5 Components of a Shingle Roof System in Florida

There are many people that take their roofs for granted but a roofing system is made up of many components that all work together to protect your home. When one of these components starts to break down there is a chance that you could start to experience deterioration on the rest of your roof. Regular roofing inspections will make sure that you can maintain each of these five components. Here are some of the top components of your roof system that are essential to its ongoing function.

The Decking

Roof decking systems are the base layer of your roof. Roof decking systems are produced using a copper sheathing material that is nailed along the rafters of your roof. The decking needs to be produced in an appropriate thickness because it serves as the structural barrier for your home. It’s the last line of defense against hail, falling limbs, and more. If your roof goes untreated for an extended period of time the decking can be one of the items that get damaged and this will lead to some of the most expensive roofing costs you might face.

Roofing Underlayment

The roofing underlayment is the next system in your roof and it gets installed on top of the decking. Roofing underlayment is a barrier that is designed to keep the decking dry and it’s one of the most important tools for avoiding leaks and wood rot. Underlayment is typically produced using wax paper or tar paper and it can be built up to offer extra water protection for your roof decking. 

Flashing

Flashing is the metal strips that reinforce your roofing systems and serve as the transition points for the key features in your shingles and roofing materials. You likely have flashing metal which is installed on the roof edges, roof to wall transitions, dormers, skylights, and around chimneys. The valleys of your roof are some of the most important areas to contain flashing as this will help with water runoff. 

Shingles

Your shingles are the next layer of a roofing system and serve as the main component. When many people think of the roof they often think of the shingles that are on top of their roofing systems. Shingles were installed to protect the entire roofing system from the rain, wind, and sun. Shingles are installed in a particular pattern to ensure that every part of the roof can protect the underlying components. Most roofs will have a row of starter shingles along the edge of the roof, larger shingles that extend beyond the roof field, and then hip or ridge cap shingles that go along the top of the ridge or hips of the roof. 

Ventilation

The last component in any roofing system is the ventilation system. Any roof should have a row of vents that sit along the ridge of the roof and these can allow for moisture and heat to escape through the attic. Proper ventilation is the last and most vital component and if it’s properly installed these vents will continue to make sure that heat will be able to escape from the attic area. Proper ventilation ensures that you can keep consistent temperatures inside your home and significant protection for your roofing components as they will be regulated for temperature and wear. 

If you’d like to learn more about roofing components or schedule an inspection for your roof, contact us today.