In this blog we are going to go over the materials that are usually included in a roof replaced. When you are in need of a roof replacement it is more than just the shingles. It is a combination of different roofing materials and components that create your roof system.
Each roof component has a job to protecting your home from nature’s elements. Essentially, when you get a roof replacement all roofing accessories are replaced.
Table of Contents
1. Roof Decking
Roof decking is usually made up of OSB Sheathing 4×8 Sheets. Decking is the wooden boards that the roof system will be nailed on so it is important that they are in good condition.
When you have a roof that has been leaking for awhile it can eventually damage your plywood. If you are getting a roof replacement, you might have to replaced some of your roof’s decking. On average, we usually only use 1 sheet per roof replacement.
Your roofing contractor won’t know exactly how many sheets will need to be replaced until they tear off all your roofing materials. This is why a roofing company will include in their estimate how many sheets they are going to provide and the cost for each additional sheet after tear-off.
2. Underlayment
There are 3 kinds of Underlayment:
- Felt 15lb
- Felt 30lb
- Synthetic Underlayment
Underlayment is nailed directly on top of the roof decking providing additional protection. If water were to ever leak through your shingles then the underlayment is the last line of defense for your decking.
This is why we never use Felt paper because it tears easy. Standard roof replacements are moving towards synthetic underlayment as the new baseline.
3. Drip Edge
Drip Edge is the metal flashing with an outward projecting lower edge. It designed to control the flow of water away from your fascia and help protect the underlying roofing components.
It is code to have Drip Edge installed on the perimeter of your roof (Eaves & Rakes). Here is the following code on Drip Edge according to the International Residential Code 2015 (IRC 2015):
R905.2.8.5 Drip Edge
A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs. Adjacent segments of drip edge shall be overlapped not less than 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edges shall extend not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) below the roof sheathing and extend up back onto the roof deck not less than 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edges shall be mechanically fastened to the roof deck at not more than 12 inches (305 mm) o.c. with fasteners as specified in Section R905.2.5. Underlayment shall be installed over the drip edge along eaves and under the drip edge along rake edges.
4. Ice and Water Shield
Where two roof faces meet that creates a valley. In the roof valleys it is crucial to keep the water flowing in the right direction down your roof.
Due to water flowing constantly these areas need more protection every time it rains. That is where the ice and water shield waterproof membrane designed for.
New Ice & Water shield will need to be installed in your roof valleys and around penetrations when you get a new roof replacement.
5. Asphalt Shingles
Shingles are the top layer of your roof system and exposed to all the elements. They are nailed on top of underlayment.
This is also the fun part of getting a new roof replacement because you can choose to change the color or even get upgraded shingles that have a brighter color contrast. They play an important part as being the first line of defense against mother nature.
6. Ridge Cap Shingles
The Ridge Cap shingles or Hip & Ridge Shingles is the trim installed where the two slopes of a roof meet.
The Hip & Ridge Shingles are replaced during a roof replacement. The traditional Cut 3-Tab Shingles are the industry’s standard and then there are available upgrades to actual Hip & Ridge designed shingles such as ProEdge or RizerRidge by Owens Corning.
7. Roof Vents
If you don’t have proper attic ventilation, your roof’s life will drastically be shorted due to the trapped hot and cold air. Your roof needs air flowing in and air flowing out.
In a standard roof replacement estimate, your roofing contractor will replace the ventilation you currently have whether it be through roof vents or ridge vent. You can always ask for recommendations if you want to upgrade the vents you have and what options are available to you.
8. Pipe Boots
The roof plumbing boots need to covered and sealed so no water enters your home. Pipe boots wrap tightly around the plumbing pipes sticking out of your roof.
If there is any hole or crack, once there is any rain waiter goes directly into your attic and can damage interior walls and even electrical units.
Cracked pipe boots are one the most common reasons why your roof will leak.
