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What Makes Up a Roof – Your Roof Components

What Makes Up a Roof – Your Roof Components

Your roof is a combination of multiple components which all have their defined functions. All these roofing components come together to provide your home’s uppermost structure with great functionality and strength. When it comes to roof replacement, repair, or maintenance each of these parts needs to be tended to in its unique way. Experienced roofers can provide a great understanding of each part of the roof and what kind of care they need. But, before getting in touch with your roofing contractor for any roof troubles you may have, read on to find out about the anatomy of a roof. 

Roof Ridge: The point where the two roof planes converge on a roof is known as the roof ridge. The peak, commonly referred to as the highest point on a roof, is formed by this intersection. Roofing shingles are specifically designed for this area of the roof.

Ridge vent: A ridge vent is a horizontal exhaust vent that runs along the top of the roof and allows warm, humid air from the attic to escape. 

Flashing: It is a component made out of metal to stop water intrusion, flashing is a metal material used at the joint openings, around chimneys, and any dormer windows or skylights. Flashing can be recognized as the metal stair steps next to a chimney or the side walls of a roof.

Hip: The confluence of two roof planes that come together to produce a sloping ridge that runs from the peak to the eave is known as the hip on a roof. Shingles for the hip and ridge are specially made for this area of the roof.

Roof Deck: Typically built of wood or plywood, the roof deck serves as the structural support and provides a roofing frame for the roof system.

Roofing underlayment: It is a layer of material, typically synthetic or felt, that provides additional protection on top of the roof deck and underneath the shingles. Underlayment made of synthetic materials aids in moisture repulsion and offers defense against water intrusion.

Roof Valley: The section where two sloping roofs converge at an angle to form a V-shaped intersection known as the roof valley.

Roof Shingles: These are rectangular, flat slate-like components laid on the roof surface from the bottom edge of the roof to the top edge. They shield the roof from precipitation and give a house character.

Roof Gable: The triangular portion of the exterior wall between the eave and the peak of the roof is known as a roof gable. Gables are also known as rakes.

Metal drip edge: A metal drip edge is a thin, noncorrosive strip that is used to divert dripping water by promoting water outflow to safeguard the wall's underlying portion.

Dormer: A elevated portion of the roof is referred to as a dormer. A window that extends vertically through the roof slope is a common feature of dormers.

Eave: The lower edge of a roof that projects over a wall is known as an eave, and it is often found in the first three feet of a roof. 

Under eave vent: Undereave vents are intake vents that bring cold, dry air into the attic and are situated beneath the eaves of the roof.

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