It’s important to give some thought to all the pieces of your roofing in Lorton, VA. Changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year cause your roofing material to expand and shrink. So, to help you keep your roof performing at its peak, we are going to discuss the different parts that make up the entire roofing system.
Types of Shingles
Three-tab or architectural shingles are the most common style of roof in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 30 years or more (depending on the choice you select) and are backed by a variety of guarantees.
The “cut” of the shingle is what gives these three tabs their name. When set out on a roof, the three-cut strips provide a flat look. These have been around for quite some time and may be seen all across Lorton, Virginia. It’s still in use today, although its lifespan is less than that of more attractive roofing materials like architectural shingles (sometimes called dimensional shingles).
When it comes to roof replacement, architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are by far the most popular choice (new construction as well). These items feature a thick, diverse appearance due to the fusion of many asphalt layers. We think they’re the most aesthetically pleasing alternative for anyone living in Lorton, Virginia.
There are also high-end systems of roof shingles you may install. Synthetic slate roofing systems are a typical choice for high-end dwellings.
Underlayment and Roof Decking
We take into account the slope of your roof and the structure of your property as a whole when we install it. Substantially more protective than the shingles themselves, the underlayment and decking are located beneath the roof.
Although there are several possibilities for underlayment in shingle roof construction, asphalt and felt paper are frequently utilized as additional moisture barriers and protective sealants. Adhesive asphaltic underlayment sometimes referred to as weather guard, is commonly used to seal the valleys of roofs (where two sections of the roof meet in a low place).
Typically, 4×8 sheets of plywood are used for decking. The original construction method of a house can account for variations in wall thickness. After removing the old shingles, we check the decking for rot and decay that may have been caused by water intrusion. A better solution would be to take out the damaged plywood and replace it with fresh plywood.
Framing and Insulation
This is the area located below the decking, underlayment, and shingles. The truss system or “bones” of the home (which can be systems other than trusses) and the insulation to produce an R-value barrier against the cold and heat are technically “in” the house. Never forget that the weather in Virginia is always changing. Maintaining a healthy house and reducing the load on other systems, like the HVAC, requires an adequate R-value of insulation.
If possible, we always look in the attic for signs of water damage to the roof decking below the shingles. The decking, insulation, and skeleton are all in plain sight. In order to catch leaks and other problems before they become major, we recommend that homeowners examine their attics at least once a year, if it is safe to do so.
Drainage Channels
Water is collected by the gutter system and directed away from the house’s base. Gutter problems, including leaks and flooding, are common problems in Lorton, VA, basements. Just keep in mind that the gutter’s main function is to divert water away from the house so that it doesn’t pool around the foundation. Gutters serve as both a protective barrier for the roof and a drainage mechanism for any water that may accumulate there.
Call Us To Inspect Your Roofing System in Lorton, VA
We are happy to help the people of Lorton with any roofing problems they may have. We’d love to talk to you about your needs; we have more than 35 years of expertise in the industry. We are your local Certified roofing contractor for asphalt shingles, and we only install tried-and-true products from reputable manufacturers like GAF. Just give us a ring at (703) 820-6065, and we’ll send someone out to check out your roof at no cost to you.