Roofs are an integral part of the house as they keep you and your house protected from harsh weather changes. They also support maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the house. The most commonly used residential roofing system is an asphalt roofing system. What are the essential components of an asphalt roofing system? Here are 6 of them…
#1 The Topmost Layer Of The Asphalt Roofing System — Asphalt Shingles
Shingles are usually the topmost layer of any roofing system. Shingles are quite strong and help in keeping UV raysof the sun from entering the house. Asphalt shingles are very strong and sturdy. Sometimes referred to as composite shingles, these shingles are composed of fiberglass along with other high-quality materials. They are algae/moss resistant. Asphalt shingles are also impact-resistant, but only to some extent. If hailstones are huge, then asphalt shingles could break.
#2 Asphalt Roofing System — Starter Strips
You might not be familiar with starter strips as they are the innermost component of a roofing system, so you wouldn’t normally see them. There are many functions of starter strips that help in keeping the roof intact and secure. These strips help ensure that the shingles are installed efficiently. They assist in the water-shedding operation of the entire roofing system. Starter strips also help roofs withstand high winds, and they’re responsible for maintaining the alignment of the roof.
#3 The Roofing Underlayment
The underlayment of the roofing system is the base or the main foundation of the roof. With the help of underlayment, you can add extra protection directly between the topmost layer of the house and the attic area. The roofing underlayment is designed to be waterproof and also helps in preventing water from leaking into the house. It is the most important roofing component that adds stability to the roof.
#4 Barriers Of Ice And Water
These barriers are considered an important component of the asphalt roofing system. They play a significant role in ensuring that water and melted ice do not cause damage to the most water-sensitive parts of the roofing system. The ice and water barriers keep the chimney, the shingles, and the roof valleys protected from being damaged by water or ice.
#5 The Ventilation System Of The Roof
If you’re observing that your asphalt roofing system is working efficiently and keeping the house temperature under control, then it is solely due to the ventilation system of the roof. The ventilation of the roofing system is designed in a way that supports the continuous flow of air inside the attic region. Due to this, hot or warm air of the house escapes, and cool air can take its place. With proper ventilation, the walls and ceiling of the house cannot remain damp, so the growth of mold is prevented. To some extent, the ventilation system of the roof is also responsible for increasing the lifespan of the entire roofing system.
#6 The Ridges Of The Shingles
The ridges of the asphalt shingles refer to the point or interaction where the slopes of the roof meet each other. This component of the asphalt roof plays an important role in improving the aesthetics of the roof.
Summary
Now you know a little more about an asphalt roofing system and its components. If you have an asphalt roof and you’d like to get it inspected, maintained, repaired or replaced, call Arko Exteriors at 763-434-2756.