Use our numbered roof diagram to familiarize yourself with the common parts of a roof and its layers so you can confidently communicate with your roofing contractor during your next roofing project.
What are the common parts of a roof?
1.
Roof Ridge
is the point at which two opposing roof planes meet. It’s the highest point on a roof, and it’s represented by a horizontal line that runs the length of the area where two roof areas intersect.
2.
Ridge vent
is an attic exhaust vent that runs horizontally along the roof’s peak, allowing warm, humid air to escape.
3.
Flashing
is a thin, galvanized steel sheet used by professional roofers to deflect water away from essential portions of the roof, such as where the roof plane meets a vertical feature such as a wall.
4.
Hip
on a roof, the hip is the point where two roof planes meet to form a sloping ridge that runs from the peak to the eave. Hip and ridge shingles are created specifically for this area of the roof.
5.
Roof Deck
The roof deck, which is often built of wood or plywood, serves as the structural foundation for the roof system.
6.
Roofing Underlayment
is a protective layer of synthetic or felt material that sits on top of the roof deck and beneath the shingles. It helps in the repelling of moisture and the prevention of water intrusion.
7.
Roof Valley
a roof valley is a point where the slopes of a roof meet. It shields the roof from moisture and bad weather. It slightly alters the angle and direction of the roof’s slope, preventing debris from accumulating on top.
8.
Roof Shingles
Roof shingles are small pieces of building material that are put over the underlayment, sheathing, and trusses of a roof to add beauty and protection from the elements.
9.
Roof Gable
The triangular piece of the outside wall at the top of the roof, between the sloping roof and the eave, is known as a roof gable. A “rake” is a term used to describe a roof gable.
10.
Metal drip edge
is a small strip of noncorrosive metal used at the rake and eave to help control dripping water by allowing water discharge and protecting the wall’s underlying part.
11.
Water barrier
a water barrier is a self-adhered waterproofing membrane that protects against ice damage and wind-driven rain by being put along eaves, valleys, side walls, and other vulnerable places.
12.
Eave
an eave is the lower border of the roof that overhangs the wall, usually located in the first three feet of a roof.
13.
Undereave vent
Undereave vents are intake vents that are situated beneath the roof’s eaves and help bring cold, dry air into the attic.oof.
You’ll start to see dormers and gables all over the place now that you know how a roof works. You’ll also be able to have an informed conversation with your roofing contractor when it’s time for you to get a new roof, which is more important than the other thing.
Visit Sabal Construction and Roofing or ask your contractor at 239-360-4848 for more information to find out more about the layers of the roof and the parts that make up a whole roofing system.
