The Anatomy of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

As a responsible homeowner, you should know the basic parts of your roof. This way, you can keep track of its condition and prevent leaky situations.

In an asphalt shingle roofing system, Krech Exteriors recommends advancing your knowledge about these essential components:

Underlayment

This black paper covers the plywood sheeting in order to seal and protect the underlying deck against the damaging elements, especially water and snow. It generally comes with a water-resistant membrane and a vapor barrier or a sweat sheet for added defense.

Flashing

Roof flashing is any piece of metal used to divert water from areas where it might collect, such as penetrations and valleys. It comes in different materials, including stainless steel and copper, with unique properties, but all options are generally effective to perform its primary purpose.

Considering faulty flashing is a common source of leaks, you must hire a specialist roofer for re-roofing or repairs to reduce the chances of failure.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the star of the roofing system. They serve two functions: to weatherproof and to beautify. They make up your roof’s first skin of protection against detriments and contribute to curb appeal a lot.

Old-fashioned shingles generally deliver subpar performance compared with their modern counterparts. Among leading brands, GAF is one of the few that has really figured out the art and science of asphalt shingle manufacturing. It developed its Advanced Protection® Technology to create products that offer the best combination of weight and performance. As a result, GAF shingles resist blow-offs well and feature exceptional granule adhesion for long-lasting beauty and extended longevity.

Ridge and Hip Vents

Any experienced roofing contractor would say that ventilation is a key factor to long-term asphalt shingle roof performance. They may sometimes be considered optional accessories and not basic components, but exhaust and intake vents play vital roles in keeping your roof intact. They help keep your attic temperature ideal to prevent ice damming and shingle curling and expel moisture to inhibit mold growth and wood deck decay.

Whatever your asphalt shingle roofing needs, turn to Krech Exteriors. We’ve been providing excellent roof maintenance and replacement services in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and nearby areas since 1988. To schedule your FREE, in-home consultation at your convenience, call us now at (651) 968-8888.