In this episode of Breaking Down The Roof, we’re going to cover the starter shingles, as well as start the discussion on ventilation. Attic ventilation is such an in-depth topic I will have to cover all those nuances in detail in another series, but you’ll get a taste of why it’s important.
Starting With The Starter
The starter course is the first shingle that is installed on your roof. In years past, the starter course would be cut from 3-tab shingles, or from the old shingles. Now, most manufacturers produce their own pre-cut starter strip. This starter shingle provides additional adhesive to prevent shingles from blowing off, and wind blown water from entering at the roof edge.
Having the pre-cut starter strip is a key component for most manufacturer warranties. This is especially true when it comes to the extended or bonus wind warranties. Also, keep in mind, when you get into the high end designer shingles, not all starter strips will work. Premium shingles require premium starter strips. Make sure your contractor knows the difference, and more importantly, uses the one that is designed for your roofing system!
Ventilating The Attic
Your attic needs to be properly ventilated for several reasons. Not only does ventilation help to remove excess heat from your attic, but it also helps to remove excess moisture in the attic. This moisture may be causing your insulation to not be as effective as it’s meant to be. Excess moisture can also allow mold to grow, and, in extreme cases, rot your decking from the underside.
There are many different ventilation systems, but there are a few universal truths that you need to keep in mind. The purpose of attic ventilation is to take fresh air that is drawn in through the soffit ventilation system, and exhaust it out. It does this in order to remove the heat and moisture.
One of the common issues I run across is when a ventilation system is short circuited. This happens because, in an attempt to exhaust as much as possible, there are multiple forms of ventilation installed on a roof. This may completely negate one of the systems, and overwork the other. There is actually a specific formula for determining if a ventilation system is balanced (the “1/300” rule), but even the strictest code enforcers know that most homes and buildings will not be able to exactly match this formula.
A Word About Ridge Vents
Oftentimes, the first question my clients ask me is “Are you going back with ridge vents?” Ridge vents are the most popular choice on the market today. They can be very effective, and usually blend in nicely with the roof. While many times they are the best solution, depending on the layout of the home, another ventilation system may be more effective.
Ventilation is such an extensive topic, it will eventually get its very own series where I will discuss the pros and cons of each of the types of vents on the market, and what sections of the roof they belong on.
Ready for the biggie? We’ll dive into the shingle installation in the next post!
Travis Diekmann
The Texan Roofer