IROOFING: ROOF BASICS 101 - GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE ELEMENTS OF YOUR ROOF
So, it’s time for a new roof, you say?
As a homeowner, the prospect of starting a new roof project can be as equally exciting as it is daunting. A new roof is one of the largest investments you will ever make in your home, and if it’s done right, it will provide your family with years and years of quality service. The thing is, the roofing industry has a language so uniquely its own that many homeowners find themselves a bit confused when it comes time to speak with a contractor face-to-face. You may be surprised to learn that even recognizable features of your home (like the attic, for example) take-on new significance when understanding your roof system.
Before you call a contractor, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these common roofing terms and you’ll be ready to talk the talk!
1. Eaves/Eave Membranes
“Eaves” are the horizontal edges of your roof. Think of this as where your roof meets your gutters, which are responsible for water management by preventing leaks and damage frequently caused from water build-up. Under the shingles of an eave, you will also find an “eave membrane”. This membrane goes under some (or all) of the shingles in order to prevent water infiltration caused by “ice dams” in the winter.
2. Rakes
“Rakes” are the angled edges of your roof. At first, it can be easy to confuse “rakes” with “eaves” (and vice-versa) due to the similarity between the two. However, the easiest way to tell them apart is to remember that rakes are set at an angle, while eaves are completely horizontal. If an edge isn’t parallel to the ground, you’re looking at a rake.
3. Ridge(s)
A “ridge” is the horizontal line on the top of your roof. The ridge is often the single longest line that can be seen on most rooftops, and it designates the highest point of the roof’s frame, usually running along the attic itself. Most properties have a single ridge, but larger structures can feature multiple ridges.
4. Hips
“Hips” are the down-sloped ridges formed at the intersection between two sloping roof planes. Hips are also something that you won’t find on every roof. Flat roofs, for example, don’t have hips. However, there are many popular styles of homes equipped with hipped roofs, including: “Hip and Valley”, “Overlaid Hip”, “Cross Hipped”, and “Pyramid Hipped”. Hexagonal gazebos are another example of a hipped roof design.
5. Valleys
“Valleys” are the “V-cut” angles formed along the junction of two slopes of a roof. As their name implies, valleys dip inward, making them the opposite of hips, which project outward. Since valleys are particularly vulnerable to water damage, they are commonly reinforced with a specialized underlayment membrane. In many cases, a “valley flashing” is also installed to help divert rain from the valley to the gutter system.
6. Flashing
“Flashing” is a resistant molding that prevents water from infiltrating the roof. There are various types of flashing, including: aluminum, galvanized steel, and plastic. Depending on its application, flashing can either be flexible or rigid. Among the most common places you’ll find flashing are valleys, the bases of chimneys, and around roof vents.
7. Drip Edge
“Drip Edge” is a metal molding that is designed to prevent water from infiltrating the roof by directing rain away from shingles located near the eaves and gutters. Drip Edge is crafted in a clip-like shape which attaches to the edge of a shingle, simultaneously blocking water from getting underneath the shingle and reinforcing the fitting itself.
8. Soffits
A “soffit” is a term for the enclosed underside of any overhanging eave. Soffits serve a purpose that is both aesthetic and functional. Aesthetically speaking, soffits cover the roof’s eaves, giving the home a more “buttoned-up” appearance by hiding visible rafters from sight. In terms of functionality, soffit vents allow air to be captured and circulated through the roof, which is then directed into the attic, improving circulation, regulating temperature, and preventing moisture damage.
9. Fascia
“Fascia” is the term for long, straight boards that run along the lower roofline and support the bottom row of shingles or tiles. These boards prevent damage to the roof (as well as the home’s interior) by blocking moisture from getting in. Fascia is fixed to the roof’s lower trusses, allowing it to carry the additional weight of the gutter system. While most fascia boards are made from wood, materials like vinyl, aluminum and plastic are also available. Aesthetically, fascia creates a smooth appearance along the roof’s edge and gives you the option to add an extra splash of color to your home.
10. Decking
“Decking” is one of the most important structural features of your home. Decking is commonly made from 1/2-inch plywood, and its purpose is to enclose the roof structure, reinforce its strength, and provide a nail bed for shingles to be secured to. If water infiltrates the roof’s outer layer and gets into the decking, you’ll need to have it repaired immediately. Otherwise, a more extensive replacement will be just around the corner.
11. Underlayment
“Underlayment” is an asphalt-saturated felt (or synthetic fabric) sheet which is installed between the roof deck and outer layer of the roof to provide additional weather protection. The underlayment helps the roof shed water while protecting the shingles from resin released by the decking. Underlayment is commonly used in steep-slope projects, and many manufacturer warranties require it to be installed by your contractor.
12. Roof Vents
“Roof vents” are an essential part of a well-ventilated home. These enclosed structures draw air from soffit vents located at the base of the roof and help regulate the temperature as well as prevent the accumulation of moisture. Roof vents have fins which are made from metal or plastic and have four open sides, allowing them to capture wind from any direction. This allows air to properly circulate through the system.
13. The Attic
The attic is the space between your roof and the rest of your home. It’s extremely important to make sure your attic is properly ventilated. It helps protect your roof system from excessive heat in the summer, and from moldy moisture in the winter. The good news for homeowners is that attic ventilation can be drastically improved by having your contractor install soffit vents. These vents allow your home to gather and circulate air from the base of the roof, which is then directed through the attic by roof vents.
Knowing and understanding these terms not only puts you a step ahead of most homeowners when speaking with a roofer, but it also empowers you when choosing the right contractor for the job. Want to learn more? Check out the rest of our homeowner-focused blogs at www.iroofing.org!