WHAT IS A ROOFING SYSTEM?

When it comes to replacing your roof, you’ll no doubt have heard the term “roofing system” tossed around. It can be confusing. After all, all you need is a roof, why is the roofer talking about something more complex?

Simply put, a roof is not actually a simple structure at all. While the shingles help to divert water, they would not be entirely watertight on their own without layers underneath that prevent water from seeping through.

In this post, we’ll go through exactly what a roofing system is, and we’ll show the components that make it up. There are actually 5 physical components essential to the proper functioning of every roofing system:

1. ICE AND WATER UNDERLAYMENT

   This is the first layer that goes down onto the roof. It is typically laid in continuous strips, and it’s ordinarily self-adhesive so that it can be installed easily.

   It’s typically reinforced with fiberglass, and it provides protection against rain driven by wind. It will also prevent water that might collect from melting ice that has pooled. This layer is designed to be strong, and it resists weathering well.

2. UNDERLAYMENT

   This underlayment is lighter in nature and performs a similar function to the first layer. Here, though, the focus is more on strengthening the structure and making it mold-resistant. This is a fabric that has been made durable with a tight weave.

   The underlayment has a rough surface for optimal traction, which is essential while the roof is being installed as roofers can walk across it. It can resist UV rays as well so it can be left exposed to the sun for an extended period without damaging it.

3. STARTER SHINGLES

   These are the shingles that are installed over the edge of the roof. They have features that allow them to be fastened down, which is essential to ensure that the wind is not able to lift them. These shingles are used around cutouts and other shingle edges for the same reason.

4. ROOF SHINGLES

   These are the typical roof shingles that you’ll find on most roofs. They’re designed to provide protection against the elements, and they’re hard-wearing. They’ll help to funnel rain off of the roof, and they usually have a coating of asphalt on them to make them more water-resistant.

5. HIP AND RIDGE SHINGLES

   It’s not just the starter shingles that are important. Hip and ridge shingles are used to join lines of shingles at their peak. They’re specially shaped to provide a strong join. Water runs off of them quite easily as well.

WARRANTY

While installing a complete roofing system will usually keep your home fully protected for many years, you can never be too careful when it comes to your home. Especially when you are talking about something as expensive as a roof. This is why having a warranty on your new roofing system is so important.

Without a warranty, you as the homeowner would be responsible for paying for any repairs due to improperly installed or defective roofing components. Its essential to make sure that your new roofing system will be covered not only by the roofing company’s warranty, but also by the manufacturer of the roofing system.

Here are a few important questions to ask your roofing company is about your roofing system to insure it will be covered by a manufacture’s warranty:

• Will you be installing a complete roofing system?
• Will all components of the roofing system you are installing be from the same manufacture and meet their specifications for compatibility?
• Can you provide proof of your roofing insurance and certification from the manufacturer to install their roofing systems?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no” then your roof will not be covered under any manufacture’s warranty. Your new roofing system may also be particularly susceptible to failures due to incompatibility between the components. For the sake of your home and your wallet, you’d be best served finding a different company to complete your roofing project.

WORK WITH THE BEST ROOFING COMPANY IN ATHENS, GA.

At Peach State Roofing & Renovation, we can proudly answer “yes!” to all the above questions. Our highly experienced licensed and insured crews only install complete roofing systems from Atlas Roofing.

Because we use one manufacturer for all components of each roofing system, and we are extremely careful to meet all the manufacture’s installation guidelines, our roofs are covered by lifetime warranties on both materials and workmanship. Reach out today to speak with our team about installing a complete roofing system on your home.