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Roofing Components | Big League Roofers of Louisville

What is Drip Edge?

Drip edge is a narrow strip of noncorrosive, waterproof material that is used at the rakes and eaves of your roof to help manage dripping water.  As a standard, Big League Roofers of Louisville uses a premium Drip Edge material with all of our shingled roofing installations.  This will ensure your roof and the supporting walls will stay protected from water runoff year round.

Drip edges have two key purposes:

1.) To direct water away from fascia: Due to cohesion, surface tension and other forces, water droplets tend to stick to one another and to the surfaces they are on. A drip edge is designed to take advantage of those forces and, along with gravity, direct water away from the roof and into the gutter.

2.) Protect from wind-driven rain: When conditions are serious, the wind pushes water around on a roof. Shingles, along with underlayment and ice and water protector, keep wind-driven rain from harming the roof’s deck. However, on the edges, the drip edge must compete with the wind. Wind can easily push the water upwards before gravity pulls the water down. The drip edge needs to hang significantly off the edge of the roof and has two to four inches of lower flange to combat this.

 

Master Flow Metal Slant Back Roof Vents

Master Flow Metal Slant Back Roof Vents by GAF, have louvers to direct exhausted air upward, helping prevent shingle discoloration and offering excellent weather protection.

Reduce heat and moisture buildup that can lead to ice damming, roof deterioration and mold infestation. Helps air flow through the attic to manage temperature and moisture.

Products Benefits:

  • Allows outside air to flow naturally upward and out of attic.
  • Promotes a cooler, drier attic.
  • Helps prevent moisture from being trapped in insulation, structural wood, shingles and roof deck.
  • Helps prevent rotting, mildew, drywall damage, peeling paint and warped siding.
  • Helps increase the performance of your roof.
  • Works year-round for consistent ventilation without energy consumption.

Roof Ridge Exhaust Vents

Roof Ridge Exhaust Vents help improve air flow and allows heat and moisture to escape the attic through the ridge. They are flexible enough to conform to virtually any roof slope, and their unique baffle design improves airflow by keeping leaves, pine needles or similar debris from impacting the performance of the vent.

Products Benefits:

  • Outstanding performance – net free vent area** of 20 sq. in. per lineal foot
  • Excellent versatility – patent-pending corrugated ridge design and alignment tabs allow for additional flexibility and strength to accommodate virtually any roof pitch, resulting in a strong uniform ridgeline
  • Roof durability – proper ventilation helps maximize the performance of the entire roof system

Roofing Underlayment

The Final Layer of Moisture Protection

Installed beneath the shingles, the underlayment acts as a critical secondary barrier between your roof deck and the elements. It serves multiple protective functions:

  • Shields the deck from wind-driven rain and snow infiltration
  • Adds an extra layer of fire resistance and UV protection
  • Helps prevent mold, mildew, and rot caused by trapped moisture

There are several types of underlayment, including syntheticasphalt-saturated felt, and rubberized asphalt, each offering varying degrees of durability, flexibility, and water resistance.

 

Ice & Water Barriers

Your Roof’s First Line of Defense in Vulnerable Areas

Ice & water barriers are self-sealing, adhesive-backed membranes specifically engineered to safeguard the most leak-prone areas of your roof. These include:

  • Roof valleys, where two slopes meet and water flow is most concentrated
  • Around roof penetrations like ventschimneys, and skylights
  • Eaves and rakes where ice dams commonly form in winter conditions

By forming a watertight seal around nails and fasteners, these barriers help prevent moisture from seeping into the underlying structure—keeping your attic dry and your home free from mold and rot.

 

Metal Flashing

Metal flashing plays a critical role in protecting your roof from water intrusion. It is typically made from corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper, and is installed at vulnerable points where different parts of the roof meet—such as along valleys, around chimneys, vent pipes, dormers, skylights, and at wall intersections.

The purpose of flashing is to direct water away from seams and joints, preventing moisture from penetrating beneath the roofing materials and into your home. Without proper flashing, these areas become prime targets for leaks, rot, and structural damage.

You might notice flashing as a series of metal “step” pieces along the side of a chimney or roof-to-wall junctions—this is called step flashing and it’s designed to move water safely off the roof. Other types include:

  • Continuous Flashing (also known as apron flashing): Used where a vertical wall meets a sloped roof.
  • Counter Flashing: Installed over step flashing and embedded into masonry (like chimneys) to create a watertight seal.
  • Valley Flashing: Runs down open roof valleys to channel water safely to the gutters.

At Big League Roofers, we inspect all flashing during roof repairs and replacements to ensure it’s installed properly and performing as intended. Improperly installed or deteriorated flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks—but also one of the most preventable.

Whether you’re dealing with an active leak or just want peace of mind, our team is ready to make sure your flashing—and the rest of your roof—is in top condition.