Many homeowners might not know about the importance of roof valleys, but they’re actually an essential function of your home. The wrong roof valley could lead to many issues and will eventually need professional repairs. It’s important you know the aspects of a roof valley as well as the factors that go into choosing the right design.
With all the various types, it can be intimidating choosing a roof valley for your home. But with some information at your disposal, you can make a confident decision.
What Is the Purpose of a Valley on a Roof?
Ultimately, the main function of a roof valley is to guide water flow from the roof into valley troughs that then carry water and debris to the edges of your roof. Without these valleys, your roof would become puddled with water, leaves, dirt, and other debris, creating potential safety hazards and damage to your home.
Roof valleys themselves can be subject to this kind of debris accumulation, but the correct valley for your home can help alleviate many issues and give your home the best design for longevity.
What Are the Different Types of Roof Valleys?
There are three main types of roof valleys — cut, weaved, and exposed metal. The types differ in various ways, but there are a few central characteristics that set each design apart.
- Cost: One difference among roof valley designs is cost. Because of materials and the amount of labor needed, the cost for each design will differ. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, then a cut valley may be what you’re looking for.
- Appearance: The most obvious indication of roof valleys is how they look. Though the common passerby may not notice the difference, it’s easy to identify the design if you know what you’re looking for.
- Functionality: You’ll also want to take a look at the actual function of each design and take note of its longevity. You may want an elegant roof valley design, but your roof valley is also a defense mechanism against water damage and debris. An intricate design could hinder its function.
It’s important to take all of these characteristics under consideration and weigh what you want versus what you need. Sorting through all of this information will help you synthesize an educated, focused decision. Understanding the different roof valley types can also help your decision:
1. Cut – Roof Valley
At Scro’s Roofing Company, we install 98% of our new roofs with a “cut valley.” It’s one of our
signature pieces of our new roofing methods — we love the way it looks and believes it outperforms all the other methods of roof valleys.
First, we put down a 3-foot wide layer of Ice & Water Shield — a sticky rubber membrane — in the valley that will literally melt down to the plywood roof decking and seal all of our nails. It also provides a secondary leak barrier.
We then install the shingles to the smaller roof or lower pitch roof with a new 2-foot shingle onto the opposing roof. Lastly, we apply a bead of roofing seal 1-inch out of the center of the valley, install the opposing roof shingles into the sealant, and cut to meet our straight line. We believe this smooth cut line aids in a faster watershed out of the valley. This method of valley roofing is superior and very rarely seen by our competitors.
2. Weaved – Roof Valley
Weaved valleys, while simple to install, aren’t as durable as other options. We have seen many weaved valleys crack over time due to the extreme build-up of shingle material trying to be forced into the small valley framing crease. It takes less time to install this type of valley, and we do not typically install it unless the customer requests it. This roofing valley is also cheaper to install. In our opinion, it just does not look as good as a cut valley.
3. Exposed Metal – Roof Valley
This is the most expensive roof valley to construct — mostly due to the cost of the metal and the labor involved in the custom fabrication and installation of the metal itself. We often see this roof valley in higher-priced residential homes with copper, which also adds more to the bottom line. Using metal in the valleys is also seen more in cedar wood shake roofing, slate roofing, clay tile roofing, or even very high-end asphalt shingle roofing that is too thick to wrap into tight valley areas of the roof.
Exposed metal valleys look very rich and nice, but that look does come with a higher upfront cost. You can also choose from a variety of different colors of metal to compliment the color of your shingles.
Contact Scro’s Roofing Company for Raleigh Roof Valley Repair
Now that you have an idea of the different types of roofing valleys, you’ll have more confidence in what you prefer on your new roof. If you’re still unsure, reach out to Scro’s Roofing Company for more information on roof valley types. If you need a roof valley repair for leaks or other concerns, Scro’s Roofing Company is here for you. And if you think you know which type of roof valley you want, we provide roof valley installation in Raleigh, as well. For all of this and more, contact Scro’s Roofing Company at (919) 551-5104.
Last updated: 12/22/2021
