The valley of your roof plays a vital part in the functionality of your home. If you are ready to shingle a valley, you want to find the right valley option for your building. With these different choices in the market, you can find the best way to keep your home leak-free as you provide an aesthetic boost to your exterior.
The Importance of a Roof Valley
At the meeting point of the two roof slopes, you will find a valley. All the water that collects in the valley needs to flow off your roof. If you have an improperly installed valley, your roof runs the risk of severe water leakages. There are a few ways to shingle a roof valley. The closed valley and open valley methods are some of the most popular options. If you want to learn more about these choices, you should know the benefits and disadvantages of these shingling methods.
What Is a Closed Valley Roof?
Before a shingle roof assembly is installed, your home roofing company will place an underlayment over the roofing deck’s surface. For most projects, the underlayment can contain a water shield to prevent a buildup of moisture on your roof. A self-adhering underlayment is also used as a lining for the valley area.
With a closed valley, the asphalt shingles are installed on the roof deck, and they extend over the area where the roof planes meet. When the installation is finished, the self-adhering underlayment is covered by asphalt shingles. These shingles are used to protect against water damage and act as a valley lining for the roof. Since the shingles cover the entire area of the valley, this is considered a “closed” valley.
What Is an Open Valley Roof?
If you choose an open valley for your home, you often have another layer of lining added into your valley. In this valley, self-adhering underlayment is installed across the surface. After this process, a pre-bent metal lining is also fitted in the valley. These materials can be manufactured from various metals, and you want to choose one that can stand up to acid rain, weather, and other natural elements. Some of the most common lining materials include copper, galvanized steel, and aluminum.
When the asphalt shingles are installed on your roof deck, there are times when the shingles will reach into the valley. However, these shingles should never cover the center of the metal valley. Since it is an “open” valley, this area needs to be left exposed. In addition to that, those asphalt shingles are nailed to the sides of the metal valley. If any of these shingles extend into the valley area, they need to be cut to allow standing water to run-off from the roof. With any open valley, you will see a strip of metal on the roof at the meeting point of the opposing roof planes.
Should You Choose an Open Valley or Closed Valley?
If you are still undecided between these valleys for your home, you should consider the needs of your home. Many people want their homes to have a great exterior appearance. For that reason, the look of your home plays an important role in this decision.
Homeowners and contractors all have their preferences about the best valley option. For those who want to conceal the valley lining, you might want to choose a closed valley that can blend those planes into a seamless appearance. An open valley leaves the metal exposed, but you can find the right flashing materials to make the space pleasing to the eyes.
Cost is always a significant factor for any home project. If you are looking to reduce the price of materials, you should consider eliminating any metals in the valley. You can save money by cutting out some of these extra costs, especially if you have several valleys installed on your roof.
You want to choose a valley that is aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, and fully functional. There are many opinions about the functionality between open and closed valleys. If a closed valley is not constructed correctly, it tends to channel water over the bottom layer of the shingles. Open valleys also can experience some problems. Along the top of the shingles, water can back up in these open valleys. If the shingles are not properly trimmed, you also run the risk of roof leaks throughout your home.
Make the Best Choice for Your Home
When you are shingling those valleys on your roof, you should take a good look at both options. For those who want to install these valleys by themselves, you must consider the scope of the project. While you may want to try your hand at this project, a professional roofing contractor should handle any roof valley installation. These contractors know what would work best with your home, and they can help you choose the right valley options for your needs. With a little help, you can understand all the pros and cons of these selections. You want to make the right choice to improve your roof system’s functionality and appearance.
These Systems Are Very Different
As you already know, there are a few differences between these valley area options. A closed valley will blend with the rest of your roof, and they can be less expensive than an open valley. However, a closed roof might have a challenging installation, especially if your home has sharp angles. On the other hand, an open valley roof has exposed metal that can add a unique touch to your home. If you install this valley, the water is less likely to back up under the shingles.
We Can Help With Your Roofing Needs
If you still have questions about closed and open valleys for your roof, you should contact the best local roofer in New Jersey. RGB Construction has the expertise to answer all your questions and help you find the best options for your home. To schedule a consultation, please fill out the contact form.
