When purchasing a new roof, most homeowners may simply be thinking of the top layer of roofing material that is visible to the outside. While the color and quality of roof shingles is an important part of the roof purchase, when it comes to quality roof installations, it is also important to consider the entire roof system, which includes the materials underneath the roof shingles, as well as having proper attic ventilation and insulation.
1. Good roof systems require proper attic ventilation and insulation
To ensure you have a long-lasting roof, you need to have a properly ventilated and insulated attic. Balanced ventilation means having proper ridge vents on your roof to let warm air out of your attic, as well as installing ventilation underneath soffits to let replacement air enter your attic, resulting in efficient airflow through your roof system. You also want a properly insulated attic to stabilize the temperature of your home.
At the base of your roof structure is the wooden deck, another important component of a good roof system given it forms the foundation of your roof and plays a role in providing proper ventilation for your roof. An inspection must be done to ensure that your existing roof deck is not rotting or damaged. If there are any signs of damage, then a new roof deck, typically made of plywood, must be installed.
2. Ice and water underlayment is a must for the Chicago climate
The roof underlayment is the next layer installed on top of the wooden deck. There are two major types of underlayment that are applied in between the wooden deck and roof shingles: the ice and water shield protection underlayment, which is waterproof and used around the vulnerable sections of the roof deck (around roof edges along gutters, on valleys, underneath flashing, and around chimneys, skylights, and vents), and the felt underlayment (also referred as black tar paper) or synthetic underlayment which is water-resistant material that is applied to the remaining areas of the roof. Proper care and attention to detail must be used by the roofing contractor when installing the underlayment, and shingle manufacturers have very strict installation guidelines to meet warranty requirements.
3. Choose roof shingles that best meet your style and budget
Finally, at the topmost layer of your roof are the roof shingles. When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are Many Different Choices to choose from to suit the homeowner’s style and budget. In addition to color and architectural styles, homeowners also have the option to choose the lifespan of the shingle and what type of warranty is included. As part of the roof shingle layer is the kitchen and bathroom ventilation that needs to be installed to ensure proper ventilation for a long-lasting roof.
4. Choose a system-based roof contractor
At Roofing Aid, we believe that a good roof is more than a bunch of shingles nailed to the roof deck. We take a system-based approach to providing you a quality and long-lasting roof installation, and we deal with the entire roof system, including attic insulation, ventilation, and gutters to ensure your home performs at peak efficiency at all times. We are also dedicated to Providing Quality Craftsmanship to our customers.
If you have any questions about the different layers that make up a good roof system or would like to receive additional information, feel free to contact Roofing Aid we’d be happy to talk to you about your roof system and provide a Free No Obligation Roof Replacement Estimate.
Roofing Aid Inc | Insurance Claim Contractor serving Chicagoland Suburbs, Illinois, USA