Your roof keeps rain out of your house. This is its basic function. But have you ever wondered how that works? What makes shingles resistant to weather events? This guide from McLean Roofing and Siding explains how roof shingles work so that you can have a better understanding of your home’s protection.

Please note that this guide explains how asphalt shingles work since they are on 80% of homes in the U.S. If you have a different type of shingle on your house, they may work differently.

How Roof Shingles Work

Your roof shingles are part of an intricate system. They are the outermost layer of your roof, but there are layers of added protection beneath the surface.

Shingles come in small strips that are laid across the decking. The shingles are nailed to the deck and to each other to keep them in place when it’s windy outside. When a raindrop hits one of the shingles, it rolls down the blanket of shingles into the gutters. If the shingles are not securely nailed down, it may roll under the shingle and onto the decking.

You may be wondering: Why isn’t there a solid sheet of material to go across the whole roof? Having individual strips of shingles allows for easy repair when damage occurs. You may not have to replace the entire roof if only a few shingles are compromised. Having smaller sets of shingles also allows some movement as your home shifts and the construction materials expand/contract. If you had a solid sheet of roofing, it may be subject to cracking during those adjustments.

Roof Shingles and Hail

Hail damage requires its own line of defense. Many high-impact shingles are designed to flex when they get hit by hail. They absorb the force of the hail and, at most, lose some granules. Lower-quality shingles may not offer the same flexibility. If they’re hit with hail large enough, they break in the middle. If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, keep this in mind when choosing replacement shingles.

Choosing the Right Shingles for Your House

Your local climate plays a key role in determining which shingles are best for you. Do you need shingles with high wind resistance, or do you need shingles that can handle the weight of heavy snowfall? Talk to a local roofer you can trust to assess your options.

McLean Roofing and Siding
321 E Maple Rd
Troy, MI 48083

Contact McLean Roofing and Siding for all your roofing needs: (248) 524-1111.