Your roof is one of the main components of your home when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones from the harsh elements. From harsh winter snows to heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms, your roof needs to be ready to efficiently shed water away from your home rapidly. With installation of a new roof will provide you with many years of protection.

 Signs you may need a new roof installation:

• Roof shingles visibly buckling
• Soft spots on roof decking
• Leaking water through roof shingles
• Ice damming backing up
• Insufficient roof ventilation
  

A properly installed roof requires more than just installing roof shingles on your roof decking. First off a clean, solid roof deck needs to be in place prior to any installation of roofing components. A poor roof deck will comprise the integrity and longevity of your new roof installation. Once existing roof shingles have been stripped down to existing roof decking, cleaned thoroughly and inspected for any potential damages, installation can begin. For new roofs the same procedure is performed minus the removal of existing shingles.

Components of new roof installation:

• Ice and water shield installed on eaves of roof deck(code 3ft in from exterior wall)
• Ice and water shield installed in valleys and under flashings
• ice and water shield installed on roof rake ends of roof deck(not required by code)
• New vent boots around existing vent lines
• Aluminum drip edge around perimeter of all edges of roof
• Vapor barrier paper installed on entire roof deck minus ares where ice and water shield has been installed
• Attic fan(not code but can be added)
• Installation of roof shingles(most commonly used is 30 year architectural shingle)
• Installation of ridge vent

Most common roof shingle on the market has become the popular 30 year architectural shingle which provides superior performance and enhanced esthetic appearance compared to the original  three tab roof. Three tab roof shingles are still available and used at a slightly lower cost than architectural but perform at about half when it comes to wind ratings. Architectural shingles create a much nicer curb appeal due to the 3D appearance and with that a much thicker and durable shingle. In some cases where existing shingles are installed, architectural shingles may be installed over existing roof in areas where codes allow. (Not code or recommended for roofs with two layers in place already) Three tab shingles may also be used in re-roofing but not advised as architectural shingles are heavier and lay flatter.

Longevity and efficiency for your home/roof relies on adequate ventilation and attic insulation for proper air flow and controlled heat/moisture throughout your attic. Inadequate attic ventilation allows stagnant air to buildup. Extreme summer heat can cause dry rot and potentially damage to air conditioning units due to overworking in high temperatures especially with lack of fresh air movement. Higher heat with no ventilation will shorten the lifespan of your roof. During winter heat loss becomes an issue due to inadequate insulation that may lead to ice damming. Ice damming occurs during the winter months with snow buildup that backs up under your shingles during the freeze and thaw process. Ice damming is very common in the northeast and can cause potential water damage.

5 Different types of roof ventilation installs:

• Ridge vents installed at top peaks of roof
• Soffit vents installed under soffits
• Gable vents installed on gable ends of roof peaks
• Attic fan(s) installed in roof powered by electric or solar and activated by a thermostat 
• House fan installed that brings fresh air from outside into living areas of home and into attic

On most any roof you will have a gutter system installed for removing water off of roof and away from the home. Some areas that receive excessive snowfall amounts may opt out to leave gutters off to prevent ice damming. The roof of your home removes tremendous amounts of liquid due to the square footage that collects and needs to be discarded efficiently. Without roof gutter systems water may collect around your foundation and possibly cause water infiltration into your basement. During end of winter with melting snows followed by heavy spring rains the ground water tables rise fast creating hydrostatic pressure buildup which could cause damage to your foundation. Adding extra unwanted roof water to ground water increases pressure dramatically causing your homes Footing Drains to work harder to remove water. When possible it is strongly recommended to extend downspouts away from your home to excrete water away. 

Most new roof replacements can be performed in one day considering size and condition of roof decking when shingles have been removed. Added protection and value to for your home may be to look into the installation of an Egress Window

Your home is most likely your largest investment in life. Protecting it from the harsh elements we experience is essential for maintaining and adding value to your home. Water damage is the cause for billions of dollars in damage every year and can be avoided with a professional roof installation. Here in Orange County, NY we experience severe weather at times from severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes to crippling snowstorms. Having a good roof protects you and your family during these events. Heavy winter snows followed by heavy spring rains doubles the amounts of water that has the high potential of water infiltration into your homes roof. Ice damming can also occur with higher temperatures melting snow followed by freezing at gutter line causing water backup. On another note, keep in mind water can buildup around your basement foundation walls from these weather events causing flooding and structural damage if your footing drains are failing.

5 Benefits of a new roof installation:

• You and your loved ones protected from the harsh elements
• Eliminating possible water infiltration that can water damage
• Perfect time to check gutters and downspouts for functionality or add gutter system 
• Eliminate hazardous health ailments from the growth of mold and mildew caused by water infilitation
• Add value to your home along with stunning appearance with new 30 year architectural shingles

There is more to your homes roof than just the appearance. What's underneath that you don't see is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Few different components are necessary when installing a new roof and when all used in conjunction with each other help create an efficiently controlled environment for your homes roof and attic.

The two factors to deal with in any home is a battle between moisture and heat. Keeping air flow is crucial to maintaining a controlled environment in your attic allowing it to breathe. Not only will proper ventilation give your longer life out of your new roof installation it can make your home more efficient cutting down of heating and cooling costs.

5 key components when installing a new roof:

• Aluminum drip edge around perimeter of roof to shed water away and prevent capillary action
• Installation of ridge vents to expel heat from attic
• Installation of ice and water shield minimum 3 ft up from roofs end(if roof has overhang 3 ft in from interior wall) in valleys and around chimneys and flashings
• Installation of felt paper or equivalent vapor barrier on rest of roof deck 
• Attic fan to remove heat from attic during the hot summer days
• Soffit vents are beneficial in moving more fresh air through your attic
• Gable vents are also beneficial in moving air in and out of your attics upper atmosphere 

Most newer homes may already have these components in place as compared to older homes. Not all homes may be a candidate for all these installations but all homes a ridge vent can be easily installed when installing a new roof. Keep in mind that flat roofs and cathedral ceilings drastically cut down on ventilation and air flow sometimes cutting roof life in half. Styrofoam baffles may be installed in between rafters and insulation from the inside increasing air flow but this would most likely be install during new construction or renovation.

Most new roof installations can be installed in one day depending on the size and condition. Roof is first stripped and inspected for any damages that may have occurred and replaced if necessary before underlayment and shingles are installed. Property is cleaned of any debris and removed to an approved landfill facility for proper disposal. A good roof installation will give you years of functionality and peace in mind against one of natures strongest forces, WATER!!!!