Stop Thinking of Just Shingles

The 5 Critical Components of a High-Performance Architectural Roofing System

When you look up at your house, you see the beautiful, textured look of your architectural shingles. But the truth is, the shingles you see are just the finishing layer—the hat on the entire system. Your architectural shingles are only as good as the system they are installed on.

At AJT Roofing & Contracting, we know that a high-quality, warrantied roof is a complex, multi-layered defense system. Cutting corners on any of the five non-shingle components listed below will compromise your home’s protection and, more importantly, could instantly void your manufacturer’s warranty.

If you live in our targeted service areas (as detailed at https://ajtroofing.com/service-areas/), understanding these components is your first step toward getting a roof built to last.

Here is a homeowner’s guide to the five must-have elements of an architectural shingle system that work together to guarantee long-term performance and peace of mind.

1. Ice and Water Shield (Leak Barrier)

This is your roof’s first and best line of defense against the most destructive water events.

What it is: A thick, rubberized, self-adhering (peel-and-stick) membrane that creates a watertight seal. Unlike standard underlayment, it actually seals around the nails driven through it, preventing water from infiltrating the roof deck.
Where it goes: It’s required in the most vulnerable areas: along the eave edges (to protect against ice dams and wind-driven rain), in valleys (where two roof planes meet), and around all penetrations (chimneys, skylights, and vents).

The Critical Tip: If you live in an area prone to snow or frequent heavy rain, skimping on this component is a gamble. Water damage from ice dams is often not covered if this required barrier was omitted.

2. Quality Underlayment (Deck Protection)

This is the foundational layer that covers the rest of the roof deck.

What it is: A barrier, typically synthetic or felt-based, laid directly on the wooden roof decking (sheathing). Modern synthetic underlayments are a superior alternative to old asphalt-saturated felt paper, offering better resistance to tearing, creasing, and moisture.
What it does: It acts as a secondary water barrier, protecting the wood deck from moisture before the shingles are installed, and from any wind-driven rain that might get forced under the shingles later on.
The Critical Tip: For an architectural shingle system, always choose a high-quality synthetic underlayment. It provides a flatter surface for the shingles, improves the roof’s durability, and is often a prerequisite for obtaining the maximum wind-coverage warranty.

3. Starter Strips

These specialized strips are perhaps the most overlooked component, yet they are vital for wind protection.

What they are: Pre-cut strips of shingle material that are installed along the eaves and rake edges before the first row of full shingles. They have a factory-applied adhesive strip perfectly positioned to seal the bottom edge of the main field shingles.
Why they matter: When high winds blow, they try to lift the bottom edge of the shingles. Starter strips ensure that the first layer of shingles is immediately locked down and fully sealed. Without them, the roof is vulnerable to wind tear-offs from day one.
The Critical Tip: Never let a contractor use cut-up pieces of regular shingles as a starter. Manufacturers require their proprietary starter strips to activate the enhanced Wind Resistance Warranty.

4. Proper Ventilation (Intake and Exhaust)

A well-ventilated attic is the key to preserving the life of your entire roof.

What it is: A balanced system that includes Intake Vents (usually in the soffits) and Exhaust Vents (usually at the ridge) to allow air to flow continuously through the attic.
What it does: It pulls hot, moist air out of your attic, which is crucial for two reasons:
1. It prevents heat from “baking” the shingles from underneath, dramatically shortening their lifespan.
2. It prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to wood rot, mold, and mildew.
The Critical Tip: Most shingle manufacturer warranties can be voided if the attic ventilation does not meet the necessary building code (often known as the 1/300 Rule). An unbalanced system (too much exhaust, not enough intake, or vice versa) is just as bad as no system at all.

5. Hip and Ridge Caps

These are the final, aesthetic, and protective elements that tie the whole system together.

What they are: Specialized, pre-formed shingles that are thicker, highly flexible, and specifically designed to cap the peaks (ridges) and angled corners (hips) of your roof. They are often dimensional, matching the look of the architectural shingles themselves.
Why they matter: The ridge and hip lines are high-exposure points. Cutting up standard shingles to cap these areas creates an inferior look and a weak, single-ply seal. Factory-designed ridge caps offer a much more robust, multi-layer weather barrier.
The Critical Tip: Insist on manufacturer-matched hip and ridge caps. They complete the “system” look and ensure that the most exposed area of your roof is protected by a product engineered for superior durability and wind performance.

Our Commitment: The AJT Roofing & Contracting Difference

At AJT Roofing & Contracting, our expertise in system installation is how we ensure your warranty remains valid and your roof lasts its full lifespan. We pride ourselves on executing every step of the manufacturer’s required system.

We are experts in every facet of the roofing system, offering specialized services that extend your roof’s life and efficiency:

Shingles (Architectural and other asphalt systems)
Flat Roofs (Superior protection for low-slope applications)
Solar Ventilation (Maximizing energy efficiency and attic airflow)
Eavestrough & Gutter Guard (Complete water management to protect your foundation)
Skylight (Professional installation and sealing to prevent leaks and maximize light)

For a trusted partner that installs the whole system—not just the shingles—visit https://ajtroofing.com/services/ or check our full service area coverage at https://ajtroofing.com/service-areas/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Ice and Water Shield required, or is it just an optional upgrade?

It depends on your local building code and your manufacturer’s warranty. Most cold-weather climates legally require it along the eaves to protect against ice dams. Regardless of the code, all major shingle manufacturers require it in vulnerable areas (eaves, valleys, penetrations) for you to qualify for their highest-level system warranties, especially wind damage coverage.

2. Can my contractor just use regular felt paper instead of synthetic underlayment?

While felt paper is technically an underlayment, modern synthetic underlayment is far superior. It is stronger, resists tearing better during installation, doesn’t buckle or wrinkle from heat, and provides a flatter, more consistent surface for your architectural shingles. Using the system-matched synthetic product is often a core requirement for a full system warranty.

3. If I have a ridge vent, do I still need soffit vents?

Yes, absolutely. Ventilation must be balanced. Ridge vents (exhaust) pull hot air out, but they need soffit vents (intake) to allow cool, fresh air to enter the attic. If you only have exhaust, your ridge vent will end up pulling conditioned air from inside your home through ceiling cracks, which is highly inefficient and can still cause heat/moisture issues.

4. What is the difference between architectural and 3-tab starter strips?

Architectural shingle systems typically require a more robust, wider starter strip designed to align perfectly with the dimensions of the architectural shingle. These specialized starter strips have a precisely placed, wider adhesive sealant that locks down the larger shingle tabs, providing the superior wind resistance expected from a dimensional roof.

5. Why do I need new ridge caps if I still have the old ones?

Old, cut-up 3-tab shingles used as ridge caps look flat, don’t match the new dimensional look, and offer less protection. New, dimensional ridge caps are thicker, multi-layered, and designed to withstand the highest winds and hail, protecting the peak—the single most exposed part of your roof. Using old or generic caps compromises both the aesthetic and the durability of your new architectural system.

Government and Building Resources

For homeowners who want to verify building standards and understand the broader context of roofing materials and energy efficiency, here are three essential government resources:

Resource	Focus	Link
1. FEMA Wind Mitigation	Guidance on how to construct or reinforce a roof to resist high winds, a crucial concern for architectural shingle integrity.	Search for “FEMA wind mitigation guide for residential construction”
2. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Roofs	Information on attic ventilation and insulation, which are critical to shingle lifespan and energy costs.	Search for “DOE attic insulation and ventilation guide”
3. International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes	The foundation for most local building codes in the U.S. to ensure structural safety and required components (like Ice and Water Shield).	Search for “ICC residential building code roofing section”

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