What’s the Difference Between Open and Closed Valleys?

A valley is a weak area in the roof where two planes meet. It should be installed properly or else water can penetrate through the roof and damage other parts of your home. Many homeowners aren’t aware that there are two types of valleys and both come with pros and cons.

Read on to find out the difference between open and closed valleys from a trusted roofing company. 

Open Valleys

With an open valley, roofers use a sheet of metal to secure the roof at the joint. The asphalt shingles are then installed to the roof, then trimmed and sealed where they overrun the metal. This type of valley sheds ice and water faster, helping reduce granule loss. When properly installed, they can accentuate the beauty of your roofing system. Open valleys often cost more than closed valleys. 

Closed Valleys

Considered as the most popular type of valley, closed valleys are known for their aesthetic appeal and ease of installation. These valleys don’t need additional materials and they feature shingles installed across the area where planes meet. They are widely used in residential roofing companies because of their cost-effectiveness. 

In a closed valley, the roofer will install the shingles onto the roof deck and extend them through the valley so that the shingles conceal the valley area. After installation, the valley will be covered with shingles so that the self-adhering underlayment is completely enclosed with the shingles. However, water and ice don’t shed as fast with a closed valley, which can lead to shingle granule loss. Moreover, the thickness and weight of the shingle used can cause them to not lay flat across the roof joint. 

Kroll Construction is one of the area’s best roofing companies. Our experienced team is here to help with your home exterior needs. Call us at (734) 999-1022 or fill out our contact form to request a quote. We cater to clients around Detroit, Michigan.