Roofing 101, Part 3: Starter Strip Shingles

In our Roofing 101 series, we’re focusing on each of the seven layers that go into a durable, dependable roofing system. Each product, or layer, has a specific purpose and it’s important to be aware of all of them when considering a roof contractor in the Dane County area. That said, thus far in the series, we’ve covered: Part 1: The Importance of Leak Barriers Part 2: Roof Deck Protection In Part 3 of the series, we’re shifting our attention to starter strip shingles, which help guard your roofing against shingle blow-offs. Before we begin, it’s important to note that if you are looking at an asphalt replacement roof you’ll want to go with a dependable brand that’s known for excellent durability and style. We recommend the GAF brand, and they’re America’s #1 asphalt roofing company. In this article we’ll be looking at the different starter strip products made by GAF, and even if your roofing company doesn’t use these particular GAF products, it’s important to ensure they’re using something of comparable quality and durability,

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Roofing 101, Part 2: Roof Deck Protection

In Part 1 of our Roofing 101 series, we focused on the first layer of defense your roof provides — the leak barrier.   In Part 2 of the series, we shift our attention to roof deck protection, an underlayment that assists in shielding your roof deck from moisture infiltration. In case you’re not familiar, an underlayment sits just above the leak barrier, and underneath the rest of the components of your roof. Underlayments can be made of different materials, including asphalt saturated felt and more modern, synthetic materials.  The significance of roof deck protection is the fact that it covers your roof deck and its sole purpose is to act as a secondary moisture barrier — going a long way in preventing wind-driven rain from breaching your roof and causing damage to your home. That said, the roof deck protection product your roofing contractor uses is a critical component to the roof replacement process. At Legacy Exteriors, our asphalt roofing brand of choice is GAF. Their products are fantastic, and they are also America’s #1

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Parts of a GAF Shingle Roofing System

Did you know there are seven parts to a GAF shingle roofing system — including ridge cap shingles, attic ventilation, rooftop accessories, shingles, starter strip shingles, roof deck protection and leak barriers? In this article, we’re going to cover each of these parts, what they look like and where they can be found on a GAF roof. In case you’re not familiar, GAF is America’s number one brand of shingles makers, and it’s the top choice of the Madison-area homeowners we work with because of the outstanding aesthetic, quality, and warranties. The following is just an overview of each part of a GAF shingle roofing system. That said, if you have questions, please reach out! We’re always happy to help answer any questions you may have about your roofing. Let’s get started with our overview … RIDGE CAP SHINGLES Designed to help defend against leaks at the hips and ridges of your roof. ATTIC VENTILATION This goes a long way in helping reduce attic moisture and heat to prolong the life of your roof. ROOFTOP

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The Benefits of Working with a GAF Master Elite Certified Roofing Contractor

If you think your roof is in need of repair or replacement, it’s a good idea to get educated about the importance of using a certified roofing contractor in the Madison area, as well as the brands your potential roofing contractor typically uses. This article touches upon both of these topics. First, just know that there are many brands to consider, and as you might imagine they are not created equal — which is why we recommend going with a brand that offers excellent products, along with an outstanding warranty. WHAT WE RECOMMEND At Legacy Exteriors, we typically install GAF roofing materials, as they are the number one brand of shingles makers in the country. The quality of GAF shingles is remarkable, which is why they come with such solid warranties. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you hire a roofing contractor that is GAF certified … WHAT IS GAF MASTER ELITE® CERTIFICATION?  In a nutshell, it’s a way of ensuring your roofing contractor is “leveled up,” as GAF Master Elite contractors are able to

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