An asphalt shingle roof

is more than just the shingles you see on the surface. It's a complete system made up of multiple layers and components that work together to protect your home. Here are the main parts of an asphalt roof, starting from the base and working your way up:

1. The Foundation: Decking & Framing

Roof Decking (or Sheathing):

This is the structural foundation of the roof. Typically made from sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), it's the solid surface that everything else is installed on. It's attached to the rafters and trusses. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries a number of CDX pine in various thicknesses suitable for rood decking

Rafters and Trusses:

These are the internal structural beams that support the roof deck and give the roof its shape and slope. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries premium Southern Yellow Pine 2x6s, 2x8s, 2x10s, and 2x12s as well as LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) suitable for rafters. And trusses are ordered to architectural specifications.

2. The Protective Layers

Drip Edge:

A metal flashing installed along the edges of the roof (eaves and rakes). Its purpose is to direct water away from the fascia board and into the gutters, preventing water from seeping back underneath the roofing materials. You can find drip edge at Quality Hardware in a variety of colors.

Ice and Water Shield:

A self-adhering, waterproof membrane that is installed in the most vulnerable areas of the roof. This is typically found along the eaves, in valleys, and around chimneys and skylights. It provides a crucial defense against leaks caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries Grip Rite, Grace, Grace Select, and GAF Stormguard.

Underlayment:

A layer of water-resistant material (either felt or a synthetic product) that is rolled out over the entire roof deck. It provides a secondary barrier against water intrusion, protecting the wood decking in case the shingles are damaged or a nail hole is exposed. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries Grip Rite 15 lbs and 30 lbs black felt, and a synthetic underlayment.

3. The Shingle System

Starter Strips:

These are special shingles or adhesive strips installed along the eaves and rake edges before the main shingles. They provide a continuous sealant and protection from wind uplift at the most exposed parts of the roof. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries Henry EaveGuard Starter Strip.

Asphalt Shingles:

This is the primary, visible layer of the roof. The shingles are the first line of defense against rain, sun, wind, and hail. They are made from a fiberglass mat, asphalt, and granules.

Hip and Ridge Shingles:

These are specialized, pre-cut shingles that are installed on the ridges (the peak where two roof planes meet) and hips (the sloped intersection of two roof planes). They provide a finished, aesthetic look and extra protection in these high-stress areas. Quality Hardware carries Tamko and Owens Corning Duration regular, hip, and ridge shingles.

Tamko Shingles

- TAMKO is a major American manufacturer of roofing products, with a long history of producing both traditional and high-performance asphalt shingles. Their product line includes a variety of styles, from the classic three-tab Elite Glass-Seal® shingles to their extensive range of architectural shingles. The most popular of these is the Heritage® Series, which features a laminated, multi-layered design for a dimensional look that mimics the appearance of wood shakes. For areas prone to extreme weather, TAMKO offers specialized products like the Titan XT® and StormFighter FLEX® shingles, which are engineered with features like reinforced nailing zones and high-wind resistance ratings up to 160 MPH. These products are part of the broader TAMKO Complete® roof system, which includes a full line of compatible underlayments, starter shingles, and hip and ridge shingles designed to work together to provide comprehensive protection.

Owens Corning Duration Shingles -

Owens Corning Duration shingles are a popular line of architectural asphalt shingles known for their blend of aesthetic appeal and high-performance features. The key innovation is their patented SureNail® Technology, which consists of a wide, woven engineered fabric strip embedded into the shingle. This strip provides a triple-layer reinforcement in the nailing zone, creating a strong, "no-guess" area for installers and offering superior nail pull-through and wind resistance. This technology allows Duration shingles to carry a 130 MPH wind resistance warranty. In addition to their structural integrity, they are offered in a wide range of colors with TruDefinition® color platform, providing a dimensional, vibrant look that complements various home styles.

4. The Accessories & Ventilation

Flashing:

Thin, non-corrosive metal sheets (or other impermeable materials) that are used to divert water away from roof penetrations, such as chimneys, pipes, vents, and walls. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries flashing in a wide variety of lengths, widths, and colors from several manufacturers including Amerimax, and Vycor.

Attic Ventilation:

A balanced ventilation system is critical for a healthy roof. Proper ventilation helps to regulate attic temperature, reduce moisture buildup, and prolong the life of the entire roofing system. It includes:

• • Intake Vents: Typically located in the soffits (the underside of the roof overhang), they allow cool, fresh air to enter the attic. Maurice Franklin and Master Flow are two of the soffit vents carried by Quality Hardware & Lumber.
  • Exhaust Vents: Located at or near the ridge, they allow hot, humid air to escape the attic. Quality Hardware & Lumber carries Roof Saver ridge vents.
  • Insulation Baffles: These vents allow air to circulate between the rafters, cooling the attic in the summer and preventing ice build-up in the winter. You can find Raft-r-mate insulation baffles at Quality Hardware & Lumber.

An asphalt roof is a system designed not only to keep the rain and snow out, but to save energy in cooling and heating. It also can extend the lifetime and improve the value and comfort of your home. If all the elements of your asphalt roof are high-quality and installed correctly, you can rely on it to protect the rest of your home for many years.