If you are preparing to have a new roof installed on your house, you may only think about only replacing the shingles that comprise most of what you can readily see. However, shingles are not the only part that makes up the entire roofing system. There are also other parts of your roof besides the shingles that may also need to be replaced, depending on their overall condition.
1. Decking That Provides the Base for the Shingles
The first part of your roof that is important to inspect before a new roof is installed is the decking. Roof decking is typically made from plywood that not only provides a solid foundation on which to nail the shingles but also gives the roof its shape and stability.
While the wood is usually treated so that it can withstand moisture, it will eventually start to rot and deteriorate. This deterioration process speeds up if the shingles are worn-out and allowing water to come into direct contact with the decking.
Even if you replace the shingles, if the decking is rotten, warped, and starting to deteriorate, the roof will not last as long as it should. If the decking is found to be bad, the roofer will most likely replace it before laying down the new shingles.
2. Flashing That Protects Joints Between the Roof and Other Structures
The next important part of the roofing system that you may not think about is the metal flashing that protects all joints between the roof and structures that are not directly part of the roof. If you have a chimney, bathroom vent pipe, and other structures sticking out of the roof, flashing is in place to keep water from seeping in through the areas around them.
Since the flashing is made from thin sheets of metal, the metal will eventually start to corrode and rust because of its constant exposure to moisture. As the metal corrodes, holes may start to form, and the sheets may start to bend around the edges.
If the flashing has corroded and is no longer protecting the joints and you put new shingles on the roof, the water will cause deterioration of the new structures as well as leaks inside of your house. Even if the flashing appears to be in good shape, it is usually a good idea to go ahead and replace it along with the other roofing structures.
3. Vents That Provide Temperature Regulation and Allow Air to Flow Under the Roof
Another part of your roof that may or may not have in place at the moment helps to keep air flowing underneath the roof. Vents are often placed in the fascia directly under the roof as well as in the attic if your house has one.
Without proper ventilation, moisture will build up and settle on the underside of the roof where it does not evaporate quickly. The vents help to ensure that there is enough air to aid the airflow.
Vents also help to regulate the air temperature underneath the roof. If heat becomes trapped in the space, especially in the winter, it will heat up the decking and shingles. If there is snow on the roof, it will melt rapidly during the day then freeze at night, which can cause ice dam formation.
If you do not currently have a vent system for your roof or the one in place is worn-out, it should be replaced during the installation.
When your roof is inspected before the new installation, the contractor will not only be looking at the shingles when deciding the extent of the job, but they will also check the other integral parts of the entire roofing system. For more information about the installation process of the entire roof, speak with the roofing replacement service.
