boots, protect vent pipes and other similar penetrations on the roof plane.
7. Ridge and Soffit Ventilation — Sloped roofs need a ventilation system to flush out warm and humid air from the attic. A typical roof ventilation system consists of exhaust vents at the ridges and intake vents at the soffits. This passive ventilation system utilizes the negative pressure created by vented warm air to pull cool air through the soffits. In addition to keeping your indoor spaces cool during summer, proper attic ventilation also helps prevent common winter problems such as ice damming.
M & A Roof Home Improvement is your leading provider of roof installation and gutter cleaning services. Give us a call at (757) 779-5244. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Norfolk and Williamsburg, VA.