Components of a Roof Series – Underneath the Shingles

As a roofing contractor, I field a lot of questions about different components of a roof.  Enough so that I think a series of blog topics to educate on all the parts would be useful for my prospective clients (and honestly for any homeowner, even if you don’t call me).  In a previous series, I thoroughly discussed roof decking (planks, plywood, OSB, installation), typically all installed by carpenters and not by roofers, but what roofers have to start with.  In this series, I will discuss all the parts that go under the shingles (and that you don’t otherwise see).  Let me know if you find these blogs useful.

When you look at a roof, what do you see?  Shingles, they are the visible finish layer.  Maybe some metal around penetrations (i.e. chimney, roof vents, plumbing vents, and skylights).  Just how much is “below the surface” and more importantly, how much does it matter?  Like many things, the devil is in the details and the preparation before the shingles is critical to preventing roof leaks.  Some of the items that you don’t see are:

1)      Drip Edge (previous blog on this topic)

2)      Flashing

3)      Ice and Water Shield (previously covered in blog series on ice jams)

4)      Underlayment

5)      Starter Strips

6)      How transitions in the roof are detailed (pitch transitions, chimneys, crickets, headwall, sidewall, valleys, dormers, roof intersections)

All of these details get addressed and materials installed before the first shingle gets installed.  That is a lot that is “below the surface” and in some subsequent blog topics on these materials Williams Roofing & Construction will delve into importance of each, because all of these really do matter when it comes to installing a long-lasting and leak-free asphalt shingle roof.  You will never look at your roof the same way again.  

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