During times of heavy rainfall, the areas that handle the most runoff are your roof valleys. In roofing contractor speak, valleys simply mean the edges where two flat panels meet. Different homes will have different styles of valleys but the way they handle rainwater flow is mainly through the use of two types of flashing.
Open and closed valley flashing are both effective options to protect the valleys of your roof against water penetration. Let our roofing experts at Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc. explain the difference between these two styles and help you decide which is the right choice for your roof.
Closed Valleys
If you’ve ever searched for a “roofer near me” and had a roof replacement, then you’ve probably seen the large sheets of plywood that make up the roof deck. These are called sheathing and they are the panels the asphalt shingles are nailed to. In a valley, these panels are covered by an underlayment layer and shingles are extended over the intersection. This is known as a closed installation, where the shingles themselves serve as the shield for any rainwater runoff the roof experiences.
Open Valleys
Open valleys make use of long sheet metal strips bent to cover the intersection of two roofing panels completely. The shingles near the edges do not extend under the metal lining and contractors are careful not to nail anything on the strip itself. Directly below this metal strip (also called flashing), is the underlayment and ice and water protection for the decking.
Making the Choice
Choosing whether you want an open or closed valley for your own roof boils down to costs, functionality and looks. Open valleys are often more expensive because of the additional metal flashing they require, but they are often more reliable as it’s best to have a third layer of protection to prevent any problems.
If you’re searching for a “roofing company near me”, turn to our professionals at Innovative Roofing & Siding, Inc., your number one go-to resource for roof repair, installation and maintenance services. Give us a call at (865) 688-2888 or fill out our contact form to schedule an inspection or request a free estimate on a roof replacement today. We serve homeowners in Knoxville, TN, and nearby areas.