What is a Roofing System?

The 5 Components that make a Quality Roofing System

Most homeowners just think of shingles when they think of their roof. A roofing system is designed to work in harmony with the roofing material and add years and beauty to the life of the roof by protecting the areas shingles are not designed to protect. The QE Integra Roofing System Components installed by an Authorized Integra Roofing Dealer combined with the QE Storm Plus Warranty provide the best roofing system available on the market today!

 

 Protect Against Damaging Weather and other Pesky Nuisances with:

  1. Perimeter Edge Flashing (Drip Edge)
  2. Shingle Starter
  3. W Valley
  4. Step Flashing
  5. Gutter Protection

PERIMETER EDGE FLASHING

Perimeter edge flashing, also known as drip edge, is vital to the home. Gaps in the roofline without perimeter edge flashing can allow driving rain and snow to get in… as well as insects and small animals, like birds, bats, squirrels and other unwelcome guests.


Rain and moisture cause damage to wood structures and promotes mold growth, a growing problem in America's homes. One of the biggest health concerns among homeowners today is mold. Mold spreads easily when conditions are right – when a leaky roof or faulty plumbing are ignored, for example. Mold also grows readily when the relative humidity of a house exceeds 70%-why proper ventilation is also critical to a healthy home.

Getting rid of mold is difficult and expensive. Preventing it is not. Keeping rain and moisture out of your attic with perimeter edge flashing is an easy and inexpensive way to help prevent mold from developing.

How? By flashing (protecting) the point of separation where the roof deck, fascia and truss meet with perimeter edge flashing. Metal drip edge is considered the best system for keeping water away from roof edges. The National Roofing Contractors Association, Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, and most shingle manufacturers require the use of metal drip edge. In some communities, it is a code requirement.


SHINGLE STARTER

Continuous shingle starter seals down the first course of shingles and eliminates gaps and exposed areas between the first course of shingles adding unseen protection to the roof.

 

 

W VALLEY

Deterioration: Debris collect in roof valleys creating rooftop compost piles that prematurely deteriorate the shingle valley, creating an entry point for rain, insects and debris.


Back-ups: The most intense rain carrying point of your roof is the valley. Debris build up and deteriorating shingles slow the water flow and create back-ups. Potentially causing water to enter the interior of the home.

Leaks: Because a shingle "suspends" the valley, it is prone to cracks, punctures and premature wear, allowing water to get under your roof casing expensive damage. Standard 90# shingles carry no specific warranty for valley use.

All these issues lead to a considerable premature deterioration of a roofs valleys. Why pay for a 30 year roof and 10 year valleys? The solution is QE metal W valley. Debris doesn't build up. Water flows faster. The life of the roof is extended and it is available in colors to match or accent the roofing color.

 

STEP FLASHING

Step flashing creates a barrier and prevents water from flowing back into the wall and down to the interior of the home.

 

Step flashing prevents moisture entry, stopping mold production and is a barrier to insects and small animals

 

Step flashing is available in pre-bent and flat, in a large variety of sizes.

 

GUTTER PROTECTION 

Gutter protection not only protects the gutters, but the homes foundation and the homeowner! Build up of debris causes water to overflow, which causes foundation and landscaping damage. The debris cause water to back-up in the gutters, creating a protected breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects and a safety hazard to the homeowner climbing tall ladders to clean out dirty gutters.

QE's patented gutter protection system features a nose forward designed panel and clip attachment that is secured to the fascia, not the roof! Leaves and other natural debris stay out of the gutters, as well as balls and frisbees won't get stuck in gutters. Very cost effective to install with a new roof. The clean lines and color selection add to the beauty and value of the home.

For additional information on how this unique product works, see the Gutter Protection section on how gutter protection works, and why it is so important!

©2010 Quality Edge