The Roofing System

A new roof is a totally complex, integrated system of components that protects your biggest investment, your home. A complete roofing system has many components that make up the roofing system. The roof deck, a premium roof deck protection, protective leak barrier, pre-cut starter shingles, quality roofing shingles, attic ventilation, ridge cap shingles, reliable low slope membrane, and accessory paint.

A roof deck is the structural part of the home itself. It is usually made of plywood and protects the home from the elements. One of the most vulnerable parts of any roof would be where any two surfaces come together or where any pipes or skylights come into the roof. This can also be in the valleys. All these places are where water can sneak in; GAF offers a roof leak barrier that actually molds itself to the roof. If you live in an area of high winds you should put the leak barriers at both the eaves and the rakes of the roof.

The roof deck protection is a component you cannot see. Roof deck leak protection is like insurance for your shingles. Regular roof tar paper can rip, wrinkle, and buckle under the shingles. Instead, GAF offers a great alternative to regular tar paper. Trapped moisture can cause decay and rot. Using GAF's special advanced synthetic product will protect the roof for many years to come.

Starter strips are the most unappreciated roofing product. You have to lay a row of starter strips before you start laying the shingles so to keep the first row of regular shingles from blowing off in a strong wind. For maximum protection you will also need to install starter strips at the rakes. This can really make a difference in the life of your roof.