8 Types of Roofing Products To Protect Your Roof

A residential roof can be as simple and basic as a way to protect your house from rain and snow. However there’s more to it than just nailing shingles on to a roof. With the different types of roofing products available today, here’s a quick 101 on the benefits of each.

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles have the highest wind rating (209 km/h) on the market for architectural style asphalt shingles. With TruDefinition Duration shingles, you don’t have to worry about shingles blowing off your roof during the next Alberta wind storm.

Key Benefits

• Woven fabric to prevent nails from ripping through shingle
• Enhanced tar strip on back of shingle
• Triple layer nailing line

Drip Edge

Drip edge is a metal flashing that protects the edge of your roof by guiding water into your eavestroughs. Water leaking behind your eavestroughs can develop into serious problems inside your home. Drip edge protects your home from rotten wood in the area problems most often appear.

Key Benefits

• Protects the edge of your roof from wood rot
• Prevents water from dripping between your eaves and fascia
• Reduces icicle formation behind your eavestrough

Ice & Water Shield

Ice & Water is a self adhering waterproof membrane installed on your roof’s eaves and valleys that protects against water buildup. Alberta weather can cause ice to build up on your roof and leave standing water on your roof (see Ice Damming). Ice & Water Shield forms a waterproof barrier that prevents damage to your home caused by water backing up on your roof.

Key Benefits

• Durable self adhering and sealing membrane
• Protects against water buildup due to ice damming
• Prevents leaks in areas of high water flow

Synthetic Underlay

Installing synthetic underlay provides an extra water resistant layer of protection between your home and the elements. In the event of a severe storm, high winds can rip shingles from your roof. Synthetic underlay protects your home from leaks until repairs can be made.

Key Benefits

• Provides extra layer of protection if shingles fail
• Prevents water intrusion due to wind driven rain
• Protects your roof deck from moisture which can lead to rot

Malarkey Legacy

Malarkey Legacy® shingles are a premium SBS polymer modified asphalt shingle to provide the highest hail impact rating on the market. Marlarkey Legacy shingles provide added protection to your home during the next hail storm using Malarkey’s Flexor SBS polymer modified asphalt technology.

Key Benefits

• High end architectural laminate shingle
• Extreme hail resistance (UL 2218 Class 4)
• Double rain seal protection
• 50 year limited lifetime warranty

Valley Metal

Valley metal is a flashing installed where two roof faces meet to reduce wear and tear on the shingles. Valley Metal prevents leaks and increases the life of your roof by clearing water from your roof more quickly. We strongly recommended this upgrade on all homes with valleys.

Key Benefits

• Drastic reduction in wear on shingles
• Clears water from your roof faster
• Typically required for full manufacturer’s warranty

High Profile Ridge Cap

High profile ridge cap is an aesthetic upgrade that gives your asphalt roof a shake-like appearance. Installing high profile ridge cap is an easy and inexpensive way to increase curb appeal and make your home stand out on the street.

Key Benefits

• Emulates the look of natural wood
• Creates striking lines on your home’s roof
• Slightly increased hail and wind resistance

Ridge Venting

Ridge venting facilitates airflow along the entire length of your roof, improving shingle life and preventing condensation. Improved ventilation will increase the life of your roof and reduce the likelihood of condensation problems inside your attic. Ridge venting is the most effective way to ventilate your roof, particularly on homes with vaulted ceilings.

Key Benefits

• Improves shingle life by reducing attic temperatures
• Prevents attic condensation in the winter
• Reduces ice damming along eaves

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