Roofing questions, answered

On a typical asphalt shingle roof, from the deck up: the decking over the rafters, metal drip edge along the edges, ice and water shield along the eaves, underlayment over the rest of the deck, then the shingles from a starter strip at the eave up to the ridge, finished with a ridge vent and cap shingles.

Ice and water shield is a self-sealing membrane laid along the eaves, where melting snow and ice dams hit a roof first. If meltwater backs up under the shingles there, the membrane seals around the nails and helps keep the water out of the house. It matters on roofs that see long winters, like those around Prince Albert.

Heat escaping into the attic warms the roof deck and melts the snow on the upper roof. The water runs down to the colder eaves and freezes again, building a ridge of ice that can back meltwater up under the shingles. Attic ventilation, from vented soffit to the ridge, helps keep the deck cold.

A ridge vent runs along the peak of the roof and lets warm, moist air out of the attic. Outside air comes in through vented soffit at the eaves, rises through the attic and leaves at the ridge. Cap shingles go over the vent, so from the ground it looks like the rest of the ridge.

Decking is the solid layer of boards or panels over the rafters that everything else is fastened to. When it goes soft or gets damaged, usually from water getting in over time, it should be replaced before new shingles go on. Regnier Roofing replaces roof decking on re-roofs and new builds.

From the ground, look for missing, lifted or curled shingles, shingle granules collecting at the bottom of the downspouts, eavestrough pulling away from the fascia, and water stains on ceilings or in the attic. If you spot any of them, a roof inspection from Regnier Roofing tells you whether it needs a repair.

Most homes need it at least once a year, and homes with trees close by often need it in spring and again after the leaves come down in fall. Regnier Roofing clears out the leaves, debris and buildup that stop water from draining, to help prevent water damage and foundation problems.