Behind Our High-Performance Roof System

When it comes to residential roof replacement, not all roofing systems are created equal.

At Seawright Roofing in Columbia, South Carolina, we install our High-Performance Roof Systems designed to provide superior protection against wind, water, and wear. One of our top choices is from Owens Corning and incorporates multiple layers of defense to keep your home safe.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key components of a high-quality roof system and explain why each one matters for your home’s long-term durability.

Start At the Perimeter With A Durable Drip Edge & Ice/Water Shield

Our High-Performance Roof System starts at the perimeter with drip edge, a metal flashing installed along the roof’s edges. This component serves two critical purposes:

• Protects the fascia board from water damage.

• Prevents water from rolling under the shingles and causing damage to your structure.

Without a drip edge, water can seep beneath the roofing materials, leading to rotten wood, leaks, and structural damage over time.

Next, we install ice and water shield, a self-adhering membrane that sits on top of the drip edge.

This material:

• Seals tightly to the roof deck, preventing water intrusion.

• Provides extra protection in vulnerable areas (e.g., eaves, valleys, and around areas with flashing and chimneys).

We often find damaged wood around roof edges, which is why combining a drip edge with ice and water shield is crucial for preventing costly repairs.

Synthetic Felt Underlayment Goes Beyond Builder Grade

While some roofers use basic builder grade felt paper to absorb water, we find that it offers your home offers minimal protection. Instead, we prefer synthetic felt underlayment because it resists tearing during installation, doesn’t degrade as fast as traditional materials, and it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture across the entire roof.

Specialized Starter Shingles and Sealer

A common (but inferior) roofing practice is flipping regular shingles upside down to serve as a starter strip. Instead, we use a specialized starter shingle with a sealant line at the edge, which improves wind resistance by ensuring a tight seal at the roof’s perimeter and prevents shingle blow-offs during storms—a common issue for those who find themselves in need of roof repair. This small but critical detail makes a big difference in your roof’s longevity.

Why We Choose Composition vs Asphalt Shingles

When it comes to residential roof replacement, homeowners often hear about asphalt shingles and composition shingles, but what’s the difference? We recommend Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles as a top-tier choice for Columbia, SC homes.

Traditional asphalt shingles are heavier, have a shorter lifespan, and are more prone to curling, cracking, and moisture absorption over time. Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles are modern composition shingles that are built with a durable fiberglass mat core for superior strength and stability. They are then coated with weather-resistant asphalt and topped with algae-resistant ceramic granules for color retention and UV protection. Overall, they last longer and are lighter and more durable than traditional asphalt shingles.

These shingles are among the most durable on the market, which is why we trust them for our customers’ homes. They offer stronger adhesion since overlapping shingles seal to a patented nail strip for precise nail placement and exceptional wind resistance.

Ready for a Roof Replacement That Lasts Longer Than Ever?

If you’re considering a roof replacement in the South Carolina Midlands, at Seawright Roofing, we install a High-Performance Roof System designed for the longevity, performance, and protection of your home. Our expert installation team pays special attention to every critical detail to construct a roof built to withstand South Carolina’s toughest weather.

Our experienced technicians provide roof replacement and repairs in Columbia, SC, and surrounding communities like Irmo, West Columbia, Cayce, Blythewood, Chapin, and Lexington, South Carolina.

See why homeowners have trusted Seawright Roofing to deliver high-performance roofing solutions for their homes and businesses since 2014. Contact Seawright Roofing today for a free inspection.