Your roof protects your home from the elements. It keeps out rains, snowstorms, ice, wind and baking heat.

When all the field shingles are installed up to the peak, installers will install ridge cap shingles that straddle the ridge and shed water down either slope. They will also install flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights.

Roof Deck

The roof deck is the backbone of any roof system and must be designed by a licensed design professional to ensure proper support for the roofing above. It is a key structural component that also helps insulate the structure.

Danny Lipford is using a composite material that cuts and works like wood but doesn’t require the hyper-vigilance needed to protect against wood rot. The material is a great choice for a rooftop deck since it can’t get wet, can handle the sun’s intense heat and won’t splinter.

The installers begin laying the new deck boards, taking care to stagger them so they won’t meet in the middle. They’re fastening them to the sheathing with long screws driven through the tongue and groove of each board. This prevents them from pulling away from the sheathing when the deck is walked on. The installers then trim any overhanging deck boards and start framing the lower platform and stairs.

Underlayment

The roof underlayment – or felt – is one of the most important components of your home’s roofing system. This layer of protection covers the plywood decking and acts as a secondary moisture barrier to prevent rain from seeping into the wood.

Traditionally, asphalt saturated felt has been used for underlayment, but modern synthetic materials are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a range of other benefits besides water resistance. These include flexibility, self-healing, and a good seal around fastener shanks.

When deciding which underlayment to use, consider the building code requirements for your area and follow usage instructions carefully from the manufacturer. For example, some synthetic underlayments are vapor barriers while others allow passage of water vapor. A permeability rating should be clearly marked on the underlayment to help determine which type of underlayment is needed. Also, be sure to install metal flashing at any valleys and eaves to provide additional protection against water penetration.

Drip Edge

The drip edge is a piece of metal that is installed on the eaves and roof rakes to block rain water from getting to other parts of your house and to protect the building components. It is a type of flashing and has an L-shaped flange that overhangs the fascia board and is bent away from the roof decking.

This essential component helps to prevent wood rot, mildew growth, and mold damage. It also blocks moisture from leaking into your home and can help to stop the formation of ice dams in winter.

Drip edges are available in several materials such as aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper. They can be installed on new construction or reroofs. It’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines for the Roof Installation of drip edges. Nails should be spaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and a high-quality sealant should be used around corners and joints. This will ensure a strong, long-lasting waterproof barrier.

Shingles

Roofing shingles are installed on wooden-framed roof structures in a layered and staggered pattern. They have a ceramic granular upper surface and a smooth asphalt layer on a fiberglass base. They are nailed to the roof deck with galvanized nails that have a minimum of a 12-gauge shank.

The first course of shingles — also known as the starter strip — should overhang the drip edge by about a half-inch. This will help prevent rain and snow from getting under the shingles.

If you are installing a new roof with vent pipes, install the shingle pieces over the vent pipe flashing and seal them with plastic roof cement. A similar procedure should be followed for a ridge vent opening.

For an attractive appearance, consider using architectural shingles on your home’s roof. These shingles are thicker than traditional asphalt shingles, which makes them more resilient to high winds. They are also more expensive, but they add a distinctive look that can increase your home’s value.