What are the key components of a properly installed asphalt shingle or metal roofing system? Roofs come in all shapes and sizes–they can be low- or steep-sloped and made of different materials such as metal, tiles, or shingles. But each roof is built with various materials that work together to create a system that keeps your home safe and dry.
As one of the most popular roofing materials in the market, asphalt shingles are designed to protect against most weather conditions and other natural elements. An asphalt shingle roof is an intricate system of components that must be installed correctly to ensure proper performance and reliable weather protection.
It’s a good idea to check that all the components of your new roof are present and were installed correctly. Shingle and metal roofing expert Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. discusses what you need to look for:
What Indicates a Well-Built Shingle Roof?
- Consistency on the Surface – One way to determine if your roof was installed correctly is to check the shingle placement from ground level. Use a pair of binoculars to check that the shingles are aligned properly across the roof’s surface. If the rows don’t all look aligned, there was likely an installation error.
Keep in mind that professional roofing contractors always make an effort to align the asphalt shingles correctly. They understand how precise alignment not only improves your home’s visual exteriors but also reduces the risk of water leaks and other damage. Your shingles should age at the same rate as well, which will only happen if the same type of shingles were installed at the same time.
Check for patches of shingles in a different color. If some patches are a different hue from the rest, this can be due to the quality of the material. If the shingles are still under warranty, you should be able to have them replaced at little or no cost.
- Proper Flashing Placement – Flashing is a narrow strip that’s made from either galvanized steel or aluminum. If your roof is aging, there may be some parts of it that are rusted or peeling. These can be addressed by a trusted shingle and flat roofing contractor, so make sure to prioritize repairing the problem.
- Shingles Are Nailed Properly – Every shingle needs to be nailed precisely according to the manufacturer instructions. If there are too many shingles installed at the edge of your roof, they can be blown off easily when exposed to strong winds. On the flip side, if there aren’t enough shingles installed, water can seep through and rot the underlying fascia boards over time.
The standard is about four nails per each shingle, but this can go up to six nails if it’s a windy climate. It is critical that the nails used are the right size, which is something an experienced contractor will take care of.
- Your Shingles Should Look Their Age – Modern shingle roofing systems have different lifespans depending on the type of material used. Fiberglass shingles, for instance, can outlast their asphalt counterparts, but they may deteriorate much faster when if consistently exposed to bad weather or if they aren’t ventilated properly. Most shingle roofs still look good even after 15 years (with proper care and maintenance). You should periodically have your roof inspected by a professional roof repair contractor to see if it’s still in good condition.
Checking Each Component of Your Roof
As a homeowner, you need to understand what it takes to build a solid asphalt shingle roofing system. If your roof is well-built, then it should have all the necessary components installed correctly. A properly built shingle roofing system should have the following components present:
- Starter Strip Shingles. These are the primary row of shingles installed at the eaves and play a vital role in how the rest of your roofing system is installed. Start strip shingles are important as they prevent the rest of the shingles from getting blown off due to strong winds while also reducing the risk of water leaks.
- Hip and Ridge Shingles. These types of shingles should be found at the hip and ridge of your roof. They also help protect your home from water leaks while providing a finished look for your entire roofing system.
- Underlayment. This is a layer installed between the roof sheathing/decking and shingles, which serves as another leak prevention barrier. This layer also extends your roof’s lifespan and is found in any typical roofing system. Your underlayment can be made from rubberized asphalt, asphalt-saturated or other organic and synthetic options. If you’re not sure which type was installed in your roof, you can have it inspected by your trusted roof repair contractor.
- Flashing and Ice/Water Barriers. Flashing should be installed in the more vulnerable areas of your roof, such as near skylights, chimneys, dormers, vents, vent pipes and where two roofing slopes meet (i.e., roof valleys). While they’re often available in galvanized steel, they also come in aluminum, lead or copper. If they’re improperly installed, these areas will be more vulnerable to leaks.
- Roof Ventilation. Your asphalt shingle roof must have a proper ventilation system installed to keep the air circulating from within. It should have an adequate amount of intake vents at the base of your roof, which can usually be found near the eaves and soffits. There should also be enough exhaust vents installed near the peak of your roofing system. This is to accommodate the cooler air that flows in through the roof base, while the warmer air rises and dissipates at the peak. With proper air circulation, your roof prevents heat and moisture from building up within!
When it comes to asphalt shingle and flat roofing services, you can count on Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. to get the job done right. Call us today at (905) 875-2888 or fill out our contact form online!