At Elite Exteriors, we believe in the importance of educating our customers when it comes to their roof. Being an informed consumer allows for educated decisions when it comes to your roofing needs, and creates peace of mind throughout the buying process. Learning about the components of a new roof is a great way to understand its cost and maximize its lifespan.
Table of Contents
– Components of a New Roof
– Roof Decking
– Underlayment
– Drip Edge
– Starter Shingles
– Roof Flashing
– Ice and Water Shield
– Ridge Capping
– Roof Vents
– Pipe Boots
– Hiring the Roofing Contractor that’s Right for You
Components of a New Roof
Your roof is a combination of many different parts that work together to make a complete roofing system, ensuring that your roof stays leak-free for a long time. In this article, we will go over the main components of a new roof that impact a roof replacement. All of these parts will affect cost when it comes to your roof replacement, and choosing quality parts is crucial for your new roof investment:
Roof Decking
An essential component of a new roof, sometimes called roof sheathing, are wooden boards that make up the framing and foundation of your roof. This is what your shingles and other roofing materials are installed on.
Underlayment
Underlayment is a synthetic felt material that is installed over your roof decking and under your shingles. It provides a secondary layer of protection against severe weather like high wind, rain, and snow.
Drip Edge
This is metal flashing that’s installed on the edges of your roof. This is another important component of a new roof, as it’s required by code, and must be properly installed to protect your roof investment and pass a home inspection.
Starter Shingles
Starter shingles are installed underneath the first round of shingles at the edges of your roof. It is a pre-cut roll of adhesive roofing, and works to make sure the edges of your roof are sealed properly.
Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is essentially a thin, flat piece of metal that is used to waterproof the perimeter of your roof, as well as any protrusions your roofing system may have. It works to direct water away from certain areas of your roof like chimneys, walls, and roof valleys.
It is a vital component of a new roof, directly impacting its health and longevity. It prevents water from entering any seams and joints in your roof, as well as entering any openings or cracks in a roof.
Ice and Water Shield
Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane that’s used to protect your roof from ice and water damage. It can be found in valleys and other potential problem areas of your roof.
Ridge Capping
This is installed where two slopes of a roof meet. The trim is installed at the peak, is thicker than regular shingles, and is pre-bent in order to fit to the ridges on your roof.
Roof Vents
Roof vents are an essential component of a new roof, as these allow for proper attic ventilation, allowing your home and attic to breathe properly. Improper attic ventilation can cause damage to your roof, and may result in the need for a premature roof replacement.
Pipe Boots
This is a synthetic rubber boot that goes around roofing penetrations to prevent water from running down your pipes, getting into your home, and causing water damage.
All of these components of a new roof are necessary for a quality roof replacement, and choosing quality parts is the best way to maximize your roof investment. This is key to ensuring your new roof stays leak-free, protects your home, and lasts as long as it should. In our blog, “How to Make your Roof Last Longer,” you can discover even more ways to extend your roof’s lifespan.
Hiring the Roofing Contractor that’s Right for You
Now that you know the components of a new roof and why they’re important, you are now better prepared to make an informed decision when it comes to your roofing needs. This information will also help you to better understand the cost estimate from your contractor. A quality contractor will be more than happy to go over line items on your estimate with you in detail, but having this knowledge will give you peace of mind, and assist you in asking informed questions when necessary.
That being said, choosing the roofing contractor that’s best for you and your needs is tantamount to a successful roof replacement. A vetted, experienced, and knowledgeable contractor will not only get the job done right, but they will be able to answer any questions you may have, remove stress from the roof replacement process, and leave you feeling confident in your decisions. Working with a reputable contractor is the best way to ensure you will be happy with the finished product, and leave you with a new roof that you’re proud of.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only are we fully bonded, licensed, and insured, but we can provide any references you may need, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, or fill out our online form for more information!