Asphalt Shingle Roof Components

The first piece and one of the most important components of an asphalt shingle roof is the drip edge. The drip edge is a metal strip that is installed along the edges of the roof. Its purpose is to direct water away from the fascia board and into the gutters. Without a drip edge, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to your home. 

When choosing a drip edge, it is important to choose one that is made of Galvalume or aluminum. These materials are corrosion-resistant and will not rust over time. You should also make sure that the drip edge overlaps with the ice and water shield by at least two inches. This will ensure that your home is protected from water damage.

The next component after the drip edge is ice and water barrier. An ice and water barrier (also known as a self-adhesive membrane) is a material that is applied to the roof deck before the shingles are installed. This barrier helps to prevent ice dams from forming on the roof, which can cause damage to the shingles and the roof deck. Ice and water barriers are typically made from rubberized asphalt or modified bitumen.

At Sensible Home Solutions we understand how harsh New England weather can be. The industry standard is 3ft of ice and water barrier but we install 6 feet of ice & water barrier on eaves and rakes. We install ice & water barrier on dormers, valleys, and all penetrations for added protection.

Next is the underlayment which is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier that is installed between the roof deck and the shingles. This layer of protection is important because it helps to prevent moisture from seeping through the roof deck and damaging the home. There are many different types of underlayment available, but at Sensible Home Solutions, we only use synthetic underlayment for our roof replacements. Synthetic underlayment is made from materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which are more durable than traditional felt paper.

The first thing you need to know about asphalt shingles is that they are made up of two main components: the asphalt base and the mineral granules. The asphalt base is a black or dark brown material that is made from petroleum products. This asphalt is then combined with other materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose, to create the finished product. The asphalt base provides the majority of the waterproofing properties for the shingle, while the mineral granules help protect against UV rays and add color to the shingle.

With the advances in technology and build quality of shingles, manufactures like GAF & Owens Corning are offering longer warranties. Manufacturers warranties consists of material protection, wind protection, algae protection, and misapplication protection. 

Hip and ridge shingles are special shingles that are installed along the hips and ridges of the roof. Hip and ridge shingles help to provide additional protection against wind damage and they also add a finished look to the roof. Hip and ridge shingles are typically made from asphalt or fiberglass, and they come in a variety of colors to match your home’s exterior.

Proper roof ventilation is important for many reasons. Roof ventilation helps to regulate the temperature in the attic, which can help to prevent ice dams from forming. Roof ventilation also helps to remove excess heat and moisture from the attic, which can extend the life of your shingles.

There are many different types of roof vents available, but most roofing contractors will recommend using static ridge vents. Static vents are installed along the ridge line of the roof and they allow air to flow freely through the vent without the use of an electric fan.