Your roof is more than just shingles or tiles. It’s a complex system made up of multiple components working together to protect your home from the elements. Understanding these components and recognizing when something is wrong can help you spot issues early, avoid costly repairs, and extend the life of your roof. Xpert Xterior will break down the main components of a roof and share the common signs that each may need repairs.
Shingles or Roofing Material
The outermost layer of the roof, shingles or tiles serve as the first line of defense against rain, snow, sun, and wind. Some of the common signs they need repair are:
• Missing or broken shingles
• Curling, buckling, or blistering shingles
• Excessive granule loss
• Visible dark patches or uneven appearance
If your shingles are damaged or missing, water can penetrate the roof and cause interior damage or rot.
Roof Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal sheeting used around roof features like chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys to direct water away from seams and joints. To know if your flashing is in need of repair check for:
• Rust or corrosion
• Cracked, bent, or lifted flashing
• Leaks around roof penetrations or in valleys
Faulty flashing is one of the most common sources of roof leaks.
Roofing Underlayment
Installed beneath the shingles, the underlayment is a water-resistant barrier that provides backup protection against moisture. Signs that your underlayment needs replacement or repairs can include:
• Persistent roof leaks despite intact shingles
• Soft or sagging roof spots
• Mold or water stains in the attic
Underlayment can deteriorate over time due to heat, moisture, or improper installation.
Roof Decking
The decking is the wooden surface, typically plywood or OSB, that supports the roofing materials. When the roof decking needs repairs or replacement look for:
• Sagging roofline
• Soft spots underfoot on the roof
• Water damage or rot detected during inspections
Compromised decking affects the structural integrity of the entire roof system.
Roof Vents & Ventilation System
Proper ventilation regulates airflow, removes excess heat and moisture, and extends the life of the roof and attic insulation. Poor roofing ventilation that needs to be corrected will have:
• Hot or humid attic
• Mold growth in the attic
• Ice dams in winter
• Unusual spikes in energy bills
Poor ventilation can cause roofing materials to deteriorate faster and contribute to moisture problems.
Soffit
The soffit is the exposed underside of the roof’s overhang. It allows air into the attic to aid ventilation. When the soffit needs to be repaired or replaced look for signs of:
• Cracks, peeling paint, or holes
• Pest infestations or nests
• Signs of water damage or rot
Damaged soffits can disrupt airflow and invite animals or insects into your attic.
Roof Fascia
Fascia is the vertical edge of the roof, typically where gutters are attached. It supports the lower edge of the roof and helps keep water out. Signs that you need to repair your fascia include:
• Rotted or soft wood
• Water stains or mildew
• Sagging or detached gutters
Failing fascia can lead to structural issues and compromise your gutter system.
Drip Edge
The drip edge is a metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof to guide water into the gutters and protect the roof decking. Signs your drip edge needs some attention can include:
• Water stains or rot at roof edges
• Missing or bent drip edge metal
• Water backing under shingles
Without a properly installed drip edge, water can infiltrate beneath the roof structure.
Roofing Installation, Repair, Replacement & More in Upper Darby, Haverford, Chester, Ridley, Radnor, Drexel Hill, Lower Merion, Cheltenham, Abington, Deptford, Gloucester and Philadelphia, PA as well as Camden and Cherry Hill, NJ & Surrounding Areas
Every component of your roof plays a role in keeping your home safe and dry. When even one part is damaged or failing, it can lead to a chain reaction of costly issues. That’s why regular inspections and early repairs are essential. Need expert help? Contact Xpert Xterior today!