If you’re making improvements or repairs to your roof, remember: a dry roof is a happy roof, and that’s why roof valleys are so important to your roof’s structure.
A roof valley is where two sections of your roof meet and form a “V” shape. It’s a low point that channels water runoff toward your gutter. Think of roof valleys as natural water slides, guiding rain and melting snow into your gutters rather than letting them collect and cause leaks.
There are different types of roof valleys, and depending on your roof type and the weather in your area one may be a better choice than the others. Below are the types of roof valleys a quality roof service company and where they work best.
Open Roof Valleys
Open valleys are easy to recognize. They feature a visible metal strip, typically aluminum or galvanized steel. This metal strip runs down the center of the valley. Your shingles stop a few inches before reaching the middle, leaving the metal exposed.
This design allows water to run freely down the metal channel. It’s beneficial in areas with high rainfall, since it reduces the risk of water getting trapped under shingles. The metal also adds durability.
You may want an open valley if you:
- Prefer a functional, low-maintenance option
- Live in a climate with heavy rain or snow
- Want a roof system that’s easy to inspect over time
Just be aware that the exposed metal can affect your roof’s appearance, especially if you prefer a seamless shingle look.
Closed Roof Valleys
Closed valleys don’t use exposed metal. Instead, your shingles cover the valley entirely, creating a continuous look across both roof slopes. There are two main ways to make a closed valley: cut-and-woven.
Cut Valleys
In a cut valley, shingles are installed first on one side of the roof, extending slightly into the valley. Then the shingles from the other side are laid over the top and cut to create a clean, straight line down the valley.
This creates a neat appearance while still allowing water to flow down the valley without obstruction. Cut valleys are popular for asphalt shingle roofs and provide a balance between style and performance.
You might prefer a cut valley if you:
- Want a clean, tailored roofline
- Like the look of uninterrupted shingles
- Live in an area with moderate weather conditions
Woven Valleys
Overlapping shingles from both roof slopes create woven valleys in a crisscross pattern. The result is a woven appearance in which the shingles interlock through the valley.
This method requires a lot of precision. It’s typically used with three-tab shingles because thicker shingles can become too bulky in the weave. Woven valleys are more affordable to install but can be prone to water buildup if not installed with care.
You may consider a woven valley if:
- You’re using lightweight three-tab shingles
- You want a cost-effective option
- Your local climate doesn’t experience heavy storms
Key Considerations Before Choosing
When evaluating your options with your contractor, make sure that you consider these factors:
- Water Volume: Do you get heavy rain or snow? Open valleys might be more efficient.
- Aesthetics: Do you want your shingles to flow smoothly across your roof? Go with a cut or woven closed valley.
- Roofing Material: Did you choose architectural asphalt shingles? Thicker shingles don’t perform well in woven valleys. An open or cut valley will be a better option.
- Budget: Woven valleys may save money upfront, but can pose long-term risks if water flow is an issue.
- Maintenance: Open valleys are easier to inspect and clean if debris builds up.
Why Valley Installation Quality Matters
Even the best roofing materials won’t help if the valley is poorly installed. Valleys are complex areas where water behavior needs to be fully understood. Flashing, underlayment, and water barriers all need to be layered correctly for the valley to do its job. If the contractor selects the wrong type of roof valley for your home or installs it incorrectly, it can lead to leaks, ice dams, and premature roof failure, especially in this high-traffic water zone.
Likewise, if your installer cuts corners, it could compromise the entire roof system. That’s why you need to work with quality roof installation contractors who understand the importance of valley design and installation.
If you’re unsure how to find a quality contractor, one of the best ways is to read online reviews, ask contractors to show examples of their past work, or request photos of the valleys they’ve completed.
So, Which Type of Valley Is Best for My Home?
The answer depends on your roof style, budget, local weather, and aesthetic preferences.
Open valleys provide clear drainage and work well in wet climates. Closed valleys, especially cut valleys, give your roof a seamless look and are widely used for shingle roofs. Woven valleys are affordable but best suited for simpler roofing projects with lighter materials.
Whether you choose an open, cut, or woven valley, make sure it matches your climate, roof type, and visual preferences. More importantly, make sure you choose a roofing contractor in Utah who pays attention to the details. Because when it comes to protecting your home from the top down, the valley is where it all comes together.