The Hallmarks of a Properly Installed Asphalt Shingle Roof

When it comes to roofing restoration and installation, asphalt shingles are often the material of choice due to their affordability and durability. To ensure that your new asphalt shingle roof lasts as long as possible, it is important to make sure that it is properly installed by a professional contractor. 

In this article, we discuss the hallmarks of a correctly installed asphalt shingle roof. 

Preparing the Roof Deck

Before any work can be done, it is necessary for the roofing contractor to inspect and prepare the existing deck for installation. Typically, they remove old materials and ensure that there aren’t any water leaks or rot present from previous damage or neglect. 

Applying a Waterproof Underlayment

After preparing the deck for installation, waterproof underlayment must be applied in order to protect against moisture infiltration into vulnerable areas, such as valleys or eaves. This underlayment should always come with manufacturer-recommended adhesive strips along its edges to help seal against wind-driven rain while providing extra reinforcement against snow accumulation or other potential hazards, like hail storms, throughout winter.  

Installing Flashing

Next comes flashing around penetrations such as skylights and chimneys. This provides additional protection from weather elements like wind-driven rain and melting snow coming off onto adjacent walls below them, which can cause potential water damage underneath if not secured correctly with flashing. 

Installing Shingles

Once all flashing has been properly placed on top of prepared wood decks, rows (or courses) of overlapping architectural-grade laminated fiberglass are laid down. Core base sheet materials are securely fastened together using approved non-corrosive nails, which have been pre-drilled into place, leaving adequate space between each course. This allows proper ventilation required by local building codes based on climate zones. 

Applying Ridge and Hip Caps

After completing all underlying layers, get ready to lay down the final cap layer components, which include ridge caps and hip caps. Both are made out of the same type of composite material used earlier. These pieces serve a purpose and add strength and stability, anchoring down everything else underneath.  

Securing the Shingles

Once all ridge and hip caps have been applied, it is important to secure the shingles with nails or staples that are long enough to penetrate through both layers of underlying sheet materials beneath them. 

Sealing the Perimeters

Finally, it is necessary for a contractor to ensure that all exposed edges around eaves, rakes and other areas where water can infiltrate are sealed properly with asphalt-based sealants. This will provide additional protection from weather elements like wind-driven rain and melting snow.  

When you’re looking for roof repair or replacement services, be sure to choose Quality One Roofing Inc. We have the experience and expertise necessary to ensure that your roof is repaired or installed correctly and will last for years to come. Call us today at (888) 301-7663 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation and estimate.