More than Just Shingles-The Components of an Asphalt Roof
When researching what you need to know before hiring a professional to assist in a home improvement project, you’ll oftentimes find that it’s recommended that you contact at least three companies to give you an estimate. Price is one of the driving factors many homeowners consider when choosing whom to hire. It can often be a cause for bewilderment when an estimate for a project such as a roof, varies widely between companies. Unless you encounter storm damage, it’s unlikely that during your tenure as owner of a home, you’ll replace your roof more than twice. So it’s no wonder that confusion is likely to arise when bids come in vastly different. It’s important to take to heart that your roof is more than just shingles. When installed correctly, your roof is an entire system that has several layers in order to maximize the system’s lifespan and protect your home from Mother Nature.
Here, at Lindus Construction, we have chosen to align ourselves with GAF which is North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial asphalt roofing. We appreciate the thoughtfulness behind their approach to roofing and the fact that they lead the industry with a 50 year non-prorated warranty on labor & materials. Here are the elements contained in a GAF asphalt roofing system:
Weather Watch Leak Barrier Ice & Water Shield: This is the first thing to be installed. All leak barriers have a backside that is tacky which helps it adhere to the roof decking. An advantage of the WeatherWatch® system is that it contains a special adhesive that allows for one-time repositioning, something not commonly found in other brands. It aggressively adheres over time. The advantage of having the adhesive take time to adhere is that if the underside is too sticky from the get-go, air pockets can occur during the application process. Eventually these air pockets will be punctured which creates an opportunity for a leak.
Tiger Paw™ Roof Deck Protection: The purpose of this product is to provide a crucial additional layer of protection between your shingles and your roof deck. It assists in deterring water, ice and snow from penetrating the underside of your shingles which can compromise your roof’s structure and your home’s interior. Typical “felts” are less thick and are susceptible to tearing while workers are hammering on your roof. This can cause tears which are prone to leaking. Tiger Paw Roof Deck Protection will also assist in shingles being laid flat and uniform which will give your roof more aesthetic appeal.
Flashing: Flashing is metal that aids to protect your roof from water intrusion where your roof meets a wall in your home. The intention of flashing is to defer the flow of water away from the home, rather than allowing your roofing and underlayment to absorb it which can cause water damage. There are several different types of flashing including: kickout, valley step, etc. Failure to utilize the correct amount, placed in the right areas can lead to leaking in your home, mold and a shortened lifespan of your roof.
Venting System: Without adequate ventilation, heat and moisture can build up in your attic which can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase. Another side effect of inadequate ventilation is ice dams. Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water will drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold overhang. The overhang tends to be at the same temperature as the outdoors and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam can cause damage to the roof, which will result in water leaks to the inside. Frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under the roof damage. It’s also important to note that many roofing manufacturers will not warranty a roof that is not ventilated correctly.
Learn More About GAF Roofing Components:
