A robust residential roofing system is vital for protecting homes in Western North Carolina from the region’s varying weather conditions and steep slopes. In this guide, we will delve into the essential components that make up a quality shingle roofing system tailored to the needs of homeowners in this picturesque mountainous region.
Residential Roofing Products:
Residential roofing products are specifically designed to provide reliable roofing solutions for homes, garages, and other residential structures. In Western North Carolina, where steep slopes are common, these products are essential. The primary components of a residential roofing system include roofing shingles, underlayments, and accessory products.
Roofing Shingles:
CertainTeed, a trusted name in the industry, offers a wide range of high-quality asphalt roofing shingles suitable for residential applications in Western North Carolina. Asphalt roofing shingles are the go-to choice for most residential roofing projects in the region. They can be categorized into three major types:
Strip Roofing Shingles:
These are the most basic residential roofing shingles and are often designed to mimic the appearance of slate. CertainTeed produces strip shingles under the product names CT™ 20, XT™ 25, and XT™ 30.
Dimensional Roofing Shingles:
Dimensional shingles are typically heavier than strip shingles and may consist of dual layers or even multi-layers, such as CertainTeed’s tri-laminate technology. The Landmark® Series Roofing Shingle by CertainTeed is an example of a dimensional roofing shingle.
Premium Roofing Shingles:
Premium shingles are laminated and offer enhanced aesthetics and design elements. CertainTeed manufactures premium shingles like Grand Manor®, Presidential Shake® TL, and Carriage House®.
Underlayments:
Underlayments serve as a water-resistant layer beneath roofing shingles and are crucial for protecting the roof deck. In Western North Carolina, where heavy rainfall is common, reliable underlayments are essential. CertainTeed offers utility grade felt underlayments like ShingleFelt® 30 and a high-performance synthetic underlayment called DiamondDeck®. Waterproof underlayments, such as WinterGuard®, prevent leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Accessory Products:
Completing a residential roofing system in Western North Carolina involves using accessory products that ensure both functionality and aesthetics. These include:
Hip and Ridge Shingles:
These are used to finish the hips and ridges of a residential roof, providing the same level of protection and durability as the shingles they are applied over. CertainTeed manufactures hip and ridge accessories under the product names ShadowRidge® and Mountain Ridge®.
Proper Attic Ventilation:
A well-balanced attic ventilation system is crucial to create cooler attics in the summer and drier attics in the winter. It involves a continuous flow of outside air through the attic, achieved through a combination of air intake (eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (roof ridge). CertainTeed offers various ventilation products, including Ridge Vent, Rolled Ridge Vent, Static Vents, and Intake Vent, to meet different ventilation needs.
Starter Shingles:
These shingles are designed to save time during installation and ensure a consistent appearance and performance when used with different styles of shingles. CertainTeed manufactures starter shingles under the product names Swiftstart® (for Landmark® series) and High Performance Starter (for Grand Manor®, Highland Slate®, and Hatteras® shingles).
In the challenging climate and steep-sloped terrain of Western North Carolina, a well-constructed shingle roofing system is essential for safeguarding homes. By understanding the key components, including roofing shingles, underlayments, and accessory products, homeowners can make informed choices to ensure the longevity and reliability of their residential roofing systems.