Roof Replacement FAQ – Roof101

What are the different components of a roof?

A typical roof usually consists of eight different components:

1) Decking The base of the roof, it is usually made of wood.

2) Felt paper or underlayment This is installed on top of the entire decking

3) Shingles These go on top of the felt paper and provide the outer protection of the roof from the elements. They also enhance the roof's appearance. Cost and quality vary widely by manufacturer, so check around. Get a rough estimate of cost before you choose.

4) Shingle cap This goes along the peak of the roof and enhances its look.

5) Water Shield or leak barrier This is very important for keeping water out and is usually located at junctions or crevasses in the roof, as well as all along the edge to a distance of six feet. It's also used around anything that penetrates the roof, such as a vent.

6) Starter strips are installed along the edges of the roof to stop both wind and water from getting in.

7) Ventilation While these are essentially holes in the roof, they are very important as they maintain a healthy home environment by allowing noxious fumes and heat to easily escape. It also keeps the decking and other elements from decomposing

8) Warranty While not part of the physical roof, this element is critical to maintaining its integrity. The best are those that come with a no dollar limit. When all the components fit together properly the roof works best. Buying the different elements from a single company insures compatibility and usually increases the time of the warranty.

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Roof Replacement FAQ - Roof101