Howe Lumber Company
555 Main Street
East Brookfield, MA 01515
(508)885-5396
Monday - Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 7:30am - 3:00pm
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Roofing
We stock asphalt shingles made by IKO. We have various colors available in both the 3-tab design, as well as the architectural. Just stop by the store to see color samples.

There are a few elements to a standard roof:

  • The Deck
    The deck refers to the wood surface that the shingles are fastened to. On older homes, the deck is made of boards, usually with a tongue and groove. Houses built more recently use plywood, usually of the CDX variety.

  • Felt Paper/Ice Barrier
    The layer that goes on top of the deck is an ice barrier. On a steeper roof, the three feet closest to the gutters are usually a rubberized ice and water shield. The rubberized barrier stands up to the ice a little better, and this is the area that is most likely to have ice back up under the shingles. The barrier protects the deck from the water and helps stop it from rotting out. The majority of the roof is covered with felt paper (usually "15 pound" felt) for the same reason. Since there is less chance of ice backing up under shingles nearer to the peak, the rubberized ice and water shield is not necessary there.

  • Drip Edge
    Drip edge, or T-Drip is a metal edging that covers the deck, and helps draw the water from the surface of the roof into the gutter system. It is usually made of aluminum (so that it won't rust out quickly), and goes under the shingles and ice barrier. This is so that when water hits it, it will slide off of the top and not try to slide underneath to the vulnerable wood deck.

  • Shingles
    The topmost layer are the shingles. On steeper roofs, a standard shingle or an architectural shingle are fine choices. For roofs that are more flat, rool roofing is a better choice, because it seals against standing water more effectively.

    Basic Roofing diagram

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    Howe Lumber Company
555 Main Street
East Brookfield MA 01515 
(508)885-5396  (508)867-3232
Monday - Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 7:30am - 3:00pm