In this blog article, we will be explaining the different parts of a roof. A roof may look very simple, but in reality, it tends to be a very complex structure. The first, and one of the most important parts of a roof, is the deck. The deck is the structural unit of the roof, most commonly made out of plywood or wood but sometimes concrete and metal decking is used.
On top of the deck there is the underlayment. This is a protective layer that is located between the deck and the shingles on the roof. Another important component of a roof is the flashing. Flashing is placed in places where there are intersections or openings in the roof to provide waterproofing. Flashing can give the roof a longer life and can prevent water leaks. It is mostly used on homes that have chimneys to keep water from getting between the roof and the chimney.
Another part of a roof is the eave. The eave is the part of the roof that overhangs from the wall of the roof. The place where two roof planes meet and make a sloping ridge running is known as a hip and when the planes meet and create a horizontal peak it is called a ridge.
The vent that runs horizontally along the peak of the roof is referred to as a ridge vent. The ridge vent allows warm, humid air to escape from the attic to prevent damage. Then there is the off ridge exhaust vent. These are usually individual vents and are located on the upper half of the roof. These vents serve the same purpose as the ridge vent but can be round, square, or resemble a pipe or stack. There are also undereave vents that are located under the eaves that help draw cool air into the attic.
The valley of the roof is where two sloping roofs meet to form an angle for water run off. An ice and water barrier is used along the eaves and the valleys. It is self-adhesive and protects the roof from ice and wind blown rain. The triangular section on the outer wall where the roof meets is called the gable, which is also a type of roof. The rake is the outer edge of the roof from the eave to the ridge. A metal drip edge is used at the rake. The drip is narrow and noncorrosive and provides for water run off.
Now to the part of the roof that most people actually see, the shingles. There are different kinds of shingles that can be used on roofs. One type is laminated or three-dimensional roofs. These shingles are more than one layer of tabs, this allows for dimensions and better durability. Then there are three tab shingles. Three tab shingles are strip shingles that have three exposed tabs and are spaced between the width of the shingle.
If you want more information about the different components of a roof or have any questions, please visit our website at www.apextx.com, call us 817-239-8744 or view our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ApexRoofingInc.
