No matter what type of roof a homeowner chooses for their home, what gets seen from the outside is only the proverbial icing on the cake!

In fact, the different systems installed by professional roofers are comprised of numerous components, each of which plays a vital role as part of a whole system.

Below are the essential materials and components that all roofing companies should use, no matter what type or style of roof they are installing!

1. Decking

Usually made from plywood or oriented strand board or OSB, roof decking is the first layer of a full roofing system and most important for the structural integrity of the roof.

Decking is installed onto the rafters to cover the entire roof, providing a sturdy flat surface onto which all other materials are installed.

2. Underlayment

Available in two types, felt and synthetic, underlayment provides essential watertight protection for the decking to prevent moisture damage.

Roofers should always apply one or two layers of a high-quality underlayment over the decking to seal it against wetness that might accidentally seep under the external materials.

Certain underlayment products can also provide sound-deadening properties for metal systems and act as a layer of thermal protection.

3. Ice and Water Barriers

Though a quality underlayment installed by the roofing company protects the whole roof against moisture leakage, some areas require additional protection in the form of an ice and water barrier.

These moisture shields are applied under the underlayment right against the decking in highly vulnerable spots where leaks are common such as roof valleys as well as around chimneys, skylights, and other areas where there may be penetration through the exterior materials.

4. Drip Edges

Drip edging is a type of metal roof flashing that gets installed along the underside of the edge of the roof to prevent rainwater from soaking into the edges of the roof.

It is also a component that some a few contractors may omit to save money, leaving the potential for water damage to the roof more likely, especially in climates that experience high amounts of rain.

5. Roofing Vents

Proper ventilation is essential for the protection of every roof, so the right vents to ensure proper protection must always be considered to be a part of the roofing installation.

Experienced roofers should always test for adequate attic ventilation and then install or replace the necessary vents to provide it.

These should include the standard ridge, box, gable, as well as soffit vents and when necessary, additional vents like turbines, power vents, and others may be needed.

6. External Roofing Materials

After all the vents, underlayment, moisture barriers, and drip edges have been installed, only then should a roofing company begin putting on the external roofing materials.

Whether putting on shingles, tiles, metal panels, or anything else, what gets seen from the outside and provides the main protection against the weather is the second-to-last component to be put on.

7. Flashing and Pipe Boots

Finally, the last component of any complete roofing system is the flashing that protects exposed seams and edges around the roof.

When installed over the exterior materials, metal flashing, pipe collars, and rubber pipe boots cover up unprotected edges in valleys and around vents, chimneys, pipes, and other protrusions.

To protect the most vulnerable spots on the roof, flashing is essential and should not be omitted.

Avoid Skimping on Essential Materials That Every Roof Needs

Every roof is comprised of 7 essential components no matter what type of roofing system it is.

When roofers skip any of these important materials, the whole roof installation can suffer.

Avoid this possibility by hiring a respected local roofing company and then discuss the different materials required for a complete new roofing installation!