When preparing for a roof replacement with Christian Brothers Roofing, it’s understandable that you’d think about the color and style of shingles you’ll choose for your brand-new roof.
However, your roof is actually a complex system—and each component must be installed correctly to protect your home from costly damage.
Even though it’s easy to overlook the less visible parts of your roofing system, it’s crucial to understand the contribution these elements have on your roof replacement’s longevity and durability so you can make better decisions for your house.
Here are the seven crucial components of a GAF Lifetime Roofing System that work together to add long-lasting strength and beauty to your Kansas City home.
1. Roof Assessment
Before installing a new roof, hire a reliable roofer to inspect your current roofing system for storm damage. You’ll want to ask your roofing company if your shingles have experienced water or hail damage, and if so, whether it’s possible to repair them.
Even if it’s feasible to fix your wood shake roof, your shingles are sure to experience nasty destruction from storms in the future—like shrinking, swelling, weathering, fading, and cracking.
When you invest in a professional roof replacement with a GAF Lifetime Roofing System, you’ll never have to worry about storm destruction again. This durable, sturdy roof will shield your home from damage and last for years to come.
Once you decide to install a GAF Lifetime Roof, your roofing company will inspect your roof’s deck for any damage or decay and repair or upgrade as needed. Now, your home has a solid foundation to support your new roof.
2. Leak Barrier
If your attic is experiencing water damage, it’s likely due to a leaky roof. Thankfully, you can rid your home from leaks for good with GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System.
The leak barrier, sometimes known as an underlay membrane, is a self-adhering, waterproof coating that protects vulnerable spots on your roof from water damage. It also protects against consequential storm damage, like rain, snow, and ice dams.
GAF has two leak barriers—Stormguard® and Weatherwatch®. Both underlayments are used to prevent leaks, but Stormguard has a synthetic film surface that you can install with asphalt shingles or metal roofs, and Weatherwatch has a mineral surface that you can only install with asphalt shingles.
3. Roof Deck Protection
Similar to how the leak barrier protects vulnerable spots on your roof from water damage, the roof deck protection guards your entire roof deck against moisture infiltration.
This strong layer of protection between your deck and shingles guards your roof against wind-driven rain while allowing moisture to escape from your attic. Even better, roof deck protection rests completely flat, so you won’t even notice it’s there.
GAF offers synthetic, fiberglass-reinforced, and fire-resistant roof deck protection options to provide your home with the perfect defense against water damage.
4. Starter Strip Shingles
Unfortunately, many roofers cut corners when installing a new roofing system and cut a 3-tab shingle strip to use as the shingles’ starting point. This method results in expensive waste and frequent shingle-blow off.
GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System is equipped with strong, cost-effective starter strip shingles that include a powerful adhesive for excellent performance. These strip shingles are installed on the eaves of your roof, and they prevent frustrating shingle blow-off, which can result in premature roof repair or replacement.
And the best part? Starter strip shingles qualify you for a lifetime limited warranty and GAF’s upgraded wind coverage warranty.
5. Lifetime Shingles
Now that all the necessary components are in place, your roofer will install your premium asphalt Lifetime Roofing Shingles.
GAF’s Timberline® Lifetime Architectural Roofing Shingle is America’s #1 selling shingle—and for a good reason! These shingles are affordable, energy-efficient, durable, eco-friendly, and offer multiple color and design options for long-lasting beauty.
6. Cobra Attic Ventilation
Inadequate roof ventilation can cause frustrating problems for your home, including uncomfortable indoor temperatures, peeling paint, a damp attic, and of course, roof damage.
Effective attic ventilation serves the following critical purposes:
- Decreases heat and moisture in the attic to prevent paint and wallpaper from peeling
- Minimizes risk of ice dam formation
- Protects roof from premature deterioration
- Reduces utility bills by promoting energy efficiency
GAF’s Cobra Attic Vents are installed at the ridge cap of your home, and you can choose from multiple vent options to best accommodate the climate where you live.
7. Ridge Cap Shingles
Ridge cap shingles are the finishing touch of your GAF Lifetime Roofing System that accentuate your roof and protect the hips and ridges against leaks.
GAF offers multiple options of premium and standard ridge cap shingles so you can find the perfect look to finish off your beautiful, new roof replacement.
Invest in Reliable GAF Lifetime Roofing Installation by Christian Roofing Brothers
If your home has experienced storm damage—it’s time to install a long-lasting GAF Lifetime Roofing System. Because of its durability, affordability, and performance, GAF Lifetime is the industry-leading roofing system for both home and commercial properties.
Our experienced, attentive team will guide you through every step of the roof replacement process—from handling storm damage insurance claims to choosing the perfect style of shingles for your home. As the only roofing company in Kansas and Missouri to earn GAF’s most prestigious Master Elite Award, you can be confident your roof warranty is protected with precise installation and quality care.
Learn more about how a new roofing installation with Christian Brothers Roofing can give you peace of mind about your new roof for decades to come!
