Asphalt Shingle Roofs: The 6 Key Components

When replacing your roof, it’s your responsibility as the homeowner to know everything you can about your roof, even if you are just installing a new asphalt roofing system. With that in mind, it’s best that you understand the six key components that make up an asphalt shingle roof.

1. Ventilation system – A proper ventilation system is an important component of any asphalt shingle roof as it allows heat and moisture to escape your attic. This in turn prevents your roof from suffering from premature shingle deterioration, extending your roof’s lifespan in the process.

2. Underlayment – Moisture is the number one enemy of any roofing system so it needs to be adequately protected from blown-in rain. This is where the underlayment comes into play as it provides an extra layer of protection between your roof’s deck and the shingles themselves, preventing moisture damage.

3. Ice and water barriers – On the other hand, if you want to reinforce your roof’s protection against moisture damage, ice and water barriers are another vital component that must always be installed on your roof. This is because instead of acting as a barrier between the deck and the shingles, ice and water barriers protect your chimney and other roof protrusions from water penetration.

4. Starter strips – Starter strips are an important component of asphalt shingle roofs as they provide the first row of sealant that helps prevent the roof from suffering from shingle blow-off and moisture penetration.

5. Asphalt shingles – Of course, an asphalt shingle roof wouldn’t be complete without the shingles themselves. After all, not only does they shed water from your roof, but they also provide your home a unique look that sets it apart from your neighbors.

6. Hip and ridge shingles – The finishing touch to any asphalt shingle roof are the hip and ridge shingles. These complement the shingles themselves, providing a finishing aesthetic for your roof while protecting the hip and ridge from moisture infiltration at the same time.

Planning to have your old roof replaced? Look no further than [company_name] for assistance. Give us a call at [company_number], or fill out our contact form to request a FREE estimate. We serve homeowners in Brainerd, MN, and other nearby areas.