Learn About Roofing

 
There are many things to learn about roofing such as roof styles, roof components, roofing shingles, and roof installations. 
 
 

Roofing shingles

 

Although there are many manufacturers and designs, the two most common roofing shingles installed on homes today are architectural shingles and three tab shingles. 

Three Tab Shingles have been around since they invented asphalt roofing shingles. It is the basic roof shingle design. The shingle is divided into three equal sections called tabs.The tabs are cut into the shingle to resemble a brick like pattern when it is installed on the top of a roof. Three Tab roofing shingles provide wind protection up to 60 mph and carry a 25 or 30 year warranty. 

Its design consists of a single fiberglass mat that is sandwitched between two layers of asphalt. Colored granules are applied to the top surface, not only to color the shingle but to protect the shingle from the sun and other elements. Finally, a sealant strip is added to the surface to form a seal between shingles, this helps prevent blow offs.

Architectural Shingles are fairly new to roofing and developed within the last 30 years or so. Architectural shingles are designed to resemble wooden cedar shake roofs.There are no tabs cut into the shingle. In fact, a second layer of roofing shingle is laminated to the exposed portion of the shingle to add strength. Because of this design, most architectural shingles can withstand up to 130 mph winds and now offer a lifetime limited warranty.

Architectural shingles are manufactured with two individual fiberglass mats, each sandwitched between two layers of asphalt. Granules are then applied to the top layers of each of the mats. The two mats are then laminated together to form one reinforced roofing shingle. A sealant strip is again added to the shingle to form a seal between shingles when they are installed.     

Architectural Roof Shingles VS. 3-Tab Roof Shingles

Roof Styles

Here are the many roof designs found on top of homes today.

 

	Hip Roof			Gable Roof
	Shed Roof			Salt Box Roof
	Gambrel Roof			Flat Roof
	Mansard Roof

Roof Components

This diagram is designed to help you better understand the structure of you roof. All the components that make up a roof and their locations are shown below.

Sheathing/Decking - The wood surface above the roof rafters to which roofing materials are attached.
Flashing - Used at intersections of vertical walls and the roof surface to prevent water infiltration.
Ridge - The top edge of the roof where all the roof surfaces join.
Valley - The intersection or joint of two roof slopes running in different directions.
Rake - The edge or end surface of a slanted roof.
Eaves - The lowest edge of a roof usually projecting out beyond the walls of the building. 
Low Slope Roof - Any roof at its steepest point that has a pitch of 2:12 or less and requires     membrane types of roofing materials to protect it from water infiltration. Also known as a flat 
roof.

A Complete Roof System

Looking to install a superior roof? The perfect balance between great looks and lasting protection? Well you should consider having a complete roof system installed. A roofing system is more than roof shingles nailed on top of your house.

 A roofing system starts with the knowledge of potential roof problems and the products designed to protect these troubled spots. When combining all of these products in a roof installation you give your home a superior layer of protection from the elements.


Roofing Shingles - Quality roofing shingles are a must. Shingles offering a 30 year warranty or 
                                     better will provide adequate protection from the elements.
Underlayments - A secondary water proofing barrier installed under the roof shingles to protect the
                                  decking from water infiltration
Leak Barriers - Used to prevent ice damming
Starter Shingles - Aid in sealing the first course of roof shingles along the eaves
Ridge Vents - Is crucial in keeping heat and moisture out of the attic area
Ridge Caps - High profile caps are wider and thicker and offer more protection