6 Key Components of a Complete Asphalt Shingle Roof

Every reputable roofing contractor knows the key components of an asphalt shingle roofing system. The shingles are what you readily see when you look at your roof, but your roof is an entire system composed of different parts working together to achieve the system’s functionality and performance.

A good asphalt shingle roof has these six key components:

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the primary components of your roofing system that are responsible for shedding water. Shingles also shed snow and other forms of precipitation, as well as debris carried by the wind, such as leaves and twigs. As they are the most exposed portion of the roofing system, shingles also come in different colors to give your home a distinctive look. There are different types of asphalt shingles, including those that resist blue-green algae staining.

2. Underlayment

Between the wood deck and the shingles is the underlayment. It’s a material with waterproof or water-resistant qualities and acts as a second water barrier. Some of the most popular underlayment materials are asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt and non-bitumen synthetic. You can observe your underlayment when your roofer removes broken shingles during a roof repair.

3. Water and Ice Barriers

Some parts of a roofing system are more vulnerable than others. Valleys and the areas around roof protrusions (eg. chimneys) are good examples. They need a roof underlayment membrane specially designed for such areas. This membrane is known as a water and ice barrier, protector, or shield. Barriers like this are often made of polymer-modified bitumen.

4. Starter Strips

To prevent blow-offs and water intrusion at the eave level, your roofer installs starter strips or starter shingles. These shingles provide an overlap as the first row of shingles with sealant. The sealant keeps your shingles sturdy against high winds and strong rains.

5. Hip and Ridge Caps

Hips and ridges are often used for making the roofing system breathable. Roofers do this by installing vents. However, if not done right, hips and ridges can allow water infiltration. Hip and ridge products can prevent wind-driven rain, snow, and other debris from penetrating the corners and peaks of the roofing system.

6. Ventilation

Heat and moisture in the attic can cause all sorts of damage to an otherwise healthy roofing system. To combat this, roofers install a balanced ventilation system. This allows heat and moisture to escape and to prevent attic superheating. Attic superheating is when the attic traps so much heat it becomes hotter than the outside temperature. It’s responsible for most instances of ice dam formation and premature shingle deterioration. 

Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. is a roof replacement expert. We always take great care when installing the complete components of a healthy roofing system. Call us today at (731) 589-7663 (Dreysburg) or (901) 430-1974 (Atoka). You can also fill out this form for a free estimate.