What goes into a new roof
Seven layers of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System, not just shingles. Scroll to build one from the deck up.
01
Roof deck
The plywood everything else is nailed to. With the old roof torn off, soft or rotted boards are replaced before anything goes on top.
02
Leak barrier
A self-sealing membrane where water gets in first: along the eaves, in the valleys and around chimneys and vents. It helps stop leaks from wind-driven rain and ice dams.
03
Roof deck protection
A synthetic underlayment over the rest of the deck. It shields the wood from any moisture that gets past the shingles.
04
Starter strip
A row of starter shingles along the eaves and rakes, with adhesive that seals the first course down. It helps guard against blow-offs at the edges, where wind gets under a roof.
05
Lifetime shingles
The layer you see. GAF lifetime shingles, in the line and color you pick. Everything below is what keeps them on and the water out.
Browse the shingle catalog
06
Attic ventilation
Cobra ridge vents let hot, damp air out of the attic. Without them, heat and moisture build up under the deck and shorten the life of the whole roof.
Why attic ventilation matters
07
Ridge cap
Thicker shingles shaped to fold over the hips and ridges. The finishing touch that helps defend against leaks where two slopes meet.