Wichita weather demands a strong roof. Knowing the lingo helps you make the best choice. Let the experts at Shield Roofing break down the terms, empowering you to protect your home. At Shield Roofing, we understand that a new roof is a big investment for Wichita homeowners. That’s why we take the time to explain roofing concepts clearly, with the unique challenges of Kansas weather top of mind. Whether you’re considering premium materials, or simply navigating repair options after a hailstorm, we’re here to guide you through the vocabulary. Making an informed decision is crucial, and Shield Roofing is committed to helping you protect your home’s value and beauty.
Ready to take the next step in your Wichita roofing journey? Let’s face it, most homeowners don’t buy a roof every day. That’s where Shield Roofing comes in! We help you navigate the ABCs of roofing, especially when considering premium materials like DaVinci for their Kansas-tough durability.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear – and our answers to help you:
What is a square?
In roofing, a square refers to a unit of measurement covering 100 square feet of roof area. This helps calculate how much material you need, regardless of your roof’s shape.
Imagine it like a big measuring tile! How many squares you need depends on your Wichita home’s size and roof pitch. Steeper roofs may need more squares to cover the same area. Shield Roofing calculates this precisely, ensuring your roof is weather-tight and we order the right amount of material to get the job done the first time.
What is a pitch?
Think of your roof’s pitch as its steepness. Roofs aren’t typically flat!
Imagine a playground slide – a high pitch is like a steep slide, shedding rain and snow quickly, important in Wichita’s climate. A lower pitch is gentler. Your roof’s pitch impacts material choices, and it’s often expressed as a ratio like 6:12. This means for every 12 inches your roof goes sideways, it rises 6 inches upwards. Shield Roofing can help you pick the best option for your home’s design and our Kansas weather.
What is a valley?
Imagine the creases in a folded piece of paper – those are like valleys on your roof! Where two roof slopes meet, they form a channel where water flows down. In Wichita, with our downpours caused by Kansas storms and potential for ice buildup, valleys need extra attention. Skilled installation, like Shield Roofing provides, is crucial to prevent leaks in these critical spots.
What are open or closed valleys?
Think of these as different ways to finish those important runoff channels we talked about. Your choice may depend on your home’s style and what type of roofing material you choose.
- Closed Valley: Tiles overlap, creating a seamless look. These offer a clean aesthetic but require careful installation to prevent hidden leaks.
- Open Valley: Metal flashing is visible beneath the roofing. This option can provide extra waterproofing for Wichita’s sometimes harsh weather.
Shield Roofing can assess your roof and discuss the best valley style for both durability and the look you want!
What is flashing?
Think of flashing as your roof’s armor! It’s the thin metal strips protecting all those tricky spots where your roof meets other things – like chimneys, walls, and around vents. Especially here in Wichita, where storms can drive rain sideways, expertly installed flashing is essential to keep your home dry. Shield Roofing specializes in proper flashing techniques, safeguarding your home’s interior.
What is the ridge?
Imagine your roof’s ridge as its spine! It’s the highest, horizontal line where the slopes meet. Rain and hail hit the ridge first, so it needs to be extra strong to protect your Wichita home. A properly installed ridge also makes your roof look polished. Shield Roofing pays close attention to the ridge, ensuring both durability and a finished look.
What’s a hip piece?
While the ridge is the ‘top’ of your roof, hips are the angled lines where slopes meet on the sides. Think of these like the edges of a pyramid-shaped roof! Just like the ridge, hips need special roofing pieces to shed water and give your roof a clean, finished look. With our Kansas winds, it’s vital that hips are installed correctly. Shield Roofing ensures these details are done right, protecting your home from leaks and adding to its curb appeal.
What is a starter tile?
Think of the starter tile as your roof’s foundation. It’s that first, hidden layer along the bottom edges. A properly installed starter helps lock your shingles in place and provides extra wind protection – important here in Wichita! It’s a detail that isn’t glamorous, but Shield Roofing knows a strong roof starts from the bottom up!
Can My Wichita Roof Withstand Hail?
Kansas hailstorms are a fact of life. You might wonder, even with a strong roof, is hail damage inevitable? Thankfully, the answer is no! Your roof’s material plays a huge role in its hail resistance. Here’s the good news:
- Impact Ratings: Look for materials with Class 3 or Class 4 impact ratings. These are tested to resist severe hail.
- Kansas Expertise: Shield Roofing not only understands these ratings but also how local conditions affect roof performance.
- Storm Aftermath: Even with a tough roof, inspections are wise after major storms. Shield Roofing provides free assessments for peace of mind.
Now that you’re armed with this essential roofing vocabulary, you’re well on your way to making informed decisions about your Wichita home’s roof. However, understanding the terms is just the first step. Whether you’re assessing a home for purchase, need expert storm repairs, or want to explore a long-lasting upgrade, Shield Roofing is here to help. Choosing the right materials, navigating building codes, and ensuring a flawless installation are all crucial for a roof that protects your home for years to come.
As your Wichita roofing neighbors, we know what our homes need to stand strong. Shield Roofing provides the experience you need, along with the peace of mind that your home is truly protected. For a roof you can trust, let’s get started! Call us today at (316) 333-8060 for your free estimate.