Your Roofing System

Your roof is probably the single most important piece of technology protecting you and your home from Calgary's weather extremes. It is important that all the elements of your roofing system must work together to keep water from infiltrating and damaging your home. Most damage is not due to individual shingle failure but to a deficiency in one or more of the other elements of your roof system.

Essential Roof Components for Longevity and Protection

To ensure your roof's durability, focus on these key components: Underlayment (Synthetic Underlay and Ice and Water Shield) prevents water damage; Drip Edges manage water runoff; Ventilation and Air Vents reduce moisture and maintain temperature; Flashing seals joints against leaks; and proper Shingle selection and installation are crucial for longevity. Grey Rock Group offers expert solutions for each aspect to enhance your roof's performance and lifespan.

At Grey Rock Group, we feel it is important for you to become familiar with key elements of your roof system. Knowing the elements and the rationale behind installing each of the elements can safeguard you from allowing a roofing contractor to install a system that may be cheaper initially but will end up being MORE expensive and cause MORE headaches in the long run.

  1. Underlayment – Underlayment plays a crucial role in extending the life of a roof by preventing water from seeping into the roof deck, ensuring that no ice or water remains on the roof. Proper installation of roof underlayment is essential to prevent water pooling, which can be particularly damaging during Calgary's prolonged winters. Grey Rock Group uses two types of underlayment to provide comprehensive protection against seasonal challenges.

  2. Synthetic Underlay - This coated woven synthetic material is used on sloped roofs and offers significantly greater durability than traditional asphalt felt or tar paper (black paper). It is vital to install it across the entire roof perimeter to avoid potential damage, a step some contractors might skip, compromising the roof's longevity.

  3. Ice and Water Shield - Given Calgary's constant freeze-thaw cycles, an ice/water membrane should be applied to the bare wood at the roof's drip edges. This prevents water from wicking up under the shingles and subsequently freezing and cracking them. Poor installation or the absence of this shield can drastically shorten the lifespan of a roof.

  4. Drip Edge - Drip edges are metal strips shaped to direct water cleanly off the roof edge. Without them, water can run down the exterior fascia and siding, causing stains and potential damage. Additionally, drip edges support the part of the shingle that extends beyond the decking. Proper installation of this component is essential for an effective roofing system.

  5. Ventilation - Ventilation issues are the second most significant factor in reducing a roof's lifespan, the first being poor installation by the roofing contractor. Proper ventilation reduces moisture in the attic and maintains a consistent temperature during winter months, thereby minimizing ice formation on the eaves of your home.

  6. Air Vents - Various types and styles of air vents are available. It is crucial to have an expert assess your roof system to choose the appropriate ventilation solution for your home.

  7. Flashing - Flashing is used to seal and protect joints on your roof deck from water penetration. These joints are particularly vulnerable due to the constant expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. Weather conditions can deteriorate flashing, and improper initial installation can significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof.

  8. Shingles - The selection and proper installation of shingle material are critical in determining your roof's lifespan. Grey Rock Group offers a wide variety of shingles and can guide you in choosing the best material for your home and budget, along with explaining the manufacturer’s warranties applicable to each product.