There are many components of a roof. We are constantly asked, “What do I need on my roof?” Here is the list of the components of a roof.
Drip Edge
Drip edge has a couple of functions. The first is to protect the edges of the roof from water damage. The second is to prevent wind from getting underneath the shingles at the edges of the roof. A lot of older homes in Tulsa were built without it — and you can tell. The wood along the edge starts rotting out and the shingles curl up at the corners.
Ice and Water Shield
Ice and water shield gets installed mostly in the valleys depending on the pitch of the roof. Its purpose is to prevent water from backing up underneath the shingles. We’ve pulled up old roofs where the ice and water were the only thing standing between the homeowner and a serious leak.
Synthetic Felt
Synthetic felt covers the entire roof deck that ice and water don’t cover. Think of it as the last line of defense — if a shingle ever lifts or cracks, felt is what’s keeping water off your decking until you can get it fixed.
Starter Shingles
Starter shingles get installed first, around the entire perimeter of the roof. The starter has a tar strip on one edge that seals the field shingles all along the edges of the roof. This is one of those components that gets skipped by cheap crews — and it shows up as blown-off shingles after the first big windstorm.
Field Shingles
Field shingles are what most people think of when they picture a roof. The quality of the shingle matters more than most homeowners realize until they’re replacing a roof that only lasted 10 years.
Step Flashing
Step flashing is installed where any roof line meets a wall, chimney, or dormer. In our experience, chimneys are one of the most common sources of roof leaks — and nine times out of ten it’s the flashing that failed, not the shingles.
Ridge Cap
Ridge cap shingles are installed at the peak of the roof with a pre-cut sealant strip to seal and finish the peak. A straight, clean ridge cap tells you a lot about how the rest of the job was done.
Every one of these components plays a role in how your roof performs and how long it lasts. If you’re replacing your roof and want to make sure nothing gets skipped, call Green Country Roofing at (918) 607-7409.