Roof Learning Center

Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in North America. They are designed to protect your home from rain, wind, snow, and sunlight while providing an attractive appearance and long-lasting performance. Available in a variety of styles and colors, asphalt shingles offer an excellent combination of durability, affordability, and curb appeal.

A chimney cricket, sometimes called a roof saddle, is a small peaked structure built on the uphill side of a chimney. Its purpose is to divert water, snow, and debris around the chimney instead of allowing it to collect behind it. Properly installed chimney crickets help reduce the risk of leaks and improve water drainage.

Chimney flashing is a system of metal flashings installed where the roof meets the chimney. Its purpose is to create a watertight seal that directs water away from the chimney and onto the roof, helping prevent leaks and protecting your home from moisture damage.

Counter flashing is metal flashing installed over step flashing to help keep water from getting behind the flashing and into your home. It is commonly found around chimneys, masonry walls, and other roof-to-wall transitions. When properly installed, counter flashing works together with step flashing to create a durable, watertight roofing system.

Drip edge is a prefinished metal flashing installed along the eaves and rakes of your roof to help direct water into the gutters while protecting the roof deck, fascia, and other exposed wood from moisture. Although it is one of the smallest components of a roofing system, drip edge plays an important role in protecting your home and extending the life of your roof.

Exhaust ventilation allows warm, humid air to escape from the attic through vents installed near the highest point of the roof. Working together with intake ventilation, it helps create continuous airflow that protects the roofing system, reduces moisture buildup, and improves attic performance throughout the year.

High-wind shingle installation is a roofing method that follows the roofing manufacturer's installation requirements to help the roof withstand strong winds. Proper nail placement, the correct number of fasteners, starter shingles, ridge cap shingles, flashing, underlayment, and ventilation all work together to create a complete roofing system designed for long-term performance.

Ice and water shield is a self-adhering waterproof roofing membrane installed beneath shingles in vulnerable areas of the roof. It provides an extra layer of protection against water infiltration caused by ice dams, wind-driven rain, and melting snow. Because of Michigan's climate, ice and water shield is required by the Michigan Residential Code and is an essential part of a properly installed roofing system.

Intake ventilation allows fresh outside air to enter your attic through vents located near the lower portion of the roof, typically at the soffits. It is one half of a balanced attic ventilation system and works together with exhaust ventilation to help regulate attic temperature and remove excess moisture.

Kickout flashing is a small piece of metal flashing installed where a roof edge meets a sidewall and gutter. Its purpose is to direct water away from the wall and into the gutter, helping prevent water from running behind the siding and causing hidden moisture damage.

Pipe boots and roof penetration flashings create a watertight seal around pipes, vents, and electrical service masts that pass through your roof. Although these components are small, they are some of the most important parts of a roofing system because they help prevent water from entering your home.

A ridge vent is a continuous exhaust vent installed along the peak of a roof. It allows warm, humid air to escape from the attic while working with intake ventilation at the soffits to create continuous airflow. When properly designed and installed, a ridge vent can provide efficient, balanced attic ventilation.

Replacing your roof is a major investment, but knowing what to expect can make the process much less stressful. While every project is different, most roof replacements follow the same general steps—from preparing your property and removing the old roof to installing the new roofing system and completing a final inspection.

A roof valley is the area where two roof slopes meet, creating a channel that carries rainwater and melting snow toward the gutters. Because roof valleys handle more water than almost any other part of the roof, proper installation is essential to preventing leaks and protecting your home.

Roof ventilation is a system that allows fresh air to enter the attic while allowing warm, moist air to escape. A properly balanced ventilation system helps regulate attic temperatures, reduce moisture buildup, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of your roofing system.

Not all roofing warranties provide the same level of protection. Some only cover manufacturing defects in the roofing materials, while others also provide coverage for labor, tear-off, and even workmanship. Understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision when investing in a new roof.

SBS modified shingles are premium asphalt shingles manufactured with a rubberized asphalt blend that improves flexibility, durability, and impact resistance. They are designed to perform well in changing weather conditions, making them an excellent option for homeowners looking for additional protection and long-term performance.

Starter shingles are the first row of shingles installed along the eaves and rakes of a roof before the field shingles are applied. They help create a secure seal at the roof edges, improve wind resistance, and reduce the risk of shingles lifting during severe weather. Although they are rarely visible after the roof is complete, they play an important role in the overall performance of the roofing system.

Step flashing is a series of individual metal flashing pieces installed where a roof meets a vertical wall, such as along sidewalls, dormers, and chimneys. Each piece overlaps the shingle below it, helping direct water safely down the roof and preventing leaks where two surfaces meet.

Synthetic roof underlayment is a durable, water-resistant barrier installed over the roof deck and beneath the shingles. It provides an additional layer of protection against moisture and weather while helping protect your home during and after the roof installation process. Today, synthetic underlayment is the preferred choice for many residential roofing systems because of its strength, durability, and long-term performance.