Roofing 101
What is actually underneath your shingles?
Shingles or metal are only the outside layer. The roof deck, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation underneath are what help the finished roof do its job.
Outside weatherHow the layers workInside the home
- 01
Framing & deck
The rafters or trusses support the roof deck, usually plywood or OSB. If the deck is soft, swollen, or rotten, it needs to be repaired before the new roof goes on.
- 02
Ice-and-water membrane
This sticky waterproof membrane goes in the spots most likely to leak, including eaves, valleys, and around some openings. It adds protection against ice dams and wind-driven rain.
- 03
Underlayment
Underlayment is the water-resistant sheet between the wood deck and the shingles or metal. Think of it as backup protection if water gets past the finished roof.
- 04
Starter, edges & flashing
Starter strips seal the first row of shingles. Drip edge directs water away from the roof edges. Flashing keeps water out where the roof meets walls, chimneys, skylights, valleys, and pipes.
- 05
Shingles, metal, or other roofing
This is the part you see. The material matters, but so do the fastening, flashing, edges, and the workmanship that ties everything together.
- 06
Ventilation & insulation
A properly vented attic lets heat and moisture escape. Insulation and air sealing help keep indoor heat where it belongs. These pieces need to work together.
Material options explained
Which roofing material makes sense for your house?
There is no single best roof for every home. Cost, appearance, maintenance, roof shape, and how long you plan to stay all matter.
Architectural asphalt shingles
Most budget-friendly- Good for
- Most homes, especially when cost, color choice, and straightforward repairs matter.
- What to know
- This is the most common residential roof. Architectural shingles look better and are heavier than basic three-tab shingles, but the quality of the installation still matters more than the brand name alone.
- Ask about
- Shingle grade, wind rating, ventilation, flashing, and whether a future repair can be matched.
Standing-seam metal
Higher initial investment- Good for
- A long-term roof with a clean look and no exposed screw heads.
- What to know
- The panels connect at raised seams, and the fasteners are hidden underneath. It costs more up front, but it is the metal roof most people picture on a higher-end home.
- Ask about
- Panel thickness, finish, snow sliding, roof complexity, and the installer’s experience with that exact system.
Exposed-fastener metal
Mid-range metal option- Good for
- Simple roofs, garages, and projects where metal matters more than a seamless appearance.
- What to know
- The screws go through the face of the panels. It usually costs less than standing seam, but those exposed screws and washers should be checked as the roof ages.
- Ask about
- Correct screw placement, panel movement, coating damage, and future fastener maintenance.
Cedar shakes & shingles
Premium material and upkeep- Good for
- Homes where real wood character is worth the extra upkeep.
- What to know
- Cedar looks beautiful and individual pieces can be repaired. It also needs room to dry and more regular attention than asphalt or metal.
- Ask about
- Fire and insurance requirements, shade, tree debris, product grade, and realistic maintenance.
Synthetic & composite roofing
Varies by product- Good for
- The look of slate, cedar, or tile without the same weight.
- What to know
- “Composite” is a broad category, so products can be very different from one another. The exact manufacturer and product history matter.
- Ask about
- Local examples, warranty exclusions, repair matching, and how long that exact product has been sold.
Slate & tile
Highest initial investment- Good for
- Historic or distinctive homes built to carry a heavy, long-lasting roof.
- What to know
- Slate and tile can last a very long time, but they are heavy, brittle, and need specialized installation and repair.
- Ask about
- Structural support, snow and ice, replacement pieces, and access to an experienced installer.
Product quality matters, but good flashing, ventilation, and installation matter just as much.
Siding 101
What is behind your siding?
Siding takes most of the weather, but it is not the only thing keeping the wall dry. Housewrap and flashing behind it give water a safe way back outside.
Rain & windHow the wall manages waterInterior finish
- 01
Structure & sheathing
The wall framing supports plywood or OSB sheathing. Any soft or damaged areas should be repaired before they are covered with new siding.
- 02
Housewrap
Housewrap sits behind the siding and helps stop water that gets through. The siding is the first defense; housewrap is the backup.
- 03
Flashing & drainage
Windows, doors, decks, pipes, and roof connections all need flashing that sends water back outside instead of letting it into the wall.
- 04
Siding, trim & clearances
The siding sheds most of the rain and gives the house its look. Trim, corners, fasteners, caulk, and proper clearances are all part of a good installation.
Siding options explained
Choose the look and maintenance level that fit your home.
Price is part of the decision, but so are appearance, durability, upkeep, and how the material handles your property’s exposure.
Weather
Think about wind, moisture, shade, sun, and temperature swings—not just the sample color.
Maintenance
Vinyl needs occasional cleaning. Painted wood needs regular attention. Every material still needs inspection.
Whole cost
Compare installation and long-term upkeep along with the price of the siding itself.
The house
Choose a profile, texture, and trim style that belongs on the architecture of your home.
Vinyl siding
Lower initial investment- Good for
- A lower-cost exterior with plenty of colors and little routine maintenance.
- What to know
- Vinyl is lightweight and expands and contracts with temperature. It is not waterproof by itself, so the housewrap and flashing behind it still matter.
- Ask about
- Panel thickness, wind rating, proper nailing, fading, and cracking from impact or extreme cold.
LP SmartSide engineered wood
Mid-range investment- Good for
- A thicker painted-wood look with good impact resistance.
- What to know
- SmartSide is treated engineered wood. It is lighter than fiber cement, comes in several profiles, and gives the wall a substantial painted-wood look.
- Ask about
- Sealed cuts, flashing, ground and roof clearances, caulk, and repainting before the finish breaks down.
Fiber cement
Mid-to-higher investment- Good for
- A crisp painted look with strong resistance to rot, pests, and fire.
- What to know
- Fiber cement is durable, resists rot and insects, and holds paint well. It is also heavy and can break if it is handled or installed poorly.
- Ask about
- Safe cutting, approved fasteners, joint details, clearances, and future paint care.
Brick or stone masonry veneer
Higher investment- Good for
- A durable, substantial exterior with very little finish maintenance.
- What to know
- Brick and stone will not rot and can last for decades. Most residential installations are veneers, so the wall still needs drainage, flashing, and open weep holes.
- Ask about
- Foundation support, wall ties, drainage space, flashing, weeps, mortar, and freeze-thaw exposure.
Cedar & other wood siding
Premium appearance and upkeep- Good for
- Natural grain, older homes, and designs where real wood is worth maintaining. It can be clapboard, shingles, shakes, or board and batten.
- What to know
- Wood can be repaired in sections and finished many ways. It also needs room to dry and regular attention to paint or stain.
- Ask about
- Wood species, sealed ends, fasteners, sun exposure, insects, clearances, and the repainting schedule.
Metal siding
Varies by profile and metal- Good for
- Modern homes, crisp lines, durable finishes, and exterior accents.
- What to know
- Steel or aluminum panels come in vertical, horizontal, and specialty profiles. Metal moves with temperature and can show dents or waviness.
- Ask about
- A flat surface, room for movement, protected cut edges, clean transitions, repair matching, and drainage behind the panels.
A quick walk-around once or twice a year can catch loose pieces, cracks, peeling paint, open caulk joints, or water trouble before a small repair becomes a wall repair.
Every house is a little different
Start with what you have.
Then choose what makes sense.
Tell us what you are seeing and what you want to change. We will look at the house, explain the practical options, and clearly define what is included before work begins.