Home › Learn From The Pros › The Important Components of an Asphalt Shingle Roof The Important Components of an Asphalt Shingle Roof May 26, 2021 Investing in a new asphalt shingle roof doesn’t only change the look of your home’s exterior, but also protects your family and your belongings from the elements associated with the local climate. It does so through its numerous components that complement each other, making the sum of all parts greater than the whole. With all of these parts working together, you get a complete roof system that is both durable and long lasting. Here are the important components of an asphalt shingle roofing system. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles make up the roof’s primary covering. They provide a water-shedding surface that protects your interior from strong winds, heavy downpours and intense heat. They’re available in many different styles, profiles, colors and textures. Underlayment Underneath the asphalt shingles lie the underlayment. It acts as the secondary barrier to protect the wood decking or sheathing from the damaging effects of moisture, including mold and rot. During a roof repair service call, the pros make sure it is intact before replacing the missing or damaged shingles. Ice and Water Barrier This asphalt shingle roof component is very much like the underlayment, but it plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable areas of the roof from moisture problems. With this installed, you won’t have to worry about leaks during rainstorms and ice dams during winter. Starter Strip Shingles These long, narrow shingles are placed on the roof’s edges before the first course of finish shingles – the ones you see atop your home – can be installed. Roofing contractors must do this to prevent shingle blow-offs or water infiltration. Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles These shingles are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. They add a finishing touch to the roof’s overall appearance. Placed atop the hip and ridge areas of the roof, they come in a high-profile design that makes them thicker than the shingles installed on the roof’s slopes. Roof Ventilation A balanced ventilation system is crucial for the asphalt shingle roof. It has intake and exhaust vents to draw fresh air in and expel moist, stale air out of the attic. Without these installed, mold and rot may accumulate due to the presence of moisture. In the summer, heat can get trapped inside the attic, deteriorating the asphalt shingles. [company_name] is a GAF-certified roofing contractor, allowing us to use the highest quality asphalt roofing products on the market. To learn more about the manufacturer’s complete roofing system, call us at [company_number]. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Brainerd, MN, and the surrounding communities.