A roof can be a deceptively complex part of your home. While they all serve the same function, there are many different styles and facets to roofs that make them all distinct. A roof valley is one such facet, possibly being a part of your roof without you even realizing it. But what is a roof valley? Learn a bit about this common aspect of a roof, why it exists, and the different types it could be, as well as how Beaulieu Home Improvement can help you with all your roof needs.
What is a Valley on a Roof?
A roof valley is the part of a slanted roof where two sections meet. When this happens, they create a V or valley shape, as the name implies. Many roofs have these valleys to assist in water drainage during wet weather, and they are important because a damaged roof valley is one of the most common causes for a leak.
Different Types of Roof Valleys
There are two types of roof valleys: the open valley and the closed valley. Neither changes the shape of the valley (it's still a valley, after all), but they do change the appearance.
An open valley refers to a roof valley where the shingles do not cover the area where the roof sections meet. In this case, that area is left "exposed" next to the shingled spaces, where the exposed area is covered by a continuous strip of metal. The most common type of metal for the job is steel, but aluminum and copper are also used.
A closed valley, then, is the opposite. If your roof has a closed valley, that means that the shingles completely cover the whole area, cut to fit so that each section can meet without overlap or gaps.
Open Valley vs Closed Valley
Both open valleys and closed valleys work just fine for your roof. As long as they keep water out and help it travel off of your roof and into a gutter, they're doing their job. There's usually no functional reason to decide to renovate so that your roof has one over the other. For the most part, it's simply a matter of aesthetic preference.
That said, open valleys are thought to have a slight advantage in terms of drainage efficiency compared to closed valleys. Shingles provide more surface area for water to cling to when it rains, slowing down drainage and leading to slightly more retention in the valley. With that in mind, the slick metal of an open valley provides a more optimal drainage surface for water to slide down.
Open valley roofs could also be slightly more cost-effective in the long run by the fact they technically use fewer shingles. After all, you won't have to pay for the shingles in the areas covered by the metal strip. While the higher initial cost of metal installation is worth considering, its ease of installation and greater longevity compared to shingles means it helps pay for itself in no time.
Contact Us at Beaulieu Home Improvement Roofing Today to Learn More About Roof Valleys
Roof valleys are a normal part of many residential homes, serving as an easy way to add some visual appeal to homes while helping them drain water more effectively. Whether you have an open valley or a closed valley on your home, they'll both help the longevity of your roof. They'll also both need some servicing from time to time, as unmaintained roof valleys are one of the most common spots for leaks to occur. If you need help with your roof or just want to learn more about this aspect of it, contact us today.
