Since there are no dumb questions and most of our customers have never had a roof installed we wanted to give you a page to explain the different parts of the roof system. This will not give you detailed answers but what this page doesn't answer one of our customer service representatives will. Feel free to call us at any time.

1. Decking - There are many different kinds of decking some older homes may have what is known as a 1x6 or planked deck, these are simply 7/8" x 5 1/2" pieces of decking most newer homes have CDX or OSB otherwise known as pressboard plywood. The most common thickness is 7/16" or 1/2" although some thicknesses are as little as 3/8" and some as thick as 1". Decking is what your roof system is attached to.
2. Underlayments and Moisture Guards
   • Underlayments serve as a vapor barrier and moisture barrier.
   • Moisture Guard or ice and water guard is a self sealing underlayment used in valleys, penetrations, and at the base or flanges of vents and pipe flashings.
3. Pipe Flashings - one of the most overlooked parts of the roof system. All soil pipes (usually PVC, cast iron, or steel) must be flashed. At Tim Leeper Roofing we only use lead flashings because the life of a standard neoprene boot is only 4-8 years. So if you put on a 30-year shingle and 5 years into your roof system the gasket of your neoprene flashing dry rots and water penetrates it you will be left with a bill to pay. The lead flashings will not give you any problems as they are soldered and will last the life of your roof system.
4. Shingles - covering for your roof system and available in a wide variety of styles and colors
5. Flashing - used at walls, chimneys and other penetration in your roof systems. Important for keeping water out of your home. Flashing comes in a variety of colors and metals: copper, galvanized aluminum.
6. Ventilation - A properly balanced ventilation system consists of intake and outake vents. Ventilation is the life of your roof and is a commonly overlooked aspect of a balanced roof system.