Whether you are in the market for a new roof or investigating a possible roof repair, it is important to understand the different parts of a roof. For a homeowner, often the biggest decision they make in regards to a new roof is picking a shingle color they like. Of course there is much more to a roof than its shingles; a roof is composed of different materials that come together to protect your home from the elements. With long lasting products out there like GAF Lifetime HDZ Shingles, your roofer will need to ensure that all parts of the roof are structurally sound and properly installed to protect your home for years to come.
The Structure of the Roof
Trusses
Trusses provide the main, underlying support for the roof. Normally these are made out of wood in a home, but can also be made out of steel. Many times, trusses are prefabricated offsite at a factory and then shipped to the construction site. This prefabrication process dramatically cuts costs and home construction times.
A truss is a triangular, web-like structure which works by using tension and compression to support itself. Compression is defined as forces which push materials together, while tension stretches materials in the opposite direction. Within a roof truss, the top two members of the triangle known as the “legs” or “sides”, are in compression, while the bottom, the base of the triangle, is in tension. These forces together form a rigid bond against forces. Normally they are installed on homes at 2 feet on center. “On center” meaning the center of one truss is two feet apart from the center of the next adjacent truss.
Rafters
Rafters are sometimes used either in lieu of trusses or in conjunction with trusses. Unlike self-supporting trusses, rafters are supporting sloped beams installed with other supporting elements like collar ties, ceiling joists, or rafter ties to maintain stability and counteract outward forces. Rafters are a traditional roofing element and unlike trusses are constructed onsite in a process known as “stick building” which requires more time to install. Rafters provide greater flexibility in custom designs and renovations and are often seen in older homes. They are installed traditionally 16 to 24 inches on center. Rafters can be installed independently to trusses or installed in conjunction with a self-supporting truss structure.
Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is installed under the roof’s decking and in between the trusses. Attic insulation is essential in maintaining a comfortable and efficient home, keeping your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Preventing air from escaping the home can greatly reduce utility bills, keep the house comfortable all year round, and extend the life of your HVAC system. In addition to the temperature regulation, attic insulation also prevents moisture which can result in mold and mildew problems.
The main types of insulation are: roll insulation, blown-in insulation, spray foam insulation, and rigid foam insulation. Each has their different pros and cons. Roll insulation is quite common and a good option for being placed neatly between trusses. Blown in insulation is great for covering hard to reach areas, and spray foam insulation is excellent for making sure absolutely every crack is covered. Both blown-in insulation and spray foam insulation require professional sprayers. Rigid foam can be a good option too, but requires precise cutting to fill all the gaps.
Decking
On top of the insulation and trusses, and below the waterproofing materials like shingles, is the roof decking. The roof decking materials are typically sheets of plywood. But can also include, Orientated Strand Board (OSB) residentially, and commercial materials can often include metal or concrete decking for added support and durability.
When the waterproofing material of the roof fails, it can cause the decking to rot. It is important for the roofer to inspect the roof deck while the roof is being replaced. Any sections of decking which show rot, damage, or any significant wear must be replaced so the new roof is not compromised. As the decking is hidden below the shingles, determining the condition of the roof decking is not always possible during a pre-site inspection. For this reason, a Public Service Roofing installation includes four sheets of plywood replacement at no additional cost.
Underlayment
Underlayment adds an important layer of protection between the shingles or tiles and roof decking. The underlayment adds protection against the elements should a shingle fail, keeping your home safe from water infiltration. On a GAF Lifetime roof, Deck Armor Roof Deck Protection is used across the roof for underlayment protection with a benefit of also being breathable which helps to release any trapped inside moisture. While in the eaves, rakes, valleys, and around chimneys and skylights, GAF Stormguard Leak Barrier is installed as an ice and water shield under the shingles to prevent leaks in areas of regular water flow. Both GAF products are essential in maintaining the integrity of the roof.
The Outside of the Roof
Roof Coverings: Shingles, Tiles, Metal Panels
Roof coverings include shingles, tiles, and metal panels. Tiles are made from clay, concrete, or slate. Tiles can be the longest lasting roof covering, lasting sometimes up to 100 years and longer. They are extremely durable and fireproof, but installing or repairing them can be very expensive. Metal panels made from copper, zinc, aluminum, or steel are also a durable option. They can be corrugated or have standing seams. Metal panels can last sometimes as long as 70 years or more but are also quite expensive. It is common to see metal roof coverings in northern climates due to their show shedding capabilities, strength, durability, and ice dam prevention.
When selecting a roof covering, consider your budget for the project as well as your desired aesthetics. The climate should be a consideration when selecting a roof covering. Tile roofs may be preferred in hotter climates for their durability and ability to reflect heat while metal roofs may be preferred in colder, snowier climates. Another consideration is the roof pitch. The steepness of the roof pitch impacts water runoff and the type of roofing materials used.
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roof covering in the United States. They are durable, easy to install, and cost-effective while coming in a variety of colors. Asphalt shingles typically last 20-50 years depending on the brand of shingle and the installation process. Other types of shingles include wood, slate, and composite shingles. Shingles are installed in overlapping rows. Their layered assembly creates a watertight barrier which sheds rain and snow.
As a GAF Master Elite Contractor, Public Service Roofing exclusively installs GAF Timberline HDZ Lifetime Shingles and GAF WeatherBlocker™ Starter Shingles for their durability and curb appeal. Starter shingles are installed at the edge of the roof (the eaves) as a secure foundation for the first row of shingles. They help to prevent leaks and blow offs from wind driven rain and other forces while securing the first row of shingles to the eaves.
GAF Timberline HDZ Lifetime Shingles include extra technologies to protect your home long term:
- LayerLock® Technology – Uses adhesive strips which bond the shingles tightly together and enable a wider nailing zone known as the StrikeZone®.
- StainGuard Plus® – Helps prevent black streaks caused by algae growth.
- Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology – Supports superior toughness and granular adhesion.
Timberline HDZ Lifetime Shingles come in a wide variety of colors to complement different architectural styles and different personal preferences. Common colors include Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Weathered Wood, Barkwood, Slate, Shakewood, Oyster Gray, Hickory, Hunter Green, and Patriot Red.
Consult with Public Service Roofing today for accurate and updated information on available shingle colors.
Ventilation: Ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, and plumbing vents
A roof must be well vented to prevent moisture build up and ice dams. A combination of intake fascia vents and ridge vents create a continuous airflow, maintaining the long term durability of the roof.
The fascia is the visible vertical trim board that runs along the edge of the roof usually where the gutters are attached. The fascia provides a finished look while supporting the gutters. The soffit is located under the overhang and often contains a small vent to allow for air circulation through the attic.
On the peak of the roof, attic ventilation is positioned along the ridge of the roof. Cobra® Attic Ventilation from GAF manages attic temperature and moisture by promoting airflow through using intake vents and Cobra® Exhaust Vents. The vents release hot, moist air from the attic while the intake vents allow cooler air to enter. This airflow cycle prevents heat buildup and moisture accumulation.
The finishing touch to an asphalt shingle roof are ridge cap shingles installed above attic ventilation. Public Service Roofing installs the Cobra® Attic Ventilation System from GAF along with TimberTex® Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles
TimberTex® Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles cover the ventilation along the ridges and hips while defending against leaks. This effectively seals the vulnerable area and gives the roof a nice finished look.
Gable vents are found on the outside wall of the home and can sometimes be installed for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Gable vents can give a nice finished look to the home while allowing continuous ventilation directly into the attic.
In addition to soffit, ridge, and gable vents, often roofs will have vent pipes, vent stacks, and stack vents. A vent stack is a vertical pipe that extends out the roof and provides ventilation for the entire plumbing system. These vents is critical for removing sewer gases and ensuring proper drainage pressure. A stack vent is also known as a “soil vent.” A soil vent prevents gases from entering the home from the sewer system, allows gases to escape, and also prevents water in drain taps from being syphoned off.
Other types of roof vents are used to vent bathroom fans, kitchen ranges, dryers, furnaces, water heaters, and even whole-house fans. Metal or rubber flashing along with sealant is used to prevent leaks and maintain the durability of the roof surface.
Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a thin, usually metallic material which prevents leaking into the structure and creates watertight seals. Installed on vertical surfaces like chimneys, walls, skylights, and vents, and below the adjacent shingles. Flashing directs water away and into gutters protecting the roof and the home’s interior from water damage.
- Step Flashing (Sidewalls)- Flashing installed along roof edges where the roof meets walls and chimneys.
- Roof Drip Edge Flashing (Eaves and Rakes) – Is a type of flashing that diverts water away from the roof’s edge and fascia and guides that water down the roof.
- Valley Flashing – Is positioned under the roof shingles where two roof planes meet in a valley. Water flows down the valley and is directed down the flashing and into the gutter.
- Vent Pipe and Chimney Flashing – Is flashing that goes around vent pipes and chimneys and under their surrounding shingles to create a water tight seal.
- Counter Flashing – Is flashing installed vertically along the walls and chimney and cover the upper edge of the flashing.
Gutters
Gutters work by collecting and directing rainwater off the roof. Gutters protect the home from water damage, erosion, and basement flooding by guiding the rainwater away from the foundation of the house. Gutters are attached using brackets along the fascia and channel the water in a slight slope towards downspouts. Downspouts are secured to the home and direct the water several feet from the foundation. In order to install gutters, a contractor will need to not only measure the area but determine the best locations for downspouts. Aluminum gutters are the most common material used in residential gutters because they are affordable, durable, and rust resistant. Aluminum gutters are also lightweight, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors to match the home. With proper maintenance, aluminum gutters can last 20-30 years.
Skylights
Skylights can be installed into the roof to provide natural light and ventilation in the home. The natural light produced by the skylights can be considered a passive solar source. It can result in lower electricity bills for the homeowner by using less artificial lighting. Some even consider skylights to have health benefits with increased natural light in the home increasing mood and overall wellbeing. Skylights can be fixed or vented. Vented skylights can improve air circulation and air quality in the home and even reduce costs associated with heating and cooling.
When installing skylights into a roof, a cut will be made through the roof surface and into the ceiling below specific to the size of the skylight being installed. A frame for the skylight will be installed and flashing along with sealant will be used to prevent leaks and ensure water tightness.
Skylights should be installed where they can maximize sunlight and minimize heat loss. Skylights can increase curb appeal and when installed correctly should not compromise the roof surface, but rather compliment the home.
Roof Maintenance
Roof and gutter maintenance is crucial for a long lasting roof. Inspecting the roof should be done twice a year by a homeowner as long as it can be done safely. Homeowners can even use a hobby drone to take a look at the roof without having to climb the roof when they don’t need to. Homeowners will want to remove any debris which falls on the roof right away. Organic material that is left on the roof for too long can cause moss, fungus, and mold growth which can eventually lead to rot. Another thing homeowners can check for themselves is any cracking around chimneys, vents, and skylights, and any broken, damaged, or uplifted shingles. When in doubt, call the professionals. A professional roofing inspection is recommended every 1-3 years. Professional roofers are experienced on the roof and should be utilizing harnesses for their protection.
Gutters should be cleaned regularly. It is recommended gutters are cleared 2-3 times annually. A leaf guard can be installed over the gutter to minimize the collection of debris. A clogged gutter can wreak havoc on a home by flooding the basement, rotting the fascia and siding, and disturbing the foundation. A professional gutter cleaning service is often recommended for homeowner’s safety.
The Golden Pledge Warranty
Public Service Roofing customers will receive GAF’s Golden Pledge Warranty which offers extensive coverage and is one of the best roofing warranties available for homeowners. Included are up to 50 years of protection against material defects and up to 25 years of workmanship coverage. Key components like shingles, ridge caps, starter strips, leak barriers, and underlayment are all covered. A 40-point inspection by a GAF-certified inspector ensures quality after installation.
Ready to get started on your roofing project? Contact Public Service Roofing today for a roof quote for your home in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida!
