Most people think that a new roof is simply the replacement of old shingles with brand new ones. Although sometimes replacing the shingles is all you might have to worry about, your roof works as an entire system and there are other components of your roof that are important in protecting your home. Affordable Roofing, Siding & Renovations in Edmonton explains the different components of your roofing system.
Roof Rafters and Decking
Your rafters and roof deck are like the foundation for your entire roof. The rafters are what you see in your attic and your roof deck is attached on top of them. It’s important that both of these components are kept dry and free from rotting so your shingles can be properly installed on top of your roof deck. Here is a breakdown of your roof’s foundation:
– Roof truss is the beam framework that supports your roof.
– Rafters are the actual beams that run from the top to the bottom of your roof.
– Roof deck are the panels attached to the rafters. The shingles are attached to the deck.
Roof Underlayment
A sub-roof or underlayment is attached to the top of your roof deck underneath the shingles. It helps prevent water backup beneath the shingles so that water doesn’t get into and damage the wood underneath. It’s made of a breathable, synthetic material and is designed to have water roll right off your roof. It also helps prevent damage from thawing and freezing and ice dams on your roof.
Ventilation
Your roof ventilation plays a critical role in both your roof system and your home’s insulation system. Proper air flow makes sure that moisture is removed from your attic space, preventing costly water damage, mould, mildew and damaging insulation. It also helps move hot air out in the summer so your home stays cool and you can save money on your energy costs. Without proper ventilation, a build up of moisture could cause parts of your roof’s foundation to rot.
Eavestroughs, Soffits & Fascia
Your eavestough system is made up of your gutters, facia, soffit and downpipes. Your gutters catch the water from melted snow and rain and channels it away from your roof to your downpipes. The downpipes will carry the water collected from the gutters down to ground level and away from your home’s foundation. The soffit is the flat surface area beneath the overhang of your roof’s eave. It has little ventilation holes in it that help circulate air flow in your attic and is an important component of your attic’s ventilation system. The fascia is the piece of trim that covers your rafters along the very edge of your roof.
Flashings
Flashings are the pieces of metal that are installed around your vent pipes, chimney, valleys and vertical wall joints on your roof. They are used to prevent water infiltration to these areas where two different types of materials might expand and contract between one another.
Shingles
The shingles are the most exterior part of your roofing system and are widely responsible for protecting the entire system and your home itself. Quality shingles and professional installation will ensure your shingles are protecting your home and performing at their best.
Roof Replacement & Repair
Affordable Roofing, Siding & Renovations in Edmonton offer a full range of roofing and siding services. Whether you need a complete roof replacement or parts of your roofing system repair, their highly skilled technicians will complete the job professionally, on time and on budget.
Contact Affordable Roofing, Siding & Renovations today!
