What’s Actually Under Your Shingles? A Pittsburgh Homeowner’s Guide to a Complete Roofing System

When most homeowners think about their roof, they think about shingles.

That makes sense. Shingles are the part you see from the street. They're the color you choose when replacing your roof, and they're one of the biggest factors in your home's overall appearance.

But here's something many homeowners don't realize:

Your shingles are only one part of your roofing system.

Underneath those shingles are several components working together to keep rain, snow, wind, ice and moisture out of your home.

A beautiful shingle installed over a poorly constructed roofing system can still lead to problems. That's why, when comparing roofing contractors in Pittsburgh, homeowners should look at much more than the brand and color of the shingle.

At EAS Roofing, we believe homeowners should understand exactly what they're paying for.

So, let's take the shingles off—figuratively—and look at what's actually protecting your home.

1. Roof Decking: The Foundation of Your Roofing System

Underneath everything is your roof decking, sometimes called roof sheathing.

This is typically plywood or OSB attached to the home's roof framing. It creates the solid surface on which the roofing system is installed.

Think of your decking as the foundation of your roof.

If portions of the decking have been damaged by years of moisture intrusion, simply covering them with new roofing materials doesn't solve the underlying problem.

During a roof replacement, removing the existing roofing material gives the contractor an opportunity to evaluate the condition of the decking.

Potential problems can include:

  • Soft or deteriorated wood
  • Water damage
  • Rot
  • Delamination
  • Previous improper repairs
  • Areas that no longer provide a solid fastening surface

This is one reason tear-off day is so important.

You finally get to see what's been hiding underneath the old roof.

2. Ice and Water Protection

Western Pennsylvania homeowners know that our weather doesn't stay consistent for long.

We can experience rain, snow, freezing temperatures and warmer conditions within a relatively short period. EAS has previously discussed how Pittsburgh's freeze-thaw conditions and ice buildup can stress roofing systems.

That's why vulnerable portions of a roofing system require additional protection.

Ice and water protection is designed to provide an additional barrier against moisture in critical areas of the roof.

Depending on the roof design, these areas can include places such as:

  • Eaves
  • Valleys
  • Roof penetrations
  • Other vulnerable areas where water may collect or travel

It's one of those components you'll probably never see again once your new roof is complete—but it can play an important role in the overall system.

3. Roof Underlayment

Next comes the underlayment.

Roofing underlayment is installed between the roof decking and the shingles.

Its purpose is to provide another protective layer beneath the primary roof covering.

Modern roofing systems may use synthetic underlayment rather than the traditional felt paper many homeowners remember.

When you're receiving estimates for a new roof, don't be afraid to ask:

What type of underlayment is included in my roofing system?

A good roofing proposal should help you understand more than just what color shingle is going on your house.

4. Drip Edge

It's small, but important.

Drip edge is installed along roof edges to help direct water away from vulnerable portions of the roofing assembly and toward the drainage system.

Most people don't drive through their neighborhood admiring drip edge.

But that's the point.

Some of the most important pieces of a roofing system aren't the flashy ones.

They're the details quietly doing their job every time it rains.

5. Starter Shingles

The shingles at the edge of your roof have an important job.

Starter shingles are specifically designed for the perimeter of the roofing system and help establish a properly secured first course.

This is especially important because roof edges can be particularly vulnerable to wind.

It's another example of why a complete roofing system is different from simply buying bundles of shingles.

6. Your Shingles

Now we finally get to the part everyone recognizes.

The shingles.

EAS Roofing installs CertainTeed roofing products and is a CertainTeed 5-Star Select ShingleMaster.

Your shingles serve as the primary exterior covering of your roofing system while also playing a huge role in curb appeal.

Depending on the product, homeowners can choose from different:

  • Colors
  • Profiles
  • Styles
  • Performance features
  • Design options

Choosing your shingle matters—but choosing who installs it matters too.

7. Flashing

Some of the most complicated areas of your roof aren't the large open sections.

They're the transitions.

Think about all the places where your roof meets something else:

  • Chimneys
  • Walls
  • Skylights
  • Plumbing vents
  • Roof valleys
  • Other penetrations

These areas require careful water management.

That's where flashing comes in.

Flashing helps direct water away from vulnerable intersections and penetrations.

Improper flashing can create trouble even when the surrounding shingles look perfectly fine.

That's why experienced installation matters.

8. Roof Ventilation

Your roof needs to manage more than the weather outside.

It also needs to deal with conditions inside your attic.

A properly designed ventilation system helps move air through the attic and plays an important role in controlling heat and moisture.

EAS Roofing's own educational material has highlighted how attic moisture and ventilation issues can contribute to condensation and other roofing concerns.

When replacing your roof, ventilation shouldn't automatically be treated as an afterthought.

It should be evaluated as part of the complete roofing system.

9. Ridge Cap Shingles

At the highest points of many roofs are ridge cap shingles.

These finish the hips and ridges of the roof and are specifically designed for those areas.

Besides providing protection, they give the completed roof a clean, finished appearance.

And now you can see why saying:

"I'm getting new shingles."

doesn't really describe everything involved in getting a new roof.

A Roof Is a System, Not a Single Product

When comparing roofing estimates, it's easy to focus on the number at the bottom of the page.

But make sure you're comparing the entire roofing system.

Ask what's being installed.

Ask how vulnerable areas will be handled.

Ask about ventilation.

Ask about warranties.

Ask who will be installing the roof.

And most importantly, make sure you understand what you're getting for your investment.

A roof isn't something most homeowners purchase very often.

You deserve to know what's going over your head.

Looking for a Roofing Contractor in Pittsburgh?

EAS Roofing has been serving Pittsburgh-area homeowners since 2010 and installs CertainTeed roofing systems backed by strong warranty options.

If you're considering a roof replacement, we'll inspect your roof, explain your options and help you understand the entire system—not just the shingles.

Call EAS Roofing at 412-781-ROOF to schedule your free roof estimate.

EAS Roofing — The GOAT of Roofing. 🐐

FAQ

Is a roof more than shingles?

Absolutely. A complete roofing system includes multiple components such as decking, underlayment, moisture protection, flashing, shingles and ventilation.

Does roof decking always need replaced with a new roof?

Not necessarily. Its condition needs to be evaluated once the existing roofing materials are removed.

What roofing shingles does EAS Roofing install?

EAS Roofing specializes in CertainTeed roofing systems.