Asphalt shingle roofs come in all shapes and sizes, however, they have key components in common. In today’s post, the local roofers at DryTech Roofing LLC share a look at these essential components.
1. Framing — The framing is the roof’s skeleton, and includes components such as rafters and trusses. They form a support structure that the rest of the roofing components, from decking to ridge cap, are installed onto. A properly-constructed framing, made with treated timber, can be used for multiple roof installations.
2. Decking — The decking or roof deck is the flat surface where the underlayment and asphalt shingles are fastened to. Thick plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are standard decking materials, and are usually for two installations. Certain types of roofing systems may utilize tongue-and-groove decking, which consists of long, interlocking boards.
3. Underlayment — The underlayment is the barrier that serves as a second line of defense against water infiltration. Most of today’s roofers offer underlayment that’s made of synthetic material. It lets the decking “breathe” by allowing moisture underneath it to evaporate instead of trapping it. Traditional asphalt-soaked underlayment, also known as “felts,” are also available. Their increased rigidity can add impact resistance to the finished roof.
4. Starter Strips — The first row of shingles at the roof edge is the starter strip, which are installed as a single roll of material, and are reinforced by special adhesives. This helps seal the roof edge and improves its resistance to wind damage and water infiltration.
5. Asphalt Shingles — The main part of the roof is covered by asphalt shingles, which are installed from bottom to top. The type of fasteners and installation methods vary, which is why it’s important to hire installers that are trained and certified by roofing manufacturers they represent.
6. Flashing — Flashing protects breaks on the roofing plane, which are vulnerable to water infiltration. The most common types of flashing are made of metal, but some can be made of a more flexible material that blends in with the rest of the roof.
7. Ventilation — Vents located at the roof ridges release heat and moisture from the attic, which helps keep the attic cool and dry and prevent long-term damage.
DryTech Roofing LLC is your leading provider of roof repair and replacement. Give us a call at (240) 491-5600. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Maryland.