A well-designed and efficient asphalt shingle roof does more than change the entire architectural appearance of a residence. It is also responsible for protecting the residents and their personal belongings from harsh weather elements, such as heat from the sun, sharp hailstones, torrential downpour and high winds. Your asphalt shingle roofing system performs its functions through a lineup of crucial roof components that help assemble the structure. These components work together to increase the durability, longevity and overall performance of the system.
If you want to learn more about the six major components of an asphalt shingle roofing system, keep on reading — Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC, a leading roofing contractor in the state of Illinois, will guide you through.
In North America, numerous types of residential roofing materials are accessible to the market, but asphalt shingles are, by far, the most popular and widely used. As the main component of an asphalt shingle roofing system, asphalt shingles are in charge of providing the principal water-shedding surface and creating the unique look that sets your home apart from other properties in the neighborhood.
A standard asphalt shingle is made of a base mat, a layer of waterproof asphalt and a layer of ceramic granules dusted on the top surface to protect the shingles from damaging ultraviolet rays.
There are two types of asphalt shingles:
According to a local roofing contractor, the difference between the two base mat materials creates a noticeable difference in durability and price. Organic shingles are more sturdy and hardwearing than fiberglass shingles, but this also makes them more expensive and, sometimes, less environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, fiberglass shingles are relatively affordable and often have better fire resistance.
A critical feature of a well-structured roofing system, underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material that acts as a barrier and is installed right onto the roof decking, sometimes referred to as sheathing. It is applied under all the other roofing materials as an additional layer of protection from severe elements, particularly excess moisture and humidity.
There are three types of roofing underlayment:
Your shingles reflect the sun’s rays, block precipitation and withstand wind. However, they can also be susceptible to tear-offs and infiltration by wind-driven rain over time. Fortunately, underlayment offers the additional blanket of protection that shingles alone cannot match, rendering your home safe from moisture and water-related issues.
Your roof has numerous weak points that are more vulnerable to weather conditions than the main field of asphalt shingles. It is good practice to install an additional layer of protection along these penetrations to keep your system in tip-top shape. Ice and water protectors, also called ice and snow shields in cold climates, are primarily made with polymer-modified bitumen.
An ice and water barrier has an adhesive back surface that is covered with a release film. The film is removed during application so that the membrane will stick to the roof decking and create a watertight unit. When applied around roof penetrations and along the lengths of the roof to wall transitions, ice and water barrier products will effectively shield these vulnerable areas. This can prevent leaks even after extreme wind conditions blow shingles off the roof, minimizing damage and making the work of roofers a lot easier to deal with.
Every asphalt shingle roof installation has to begin somewhere. Starter strip shingles are the initial shingle products installed on a roof. It is applied before the first course of finish shingles, which will comprise the visible areas of the structure. Starter shingles are generally coated with natural, darker and unfinished roofing granules since they will only end up being snowed under the main roof shingles. A starter strip shingle is often rectangular in shape, making it compatible for use with virtually any overlying shingle style.
Historically, starter strip shingles have been used at the lower edge of the roof as well as at the gable or rake edges of the roof. At the eave, the starter shingles provide a simple method to shelter the joints between the finish shingles, ensuring that the roof has complete water-shedding coverage. Starter shingles also have a sealant strip that will be positioned on the top surface and at the lowest edge of the roof.
The hips and ridges are critical intersections that require effective weather blocking, but can also be used for the ventilation of a roofing system, helping it perform better and last longer.
Installed at the peak, hip and ridge shingles provide a protective bridge that brings two slopes of a roofing system together, making the structure weathertight. These products can also add an attractive and unique appeal to your home’s hips and ridges, enhancing the overall character and curb appeal of your property.
A balanced ventilation system allows heat and moisture to escape from the attic space. It also helps eliminate ice damming and prevent premature shingle deterioration by keeping the indoor temperature closer to the outdoor temperature.
Proper attic ventilation has numerous benefits. For example, it can prolong the life of your asphalt shingles roof by heading off excess heat and moisture buildup, which can significantly damage your shingles from the inside out. It can also reduce your energy costs by reducing the workload on your air conditioning unit. Finally, sufficient ventilation eliminates indoor temperature extremes by allowing hot air to escape and cool air to enter your home, making the residents comfortable all year round.
Transform the look and feel of your exterior with high-quality roofing remodel. Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC is a premier source of a wide array of home improvement solutions, including asphalt shingle roofing replacement, gutter maintenance and patio door installation.
Our experienced team aims to provide the safe and comfortable living environment that every homeowner deserves using industry-leading products and top-rated services. Call us today at (815) 964-2220 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment. We work with customers in Rockford, IL and the surrounding communities.