Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, shielding your home and loved ones from rain, wind, snow, and harsh weather conditions. However, missing or damaged roofing shingles can compromise the integrity of your roof. In this article, we will explore the risks of neglected roofing shingles and highlight the importance of addressing these issues quickly to protect your home.
Understanding the Role of Roofing Shingles
An asphalt roof is made up of three distinct layers: sheathing, underlayment, and shingles. Shingles are arguably the most important component of an asphalt roof as they provide the outermost and most durable layer of protection for your roof against water, wind, and sunshine.
Shingles are designed to efficiently pass water from one shingle to the next, preventing rain from seeping into the interior of your home. Shingles are designed to expand and contract together to prevent damage during drastic changes in temperature.
Under your shingles is a thin layer of roofing underlayment. Underlayment is generally made of synthetic felt paper that is designed to catch any water that seeps in beneath shingles and direct it off your roof. Synthetic underlayment is not meant to seal off your roof completely. Instead, it redirects any water that sneaks in beneath your primary line of defense, the shingles.
Sheathing is the structural component of the roof, made of plywood or particle board, to which the rest of the layers are secured.
