In Harford County, Maryland, it is important to consider the different components of your roof. We experience the four seasons in Maryland, which causes expansion and contraction of your roof material.
Do you want to know how to care for an maintain a roof in Fallston? Keep reading to see what an expert roofer says!
This blog article will explore the different aspects of a typical roof that roofing contractors in Fallston mainly deal with, whether it is a three-tab system with conventional underlayment or a premier architectural shingle roofing system in Harford County, Maryland.
What Are The Parts of a Roof?
A roof is more than just shingles. A roof is an entire system composed of shingles, flashing, gutters, underlayment, decking, and supports. Weโll explain each part in greater detail.
Roofing Basics: Shingles
In Maryland, the most typical type of roof is a three-tab or architectural shingle. These are asphaltic shingles that have a life span of 30+ years now (depending on the shingle) and come with warranties.
3-tab shingles are named for the “cut” of the shingle. The strips have three cuts that appear flat when laid on the roof. These have been around for a long time and can be seen throughout Fallston, Maryland.
3-tab shingles are a common roofing material still used today but have a shorter lifespan than the more aesthetically pleasing architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles.
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are the most common throughout Harford County (new construction). These products are composed of two or more asphalt layers, fused for a thick, varied look.
In our opinion, they are the most visually appealing option available for homeowners in Fallston, Maryland, and throughout Harford County, Maryland.
Luxury shingle systems are available as well. These options vary, but a common alternative to asphalt shingles in the local area of Harford County and Baltimore County is synthetic slate systems.
Roofing Basics: Underlayment and Decking
When a roofer in Fallston installs a roof, they keep in mind the pitch and overall construction of your home. The underlayment and decking encompass the components below the shingles, a supportive, protective barrier between the elements and your home.
Underlayment options are varied but often asphalt and felt paper materials are used as another moisture barrier and protective sealant when installing shingled roofs. The valleys of roofs (where two portions of the roof meet in a low point) are usually sealed with an adhesive asphaltic underlayment, often called a weather guard.
The decking on a home is usually made of plywood. Each houseโs plywood can have different dimensions of thickness, depending on how it was initially built.
When installing a new shingle system, we inspect the decking for any damage, often caused by moisture and leaking of the previous system. The best course of action is to remove (by way of cutting out) any damaged plywood and replace it with new material.
Roofing Basics: Insulation and Support
Insulation and support are below the shingles, underlayment, and decking. The insulation and support are “inside” in the home and refer to the truss system or “bones” of the home (which can also be systems other than trusses).
The insulation provides a barrier against the cold and heat its insulation ability is rated using an R-value. Remember, in Maryland, the weather changes constantly, and an appropriate R-value of insulation is essential to maintain a healthy home and not stress out the other systems, such as the HVAC.
As a Fallston roofing contractor, we often inspect the attic area, if possible, to see any damage from underneath the shingle system. From the attic, the decking is readily visible, as well as the insulation and support system.
As long as itโs safe, we encourage homeowners to inspect their attics at least once a year. Look for leaks and issues before they grow into anything more serious.
Roofing Basics: The Gutter System
The gutter system’s role is to collect water and move it away from the home’s foundation. In Fallston, Maryland, we often see water issues in people’s basement due to improper gutter installation and clogged gutters.
A proper gutter system combines the roof’s protective layer with an escape route for the water. Once you’ve installed an adequate gutter system in Fallston, MD, you should consider annual maintenance such as cleaning and inspection.
Over time, water can do a lot of damage to a home, and the solutions are often based on remembering a simple principle: water flows downhill. Ensure the foundation of your home, where the soil or substrate meets the home, is sloped away from the home. This will help ensure water flows from the roof, into the gutter, through the downspout, across the properly graded yard, and to an eventual drainage system or body of water.
Contact a Local Contractor for Regular Inspections
Tar Heel Construction Can Inspect Your Roof. We take great pride in serving the local Harford County and Baltimore County Communities with their roofing needs. We have over 15 years of experience in the trade and would love to speak with you. Call us today.
