When discussing your home's roof, you've undoubtedly heard your roofer mention valleys. But what is a roof valley and why do you need one?
Every roof requires some sort of drainage system or a mechanism for water to move off the structure. The "valley" approach, in which two roof components are joined together, is one such method (typically forming an inverted V).
The valleys on your roof are designed to redirect rainwater that falls down the slopes of your roof and route it into the gutter, which then transports it away from your home.
There are two types of valleys: open and closed. Both can assist water running off your roof, but they are not the same.
Roof Valley Shapes: Open And Closed
Valley Shapes vary based on where your Dayton, OH home is located. There are open valleys and closed valleys, but all types of roof valleys serve the same purpose: they allow water to drain off your roof appropriately. When it comes to energy efficiency and downspout drainage, the contrast between open and closed comes into play.
Open Valley Roof:
An open-style valley is utilized for metal roofs and prevents air transfer to the exterior side of your roofing material.
Homes in cooler climes or at higher elevations, for example, are more likely to benefit from open valleys. Of course, water will still flow off the roof anyway, but an open valley is used when the slope of your roof is so steep that water drains away swiftly even without asphalt shingles or non-asphaltic material.
Water will stream down the roof, swiftly come down one of the edges, and flow around both sides of the valley. Water can gather on either side if there is no open valley. First, it may penetrate your shingles, causing leaks. It can then penetrate behind your drip edge and under your roofing felt.
Advantages Of An Open Valley Roof
The exposed metal in an open valley roof can improve its aesthetics as well as its weather resistance.
This facilitates shingle installation.
They are impervious to water and weather.
Closed Valley Roof:
Closed valleys, also known as "vented" valleys, are designed for asphalt roofs and allow air to escape from the gutter and the valley itself.
Closed valleys can help avoid ice dams, which is a deposit of ice along the eaves that stops water from flowing correctly off your roof if you live in a warmer region or where heavy rainfall is prevalent.
When the cold weather arrives, you don't want any water accumulating along your lower roof edge. Warm air might become trapped in the valley between the tiles and underlayment. The only solution is to remove all of the snow using a shovel or a snowblower.
Advantages of A Closed Valley Roof
A closed valley roof may be slightly less expensive.
A closed valley roof might be challenging to build if the valley angles are severe.
This blends in with the rest of the open valley on the roof.
The Best Choice: It's up to you
When deciding between open and closed valleys, we recommend conducting research and consulting with your contractor to determine which is best for you.
The 2 most important factors are energy efficiency and downspout drainage.
Metal roofs with open valleys perform best in terms of thermal performance. Closed valleys impede heat conduction through the roofing material but are better at avoiding ice damming.
Because of their superior ice-dam protection, asphalt roofs function well in closed valleys. Consultation with a roofing contractor is the best method to discover which sort of roof valley is ideal for your property. They can assist you in making an informed selection based on your specific requirements.
All Around Roofing, Siding, and Gutters are always available to answer any questions or issues you have about your roof valley or roof. Also, if you would like to book a free estimate with us, please phone (937) 902-2839, and we would be happy to assist you!
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