Your roof protects you from the elements, but how does it do
that exactly? Your roof is really made up of many pieces that work together,
and if even one part fails, the entire roof can quickly become damaged,
requiring costly repairs or even total replacement earlier than planned.
If you would like to better protect your roof, you need to
understand how the various parts of the roof work and affect each other, so
keep reading to find out more about your roof.
Shingles
The shingles of your roof are the first barrier of defense
against the wind, rain, sun, etc. Shingles can be made from a wide variety of
materials, but many homeowners still choose asphalt shingles because of their
low price, durability, and adaptability for different climates.
Shingles block water by overlapping with each other. Special
adhesives also ensure shingles stay down. Around chimneys, vents, and anything
else that protrudes from your roof, you'll also need flashing installed over
the shingles.
In time, though, every roof begins to fail, so look for
signs of torn shingles, missing shingles, etc. Once the shingles have been
compromised, the next layer of defense is the underlay.
Underlayment
The underlayment sits just under the shingles, and it works
as a moisture barrier to help stop leaks once the shingles are damaged or
missing. Asphalt-saturated felt was the old standard for underlayment, but when
synthetic materials became more available, most roofers switched to non-bitumen
synthetic underlayment. It's still saturated in asphalt but it also contains
fiberglass for stability.
Rubberized asphalt is another underlayment option. This
option is waterproof because it's made from rubber polymers. For this reason,
however, it is also the more expensive option. It may reduce the risk of water
reaching your decking though, which can save you money in restoration repairs.
Decking
The decking is usually made from sheets of wood that fully
cover the roof. Once the decking is secured, the underlayment and shingles can
be added on top of it, which is necessary to prevent wood rot and decay from moisture.
Freezing water, wind, etc. can dislodge shingles just enough
to allow drops of water to pass through to the lower layers of your roof. And,
over time, this can lead to leaks and water damage inside the home. A repair
may be enough, but if the decking is severely damaged and the roof is old, a
new roof may be the best idea.
Gutters
Most roofs are sloped, which allows water to naturally slide
off. If the water is unable to do this because of debris, moss, etc. it stays
on the roof longer, which gives it more time to leak through your roofing
materials. Of course, if water is just pouring off your roof, this can destroy
your house’s foundation, siding, and landscaping. And if the water also has no
place to drain, it can flood your home.
Gutter systems consist of gutters, which catch the water as
it pours off the roof. The water flows into the gutters to the downspouts,
which send the water into the ground further away from your home and foundation
to protect your house. And caring for your gutters is as easy as keeping them
clean so the water doesn't get trapped.
In some states, you may also be allowed to catch the water
from your downspout to reuse.
A roof isn't just a bunch of shingles. It has a lot of parts
that are all necessary to prevent leaks. If you would like to know even more
about how your roof works, or if you need a roof repair/replacement, contact us
at
Whittle's Roofing Co Inc today.
