Most homeowners know how important their home’s roofing system is, but few actually know what makes it work, specifically, the integral parts of the roof that play a role in safeguarding your family from the elements. There are three major keys to a successful roofing system.
1. Roof Decking
The deck of your roof is the base on which every component is laid. It’s essentially the “foundation” of the entire structure. Material for the decking varies. The most common is oriented strand board or plywood, but newer homes have decking made of other materials, such as concrete, polystyrene, and even metal.
2. Underlayment
The underlayment is another integral component of your entire roofing system. This one is installed directly on top of the decking and, as its name suggests, under your asphalt shingles. This is usually made of a durable paper, and it serves as a secondary leak barrier that prevents moisture from entering the inside of your roof if it manages to go through the shingles.
Problems with the underlayment are serious due to its position under the roof surface. It’s often included in the roof replacement process since a new roof requires a new underlayment as well.
3. Flashing
Flashing is a common sight on sloped roofs, located on the front edge, corners, and ridges. These thin metal strips protect the most vulnerable parts of the roof from water damage. These components are one of the first things to look at when you’re doing a roofing project as they tend to wear out much faster than the rest of the roof. Timely replacement of roof flashing can prevent more expense roofing issues.
As your trusted local roofing company, Greenawalt Roofing will make sure the most integral parts of your roof are in good condition throughout the year. Call us today at (717) 898-6000 to schedule your free roof replacement estimate! We serve homeowners in Lancaster, PA and the surrounding areas.