Whether your roof needs a repair or a full installation, it helps to know how a roof is put together. It makes quotes easier to compare and makes it easier to spot shortcuts.

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How a roof is built, layer by layer

From the bottom up, a typical shingle roof in North Texas has:

Decking. Plywood or OSB sheets nailed to the rafters. Everything else sits on this.

Drip edge. Metal along the eaves and rakes that directs water into the gutters and keeps it off the fascia.

Leak barrier. A self-adhering membrane in valleys, around penetrations and along the eaves, where water is most likely to get under shingles.

Underlayment. A synthetic sheet over the rest of the deck as a second line of defense.

Starter strips. A row along the edges that seals down the first course of shingles against wind.

Shingles. Nailed in a specific pattern set by the manufacturer.

Flashing. Metal where the roof meets walls, chimneys and skylights.

Vent boots and ventilation. Seals around pipes, and vents that let hot, damp air out of the attic.

Ridge caps. The finishing shingles along the peaks.

The installation process

A replacement usually goes like this:

Protect landscaping and set up for debris

Tear off the old roof down to the decking

Replace any damaged decking

Install drip edge, leak barrier and underlayment

Install new flashing, vent boots and ventilation

Install shingles and ridge caps to the manufacturer's specifications

Clean up, including magnetic sweeps for nails

Final walkthrough and photos

Most houses take one or two days.

Signs your roof needs repair

Water stains on ceilings or the tops of walls

Missing, lifted or cracked shingles

Granules collecting in gutters

Flashing pulling away from walls or the chimney

Cracked rubber around plumbing vents

Daylight or damp spots in the attic

What makes a repair last

Most leaks start at a single point, and the stain inside is often a few feet away from it. A good repair traces the water to where it enters and fixes that point properly:

Cracked vent boots replaced, not covered in sealant

Flashing replaced or refastened, not caulked over

Replacement shingles matched and sealed down

Photos before and after

If the damage is spread across the roof, or the roof is near the end of its life, a repair will not hold for long. A good roofer will tell you that.

Getting started

We handle both repairs and full installations across Justin and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Every job starts with a free inspection. Call (855) 741-ROOF.

A Homeowner's Guide to Roof Installation and Repairs

How a roof is built, layer by layer

The installation process

Signs your roof needs repair

What makes a repair last

Getting started

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