What goes into a new roof
Shingles are only the part you see. A roof keeps water out because every layer underneath is done right:
- The roof deck. The plywood or boards everything is fastened to. Soft or rotted sections are replaced before anything goes on top.
- Leak barrier and underlayment. A self-sealing membrane along the eaves and in the valleys, where ice dams and wind-driven rain do the most damage, with underlayment over the rest of the deck.
- Drip edge and flashing. Metal edging at the eaves and rakes, and flashing wherever the roof meets a wall, a chimney or a skylight.
- Ventilation. Intake at the soffits and exhaust at the ridge, so the attic doesn’t bake the shingles in summer or trap moisture in winter. More on our roofing vents page.
- Shingles and ridge caps. Installed to the manufacturer’s instructions, the way the manufacturer warranty expects.
