Understanding the details can make all the difference when it comes to roofing. A lot goes into building the perfect roof, from roof types to roofing materials. Another important roofing detail is roof valleys. Despite their significance in roof performance, they often go unnoticed by homeowners until issues arise.
This guide will equip you with the essential information on roof valleys to help your clients make informed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll cover what you need to know about roof valleys.
Feel free to share this guide with customers as a resource to help them understand roof valley types. Ready to dive in? Let’s start by covering what a roof valley is and why it’s an integral part of any roofing system.
What’s a Roof Valley?
A roof valley is where two roof slopes connect to form an angle. It’s designed to allow water to flow efficiently off the roof, preventing water buildup and potential damage.
Open Valley vs. Closed Valley
There are two main roof valley types: open and closed. Each type has unique features, installation techniques, and performance characteristics. Let’s explore the differences between open and closed roof valleys.
Closed-Valley Roof
On a closed-valley roof, the shingles overlap across the roof valley. Let’s look at the key features of closed-valley roofs and additional factors to consider.
Appearance: The shingles on a closed-valley roof create a continuous and seamless look since they overlap and extend over the roof’s valley. This design hides any valley flashing.
Performance: Closed valleys protect well against leaks and allow for moderate water drainage.
Cost: Closed-valley roofs are typically more cost-effective than open-valley roofs. That’s because they use the same shingles throughout the roof and eliminate the need for additional materials, such as metal flashing.
Maintenance: These roofs should be inspected periodically to ensure the overlapped shingles remain secure and in place, especially after severe wind or rain. Any debris, like leaves or snow, should be cleared to ensure water flows freely down the valley.
Overall, closed-valley roofs are usually cheaper to install and could be an appealing design for some homeowners. However, they are prone to degradation over time. The overlapping shingles can easily get damaged in storms, unlike open-valley roofs, which are typically less prone to shingle degradation.
Open-Valley Roof
Open-valley roofs have an exposed seam, typically made of metal flashing, that runs down the valley. Let’s take a closer look at what open-valley roofs offer.
Appearance: Open-valley roofs are easy to spot, thanks to their exposed metal flashing, which creates a distinct line down the valley. Depending on the type used, the metal can add a decorative element. Homeowners can choose from copper and aluminum, among other materials.
Performance: The exposed valley on these types of roofs drains water very effectively. The metal surface reduces friction and helps water and debris flow easily, which can especially benefit areas with heavy rain or snow.
Cost: Open-valley roofs are typically more expensive than closed-valley roofs. Metal flashing can increase material costs, and the price may rise even more depending on the type of metal.
Maintenance: Since the metal flashing helps water drain smoothly, open-valley roofs don’t typically require much maintenance. If debris does get stuck near the valley, it’s crucial to clear it immediately. Otherwise, it could impede the roof’s ability to drain water efficiently.
Choosing the Right Roof Valley Type
Choosing between an open or closed roof valley depends on various factors, including:
- Personal aesthetic
- Budget
- Regional weather conditions
Both roof valley types are designed to ensure proper water drainage from the roof. Understanding these options can help homeowners make an informed decision that suits their roofing needs.
Leverage Roofing Software to Simplify Roofing Projects
When homeowners need roofing work, they face many decisions. From selecting the right roof valley type to choosing colors, it can be overwhelming. Homeowners should be able to rely on their contractor for guidance, expertise, and support at every step.
As their roofer, your ability to offer sound advice and excellent service hinges on how well-organized your business is. A disorganized approach can add to your client’s stress.
Ensure your business is organized and ready to handle your customers’ needs. Invest in roofing software to help you build a streamlined customer experience. Roofing software can help you streamline your operations with scheduling, lead tracking, and smart estimating features.
A roofing software solution like JobNimbus helps you deliver a smoother experience for your clients. Our tools allow you to manage projects effectively, give timely updates, and provide accurate estimates.
