Open Or Closed Roof Valley Better

When installing a closed valley the roofer will cover the roof with underlayment.

Open or closed roof valley better.

It is always a good idea to check with the manufacturer or a certified installer of the product such as ourselves. I kind of prefer the look of the closed valley. After covering the roof with underlayment they ll then install a pre bent metal valley. For an open valley a sheet of metal usually steel sometimes copper is fastened to the roof deck.

Open valleys may be susceptible to water backup if the cut off shingles are not properly trimmed potentially causing roof leaks. Thus closed roof valleys extend the time between your roof repair projects. It might cost a little more in materials around 150 500 on average depending on the home and material. For this reason professional roofers proudly supports the closed system of valleys.

The metal is usually pre painted to best complement the shingles color blend. The open valley looks like each plane of the roof was cut in separate and the eye is drawn to the separation. However a closed system simply performs better. Although the open valley is recommended by the manufacturer closed valley is acceptable.

I m leaning towards an open metal valley but i ve had contractors disagree saying that the metal expands and contracts too much. Roofers on the other hand often prefer an open valley because they feel it is more practical. The reason that many roofers like an open valley is that they feel that tree leaves and needles will more easily slide down or wash down an open valley when it rains. The closed cut valleys are cheaper and commonly done in my area but they tend to wear out sooner due to the high volume of water in the valley washing away the protective grit on the shingles there before on the rest of the roof.

The shingles will act as the valley lining and will protect the roof deck and underlayment against water run off. The only type of valley that is unacceptable is the woven valley. It is important to remember that a closed valley conceals the valley lining and allows the planes of the roof to blend together. Closed roof valleys are also more affordable as installing a metal lining costs extra.

Open valleys on the other hand leave the metal exposed which may be more pleasing to the eye especially if copper is used as the valley lining. Architects often prefer closed valleys to open valleys as they feel that it gives a home better architectural appeal. However it is said that provided the rest of the roofing shingles were properly installed and are performing properly open valleys will perform better over time than closed valleys. When installing an open valley the roofing company will add another layer of lining to the roof valley.