What Are the Layers of an Asphalt Shingle Roof?

When looking at your home's exterior, it may seem like the roof is a simple layering of asphalt. However, that's far from the truth. Your roof is a complex system that's made up of multiple layers of materials. These layers are important in helping the roof withstand the forces of nature and control the temperature and humidity levels inside. Here are the layers that will be installed when you call a roofing service for your asphalt shingle roof.

The insulation layer of your roof is a barrier installed by a roofing service between the rafters. According to Roofing Calculator, residential roofs have an average size of 1,700 square feet, and the insulation layer covers this whole area. It slows down the movement of heat between your living space and the outdoor world. This creates a warmer home in winter and a cooler home in summer. The insulation later improves your home's energy efficiency.

The roof deck is also known as sheathing and is a layer that's installed over the framing. The deck is the base on which all other components are laid. It's made using plywood or OSB sheets but can also be made using corrugated metal, polystyrene, and reinforced concrete.

This protective layer is installed onto the roof deck to stop leakage caused by ice dams. The most common material used to make the underlayment is felt. This is a durable cloth material that's saturated with asphalt.

This shield is a waterproof membrane that features a polymer-modified bitumen adhesive on the back. It has a sticky surface that enables it to adhere to the roof deck, creating a watertight seal around the holes created by nails. As you might imagine, it also stops ice and water from penetrating the roof.

This is the final layer of an asphalt roof. It's an important part that contributes to the aesthetics and practicality of the roof. Shingles are the first barrier against outside forces like wind, rain, snow, and hail.

These are some of the layers that will come with your asphalt roof installation. With the right team of professionals, you can trust that your roof will last for years to come. Get in touch with RL Roofing Inc. today when you're looking for a professional roofing service to install your asphalt roof.