Why Your Roof Needs These 6 Residential Roofing Layers

Allstate Exteriors • March 21, 2022

Prepositions are funny little things; they are words like above, below, and near . They all describe where things are in relation to other things. When a roofer describes your home’s residential roofing layers, not all of those layers may be stacked up like a sandwich; they may not be between , above , or below . They might be near other layers or beside a layer. Yet all six layers of a typical home’s roof are essential to keeping your family warm, safe, and dry. 

6. Roof deck

If you feel comfortable doing so and consider it safe, crawl into your attic and stare up at the rafters (the angled wood structural pieces supporting your roof). Rafters are one part of your roof deck, and sheathing is the other. You can see the sheathing atop the rafters. Be careful! If you have a shingle roof, the sheathing probably is riddled with roofing nails, which stick through far past the thickness of the sheathing (that’s intentional, for strength).

A roof deck is the foundation for the rest of your roof. It must remain dry, strong, and firmly fastened to your home to do its job. During a reroofing, your local residential roofer will probably replace at least a few sheets of sheathing, depending on the extent of normal wear and tear or possible mold and rot. 

5. Underlayment

Eager as you may be to learn all about your central Ohio home’s roof, never take a field trip up onto your roof. Roofs are slippery surfaces, and falls can be nasty. So trust us, on top of your home’s sheathing but below the rest of the roof is underlayment . Underlayment is a natural felt or synthetic material rolled out like fabric and then stapled down. Underlayment has a bit of plasticity and elasticity, meaning it will give a little and then resume its shape if it can. It closes in around staples and nails so that water cannot seep into your home through the roof.

4. Water and Ice Shield

In addition to underlayment going down over your sheathing, the bottom three feet of your roof will have a layer of a thick, self-adhesive material called water and ice shield . The last three feet of your roof is susceptible to ice dams, so it needs an extra layer of protection. Valleys, too, usually have water and ice shield. This flexible, thick material is rolled out and sticks to the underlayment. It provides an additional 1/8th-inch or so water barrier, and, like underlayment, it quickly seals itself around penetrations like staples and nails.

3. Flashing

Great as water and ice shield is, it does not solve every roofing problem. Flashing is usually a thin sheet of metal used to cover gaps between unlike materials. You will find flashing around chimneys and in valleys. Flashing can also be a flexible rubbery material used to seal around kitchen and bath vents, around plumbing stacks, and anywhere rooftop penetrations threaten to let in water. Flashing is not so much a layer as an integral part of all areas of your roof. It can be applied beneath shingles and metal roof panels or bent up to form-fit around masonry.

2. Ridge Vents

Your roof needs to breathe. It needs circulating air rising from soffit vents, traveling along the underside of sheathing, and exiting at your ridgeline (the highest point of your roof). Ridge vents provide the needed ventilation to keep your roof healthy. Ridge vents are part of the very top layer of your roof, along with the actual roofing material (shingles or metal panels). 

1. Roofing Material

The highly visible part of your home’s roof is its roofing material:

  • Shingles
  • Metal panels

These materials are available in a wide range of colors and price lines, so you can select the ideal roof for your Ohio home and budget. Your roofer can offer excellent advice on selecting the right look:

  • Cut, color, and style of shingle
  • Vertical seam, stamped panel, 5-V crimp, and even metal shingle and tiles

Your Central Ohio home’s roof can be in nearly any color, though exterior decorators advise against trendy colors or standouts if you are hoping to maximize resale value. Both fiberglass-asphalt shingles and metal roofing are available in earth tones, neutrals, and energy-efficient, reflective colors. Your roof has not only these six layers but many other components that must be expertly installed by experienced roofers. Some of these pieces go on , near , above , or beside other layers. Yet they all work together to provide you with a trouble-free, weather-tough new roof.


You can do your central Ohio no greater a favor than to work with Allstate Exteriors & Restoration for all your roofing needs. Contact us today to learn what sets us apart, what condition your residential roof is in, and how we can help you.

Westerville Homeowners: Keeping Your Roof in Top Shape

April 8, 2026
Your home is more than just a place to stash your stuff; it’s the place you’ve poured your life into. Living here in Westerville, we’re lucky to have such a great mix of tight-knit neighborhoods and quick access to everything we need. Whether you’re grabbing coffee near Uptown or taking the kids to spend an afternoon at Inniswood, you know this area is special. But let’s be honest: Ohio weather isn't always kind to our houses. Between the brutal freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and that sticky humidity we get living near the reservoir, your roof takes a beating. It’s the first line of defense for everything inside your walls.  If you’ve been spotting a few stray shingles in the yard or just have a nagging feeling that your roof is getting a bit long in the tooth, you’re in the right place. As a local roofing company, we’ve been up on enough Westerville rooftops to know exactly what makes them tick, and what tends to go wrong. Why "Local" Actually Matters There’s a big difference between a national franchise and a crew that actually lives and works here. We aren’t just reading a manual; we’ve dealt with the same storms you have. The Ohio Reality Check We don’t have mild winters here. We have "ice dam" winters. When your attic isn't venting heat properly, the snow on your roof melts, runs down to the eaves, and freezes again. That cycle can force water right under your shingles and into your insulation. If you’ve ever seen water spots on your ceiling after a winter thaw, that’s usually the culprit. On the flip side, our summers can be relentless. All that heat and humidity can lead to moss or algae growth, especially on the north side of the house where the sun doesn't hit as much. If you let that stuff sit, it eventually eats away at the grit on your shingles. Matching the Neighborhood We’ve worked on everything from the historic homes with unique angles to the newer builds in the suburbs. Every home needs a slightly different strategy. A quick patch might be fine for one house, but a total re-roofing might be the smarter, cheaper play for another. We’re not here to upsell you; we’re here to tell you what your specific roof needs to last another 20 years.

Comprehensive Roofing Services in Ohio: Expert Roof Repair, Replacement, and Installation Solutions

April 1, 2026
Comprehensive Ohio roofing guide covering repair, replacement, and installation tips for homes and businesses. Protect your roof year-round.

Commercial Roofing Solutions for Beavercreek Businesses

March 25, 2026
 Running a business in Beavercreek, Ohio comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. One of the most critical investments for any commercial property is the roof. A well-designed, high-quality roof protects your building, employees, and assets while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Understanding the best options for your property is crucial, and Commercial Roofing Solutions for Beavercreek Businesses from Allstate Exteriors are designed to meet the diverse needs of local businesses throughout Greene County. From office buildings in central Beavercreek to retail centers near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, commercial roofing requires specialized knowledge. Allstate Exteriors combines decades of experience, local expertise, and a commitment to quality to ensure that your business receives roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Why Commercial Roofing Matters for Beavercreek Businesses Commercial roofs face different pressures than residential roofs. They cover larger areas, often have more complex structures, and are exposed to frequent foot traffic during maintenance. Weather in Beavercreek adds another layer of complexity. Summer storms bring heavy rain and high humidity, while winter conditions include snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, these elements can degrade roofing materials if not properly maintained or installed. Investing in a professional roofing system reduces the risk of leaks, structural damage, and costly emergency repairs. It also protects your employees, inventory, and customers from exposure to the elements. A well-planned roof contributes to the operational efficiency of your business and can even improve energy performance, which is increasingly important for modern commercial properties.

Seasonal Roof Maintenance Checklist for Bellbrooke Homes

March 18, 2026
Protect your Bellbrooke, OH home year-round with Allstate Exteriors’ seasonal roof maintenance checklist. Learn expert tips, local insights, and proven strategies to extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damage.

Humid Summers & Cold Winters: Choosing the Right Roof for Baltimore, OH

March 11, 2026
Discover how Allstate Exteriors helps homeowners in Baltimore, OH choose the right roof for humid summers and cold winters. Learn about roofing materials, local climate challenges, and expert solutions designed for long-term performance.

Historic Roof Care: Preserving Ashville’s Older Homes

March 5, 2026
Ashville, Ohio is a community rich with history, character, and homes that tell the story of generations. For many homeowners throughout Ashville and neighboring communities such as South Bloomfield, Tarlton, and Canal Winchester, preserving the charm and structural integrity of these older homes is a priority. When it comes to protecting these architectural treasures, Historic Roof Care: Preserving Ashville’s Older Homes is not just a service, it is a vital investment in maintaining the legacy and value of your property. At Allstate Exteriors , we specialize in delivering expert historic roof care tailored to the unique needs of Ashville’s older homes and historic districts. In the heart of Ohio, older homes were often built with materials and methods that differ significantly from modern constructions. These roofs carry years of history and have faced decades of weather, from icy winters to humid summers. Understanding how to preserve these roofs requires more than a standard roofing service. It demands a specialized approach rooted in respect for historical craftsmanship and knowledge of local conditions in Ashville . In this post, we’ll explore practical guidance, local insights, and the reasons why trusted historic roof care from Allstate Exteriors makes all the difference for homeowners committed to preserving Ashville’s architectural heritage. Why Historic Roof Care Matters in Ashville Many homeowners in Ashville are drawn to older homes because of their distinct charm, unique character, and timeless appeal. However, historic roofs often present challenges that modern roofing systems do not. Traditional materials such as slate, cedar shake, or metal roofing installed decades ago have specific maintenance requirements. The purpose of historic roof care in Ashville is to extend the life of these roofs while maintaining their original appearance and structural integrity. Historic roofs were built in an era before modern synthetic underlayments, advanced flashing systems, and today’s wind-resistant technologies. Over time, exposure to Ashville’s seasonal climate variations can cause traditional shingles to crack, valleys to weaken, and flashing to corrode. Homeowners who postpone preservation work risk accelerated deterioration, water infiltration, and costly repairs in the future. By investing in historic roof preservation , you are protecting the original craftsmanship that makes your home unique while also enhancing long-term durability and performance. At Allstate Exteriors , we take a customized approach to historic roof care that accounts for both the architectural significance of your home and the environmental factors specific to Ashville and the surrounding areas. With decades of combined experience working with historic properties, our team is well-equipped to assess, protect, and preserve roofs that others might overlook. Whether it is a slate roof dating back nearly a century or a cedar shake roof in need of rehabilitation, we provide solutions that honor Ashville’s past while preparing your roof for the future. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Historic Roofs in Ashville Historic roofs are more than just a collection of shingles or tiles, they are an integral part of a home’s architectural identity. Because of this, the process of historic roof care in Ashville begins with understanding the distinct issues these roofs face over time. Material-Specific Challenges Slate, for example, is a beautiful, long-lasting material that can endure for over a century, but individual slates can become brittle and break. Cedar shake roofs offer natural beauty and insulation qualities, but they are susceptible to rot and insect damage if not properly maintained. Metal roofs, often found on historic barns and outbuildings in Ashville, can suffer from corrosion if protective coatings deteriorate. Architectural Complexity Many historic homes in Ashville feature steep slopes, intricate gables, and architectural bezels that create aesthetic appeal but also complicate maintenance and repairs. Without careful inspection and a preservation strategy, water can find its way into vulnerable areas such as valleys, flashing seams, and chimneys. Climate Impact Local weather patterns also play a role. Ashville’s humid summers can cause wood materials to expand, while Ohio’s cold winters bring freeze-thaw cycles that stress roofing components. Heavy rains, spring storms, and strong winds can loosen historically significant roofing elements. Allstate Exteriors’ historic roof care services include proactive measures that anticipate these challenges and address them with precision and care.