When you look at your home’s roof, what you see is just the surface—typically a layer of asphalt shingles. But underneath that visible layer is a complex system of components, each playing a critical role in protecting your home from rain, snow, wind, ice, heat, and time itself.
At Kavlan Contracting, we take pride in educating our customers in Lebanon, Zionsville, Whitestown, Brownsburg, and the surrounding areas. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, looking into a roof replacement, or simply trying to understand what goes into a quality roofing system, this guide breaks down the layers of a typical residential roof and explains why each part matters.
Understanding the full anatomy of your roof empowers you to make informed decisions, spot potential issues early, and get the most out of your investment when it’s time for repairs or a replacement.
The Roof Decking: Your Roof’s Foundation
Every roofing system starts with the decking. This is typically made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) and is installed directly over the rafters or trusses of your home. It serves as the structural base that supports every other layer of the roof.
In homes across central Indiana, especially older properties in downtown Lebanon or rural areas outside Zionsville, we often come across roof decking that has suffered water damage or rot due to long-term leaks or inadequate ventilation. When replacing a roof, we always inspect the decking thoroughly to make sure it’s solid, free of mold, and capable of supporting the new roof system. If not, we’ll replace or reinforce the damaged areas before moving forward.
Ice and Water Shield: Defending Against Central Indiana Winters
Indiana winters are known for ice storms, freezing rain, and snow that lingers for weeks. Ice dams—formed when melting snow refreezes at the roof edge—can force water to back up under your shingles and seep into the home. That’s where the ice and water shield comes in.
This self-adhering waterproof membrane is installed along the most vulnerable areas of the roof, such as valleys, eaves, rakes, and around roof penetrations. In Zionsville and Whitestown, where large, sloped roofs are common, proper placement of this material is critical for long-term performance.
Even the best shingles can’t prevent leaks caused by ice dams if the roof lacks an ice and water barrier. That’s why we include it as a standard component in all full replacements at Kavlan Contracting.
Underlayment: The Unsung Hero Beneath the Shingles
On top of the decking and ice and water shield lies another layer of protection: the underlayment. This layer covers the entire roof deck and serves as a secondary water barrier, adding crucial protection against wind-driven rain and moisture that may find its way beneath the shingles.
There are two main types of underlayment—traditional felt paper and modern synthetic materials. We almost always recommend synthetic underlayment for its superior tear resistance, durability, and performance in all weather conditions. In areas like Brownsburg, where high winds and sudden storms are common, a tough underlayment is a must.
Though it’s not visible once the shingles are installed, underlayment is a critical piece of the puzzle. It helps ensure your roof performs not just when the sun is shining but during every storm that rolls across the Indiana plains.
Drip Edge: Redirecting Water, Preserving Structure
Installed along the edges of your roof at both the eaves and rakes, drip edge is a thin metal flashing that directs water away from your fascia and into your gutters. It also protects the roof deck edges from rot and ice damage.
It might seem like a small detail, but the drip edge does a lot of heavy lifting. Without it, water can seep behind your gutters and damage your home’s framing. Even though building codes in Indiana require drip edge installation, we still come across roofs in Lebanon and Brownsburg—especially older homes—that lack it altogether or have poorly installed flashing.
We make it a point to install drip edge on every new roof we build, ensuring long-term durability and peace of mind.
Starter Shingles: Building a Strong Foundation
The first row of shingles installed at the base and edges of the roof are known as starter shingles. Their main purpose is to seal the edges of the roof and prevent wind uplift—especially important during spring storms and high-wind events that are typical in central Indiana.
Without starter shingles, your first row of visible shingles is left vulnerable to wind and water intrusion. Using manufacturer-matched starter shingles also ensures proper adhesion, which enhances the entire roof system’s ability to withstand the elements.
Whether we’re working on a newly built home in Whitestown or re-roofing a century-old farmhouse outside Lebanon, Kavlan Contracting always installs the right starter shingles for the job.
Asphalt Shingles: The First Line of Defense
The shingles are the most visible part of your roof—and arguably the most important when it comes to shielding your home from the elements. In central Indiana, where roofs face intense summer sun, freezing winters, hail, and everything in between, we recommend high-quality architectural asphalt shingles.
These shingles are designed to offer superior protection, long-lasting color, and wind resistance. Many also come with algae-resistant technology to help maintain curb appeal—especially useful in shaded neighborhoods in Zionsville or older developments with mature trees.
We work with leading shingle manufacturers and offer a variety of color and style options to suit any home. Beyond aesthetics, we make sure every shingle is nailed to manufacturer specs and installed with precision to maximize lifespan.
Flashing: Safeguarding Weak Points
Flashing is the metal material installed around roof intersections, valleys, and penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Its job is to direct water away from these vulnerable areas and prevent leaks.
Poor flashing installation is one of the most common sources of roof leaks we see during inspections in Brownsburg and surrounding areas. Chimneys are a frequent trouble spot. If flashing isn’t integrated properly with both the roofing material and the vertical structure, water will eventually find its way in.
We install step flashing and counter flashing using best practices and ensure it’s sealed and integrated into the roofing system correctly—no shortcuts.
Roof Ventilation: Preventing Heat and Moisture Buildup
Many homeowners overlook the importance of ventilation in the roofing system. Without it, heat and moisture can accumulate in the attic, leading to mold growth, shingle damage, and reduced energy efficiency.
A proper ventilation system includes both intake vents (usually at the soffits) and exhaust vents (usually ridge or box vents near the roof’s peak). This airflow prevents condensation in the winter and keeps attic temperatures manageable in the summer, which can prolong the life of your roofing materials and improve your home’s comfort.
In Indiana’s humid summers and icy winters, good ventilation isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. During inspections, we often find that older homes around Lebanon and Zionsville were built with inadequate venting. Updating the system can dramatically improve roof performance and prevent costly damage down the line.
Ridge Cap Shingles: Protecting the Peak
The peak of your roof needs protection too. Ridge cap shingles are thicker and more durable than standard shingles and are installed along the ridge line to seal the top of your roofing system. They are specially designed to flex over the peak while still withstanding wind and water exposure.
Using regular shingles on a ridge is a common shortcut used by less-experienced installers, but it can lead to early failure. We always use purpose-made ridge cap shingles that match your main roof system in both style and performance.
Why Every Layer Matters in Indiana
The climate in central Indiana is anything but predictable. One week may bring spring thunderstorms and tornado watches. The next could deliver blazing heat, followed by a bitter cold front. These fluctuations take a toll on your home’s roof, especially if it isn’t built with each of these protective layers working together.
At Kavlan Contracting, we don’t cut corners or leave things to chance. Every layer of your roof—from the invisible underlayment to the finishing ridge caps—is installed with care, precision, and an understanding of how Indiana weather affects real homes in our local communities.
We proudly serve Lebanon, Zionsville, Whitestown, Brownsburg, and nearby towns. Whether you need a full roof replacement, a storm damage inspection, or just have questions about your roofing system, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.
Ready to schedule a roof inspection or learn more about how your roof is performing? Reach out to Kavlan Contracting today. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure your home is ready to face whatever Indiana weather throws its way.
