Everything You Need To Know About Roof Valley

When it’s time to replace your roof, homeowners can be torn between several choices. From the color of shingles to the type of underlayment you will need, it’s an important decision. But small choices can make a big difference, like the type of roof valley you choose.

So, what is a roof valley?

Roof valleys are the meeting point of two different planes of a sloped roof. They’re typically located where a dormer or addition meets the house itself. Or it can be at the intersection of two sections of roofs in different planes of the structure, such as an L-shaped or T-shaped design. 

Roof valleys are a great way to channel water away from your home. They help divert water from the roof to the sides of the building and then channel it away from your structure. But they’re more than just good drainage — their shape and material can also give your home that added curb appeal, adding character to its overall design.

So which one should you choose?

Popular Roof Valley Types

Woven Valley: Shingles are woven together through the valley in a woven valley. The roofing contractor applies shingles to both planes at the same time. They weave the shingles from each plane together without trimming them when they reach the valley. This type of valley offers a seamless appearance. However, it isn’t easy to accurately position the weave in the valley’s center.

Laminate shingles, which are stiffer and thicker than 3-tab shingles, make woven valleys difficult to install. They are unlikely to bend sufficiently to be weaved cleanly. As a result, most laminate shingle manufacturers do not suggest woven valleys. You may void your manufacturing warranty if you install woven valley.

Closed Valley: You can easily spot a closed-cut roof valley as they run in a straight line of cut shingles along the valley’s midpoint. Roofing professionals first position the shingles on one roof plane to achieve this look. Next, they come to a halt about 12 inches from the valley’s center. The shingles are then installed on the second plane, overlapping the first layer. Finally, they cut the second layer of shingles two inches from the valley’s center in a straight line. 

The top layer of shingles overhangs the lower layer by a few inches due to this installation procedure. A closed-cut valley is probably not the greatest option on the roof. Laminated shingles may be too thick to bend correctly into the valley and sit neatly beneath the second layer of shingles. In addition, it will take longer to cut through the layers of laminate shingles.

Open Valley: You can avoid the problem of meshing shingles from two roof planes by getting an open metal roof valley. Professional roofers install metal flashing along the valley, preferably galvanized or painted steel. Then, they apply the shingles after the flashing and clip them back on both sides to make some of the metal visible.

Open metal roof valleys function well, particularly when removing snow and preventing debris accumulation. They also perform better in the valley since they don’t require much nailing in between. Rather they are nailed at the flashing’s margins, which are at a distance from the valley’s center to be safe.

Most homeowners in Wisconsin prefer the look of exposed metal valleys because they define each roof plane. A roof with open metal valleys will “pop,” especially when paired with dimensional shingles.

The right valley rafter can make or break the aesthetics of your roof. By pairing a proper roofing material with the right valley, you can create a cohesive look throughout your roof — while protecting your home from moisture damage.

Choosing the right roof valley is a difficult decision. If you want to save money and increase efficiency, call BRH Enterprises today at 920-249-4228. We provide top-quality installation services in Wisconsin and will look after your needs and requirements. Our team is trained to handle any roof issues you may have, including roof valley repair and flashing.