By: Carson Troutman, Project Manager
I'm not a car person at all, and that's ok. But it becomes a problem when I try to talk with someone about my car, especially if I'm having an issue with it. I don't need to know how to take the engine apart and put it all back together, but it would be nice to know the basics when I'm talking with a mechanic. It would be nice if I could diagnose simple issues, before I spend a lot of money going to see a professional.
One of the great advantages of the internet is its wealth of knowledge. You can learn about anything you want. You just have to find the right source. The aim of this post is to give you a source that equips you to know the basics about your roof, and when you might need to hire a roofing professional.
Understanding the Basic Components of Your Roof
Let's start with the makeup of your roof. The following list provides a basic overview of residential roof systems, so you can better understand how your roof is set up to protect your home.
- Roof Deck: This is the base layer of your roof, typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). It provides structural support for the roof system. Most older roofs have decking made up of 1 X 8 boards. Roofers secure shingles and all other roofing materials to these deck surfaces with nails.
- Underlayment: The underlayment is a waterproof layer that is installed on top of the roof deck. It helps protect the roof from water damage. Roofers install underlayment with cap nails that seal off each nail hole and prevent leaks.
-Ice and Water Underlayment: In certain sections of a roof, it's necessary for roofers to install a heavy duty underlayment. For example, most roofs have valleys, where 2 slopes come together. It's extremely important that shingles in the valleys are overlapped correctly and equipped with the right underlayment to hold up against rain water, snow, and ice that form and sit in these areas.
- Roofing Material (ie. shingles): There are various types of roofing materials available, including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and slate. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages (more on that below). The roofing material is what you see on the top layer of your roof system.
- Flashing: Flashing is a thin metal material that is used to seal gaps and prevent water from seeping into the roof system. It is typically installed around chimneys, vents, exterior walls, and skylights. Flashing is attached to the roof system via nails, so it's also very important that it's caulked and sealed correctly.
-Drip Edge: An often overlooked piece of a roof system, drip edge is a metal flashing installed along all the edges of a roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters. This prevents water damage to the underlying materials, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the roof structure and enhancing drainage efficiency.
- Gutters and Downspouts: These are important components of the roof system that help redirect rainwater away from the house. Gutters are installed along the flat edges or eaves of a roof.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy roof system. It helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, preventing issues such as mold and rot. There are a variety of ventilation options that differ in aesthetic and performance (box vents, ridge vents, power attic vents, etc.).
By understanding these basic components, homeowners can better communicate with roofing professionals and make informed decisions about their roof system.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Roofing Needs
When selecting roofing materials, homeowners should consider factors such as durability, aesthetics, cost, and maintenance requirements.
- Asphalt Shingles: These are the most common roofing material due to their affordability and versatility. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles, and they typically last anywhere from 20-50 years. The lowest quality asphalt shingles are called "3 tab" shingles. It's common to find them on older houses, but most roofing companies don't install them today because of their unappealing look and susceptibility to damage. Because of this, it's common for homeowners to upgrade their asphalt roofs to a dimensional shingle. At Evergreen Roofing, we typically use the GAF Timberline HDZ dimensional shingle, which is backed by a 50 year manufacturer's warranty.
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofs are known for their longevity and durability. They are resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage. Metal roofs can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper. The most common types of residential metal roofs are exposed fastener and standing seam. The former is a more cost effective solution that requires a little more maintenance and a typically less desired aesthetic due to the exposure of the screws in the roof. Standing seams hides all of the screws in your metal roof, eliminating the need for maintenance and providing a cleaner look, but it’s also far more expensive.
- Tile Roofing: Tile roofs are known for their unique and elegant look. They are available in clay or concrete and can last for many decades with proper maintenance. Overall, tile roofs are less common, as they are considered a premium roofing material, often used on high end custom homes.
- Slate Roofing: Slate roofs are highly durable and have a distinctive appearance. They are made from natural stone and can last for over a century. Slate roofs are even more expensive than tile roofs, but they are superior in durability. Tile and Slate roofs are more common in places like Florida where they constantly endure severe weather.
-Roof Ventilation:
Roof ventilation is based on intake and outtake. The air goes into your attic through soffit vents under the eaves (gutters) on your home. Once that air goes into the attic, it needs a way to get out and cycle through. That's why roofers install vents near the peak of the roof, so the hot air is released from the attic, preserving the life of the roof and optimizing the climate control inside your home.
Box Vents: Sometimes called "turtle vents," box vents are the most common version of roofing ventilation. They are installed right below the ridge, usually on the back slope of a home. They are an adequate ventilation option, as long as the roof has enough of them. Roofing professionals recommend 1 box vent for every 150-300 square feet of attic space.
Ridge Vents: These are a more modern vent, growing in popularity. They offer a cleaner look, tucked away under the shingles or metal at the peaks (ridges) of the roof. They also cycle air out of your attic at a higher rate than box vents.
While the ventilation options above are the most common, they are static ventilation systems. Homeowners also have the option to install dynamic ventilation in the form of power attic vents or turbine (whirly bird) vents that kick on and push air out as needed.
It is important to consult with a roofing professional to determine the best material for your specific needs and budget. But knowing this list will better equip you to become aware of your options and preferences.
The Importance of Proper Roof Installation
A properly installed roof is crucial for the longevity and performance of your roof system. Improper installation can lead to various issues, including leaks, premature deterioration, and structural damage.
To ensure a proper installation, homeowners should hire a reputable roofing contractor who is experienced and knowledgeable in the specific type of roof they have chosen. The contractor should follow industry best practices and adhere to local building codes.
By investing in professional installation, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their roof will provide reliable protection for their home. As great as it is to save money, it's not worth sacrificing the integrity of your roof for what appears to be a good deal.
At Evergreen Roofing, we offer a guaranteed workmanship warranty on all roof replacements. If an issues arises down the road due to installation, we come back and fix it at no cost. Also, as mentioned above, we offer a 50 year warranty on our GAF asphalt shingles. If the shingles are defective - shedding too quickly, streaking, or developing mismatched color patterns, your roof gets replaced for free.
Maintaining Your Roof for Longevity
Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your roof and preventing costly repairs. Here are some important maintenance tasks that will help you get the most out of your roof.
- Inspect the roof: Regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, sagging areas, or debris buildup. If you aren't comfortable inspecting your roof, our roofing team performs free inspections for all of our customers. We recommend that homeowners have their roof inspected once a year right after the spring storm season.
- Clean the roof and gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and roof leaks. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure proper water drainage. It's also common to find debris in the valleys and the flatter sections of a roof. Periodically clearing out these areas can prevent the build up of fungi and shingle deterioration. But whatever you do, never power wash your roof! Stick with a leaf-blower.
- Trim overhanging branches: Overhanging branches can fall and damage the roof or promote the growth of moss and algae. Trim any branches that are close to or touching the roof as needed.
By following these maintenance practices, homeowners can maximize the lifespan of their roof and avoid costly repairs or premature roof replacements.
When to Consider Roof Replacement
While regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your roof, there will come a time when replacement is necessary. Here are some signs that indicate it may be time to consider roof replacement:
- Age: When a roof is old, you can see it. Old roofs have permanent streak stains from years of water runoff. In the case of asphalt roofs, they accumulate a large amount of granular loss. You can see this effect of age when an old roof glimmers in the sunlight, revealing the exposed fiberglass that sits under the asphalt rocks on the shingles. At first an old roof might just look bad, but when you see a deteriorated roof you will find leaks shortly down the road.
- Shingle damage: If you notice significant damage to your shingles, such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles, it may be a sign that your roof needs replacement. At Evergreen, we work hard to help our customers identify the damage on their roof, helping them evaluate if they have storm damage or just normal wear and tear. This is such an important service because in the case of storm damage, the homeowner may be owed a full roof replacement per their insurance policy.
- Leaks: Persistent roof leaks that cannot be effectively repaired may indicate underlying issues that require a new roof. This is immensely important for homeowners to understand. Sometimes a small patch or re-sealed flashing can fix the issues with your roof, but in many cases there's a lot more involved. Especially if you have an older roof, it can be difficult to repair one area without having a cascading effect on the rest of the roof. If you have a leak, the best solution might be repairing a larger section of your roof or replacing it altogether. Keep in mind that most roof repairs result in a mismatched shingle look that hurts the value of homes.
- Sagging roof deck: A sagging roof deck is a serious problem that typically indicates structural damage. In this case, roof replacement or a major repair is often necessary to address such a fundamental issue.
If you are unsure whether your roof needs replacement, it is best to consult with a professional roofing contractor who can assess the condition of your roof and provide expert advice.
I hope this post is a helpful overview. You can check out our other blog posts to get more info on taking care of your roof and protecting your home.