Roofing Component Guide

Decoding Roofing Jargon: Understanding the Different Parts of Your Roof

Your roof is made up of several components, each serving a specific purpose in protecting your home. Understanding these different parts can help you communicate more effectively with your roofing contractor and better maintain your roof. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the more common roofing terms and what they refer to.

Shingles: Shingles are the outermost layer of your roof and provide protection against the elements. They're commonly asphalt based, but come in various materials.

Underlayment: The underlayment is a water-resistant barrier installed beneath the shingles. It helps protect the roof deck from water damage.

Ice & Water Shield: This is a tar and asphalt based material, that has a peel and stick application. It's commonly used in valleys and eve edge or anywhere else prone to ice and water damming. It adheres to shingles installed overtop.

Drip Edge Flashing: Flashing is a thin, metal flashing used to direct water away from the edge of your roof and protects the plywood from rot and decay.

Soffit: The soffit is the underside of the roof overhang. It provides ventilation for the attic and helps regulate temperature and moisture levels.

Fascia: The fascia is the vertical board that runs along the edge of the roof. It provides support for the lower edge of the roof and is where the gutters are attached.

Ridge: The ridge is the highest point of the roof where two roof slopes meet. Ridge vents are often installed here to allow hot air to escape from the attic.

Eaves: The eaves are the lower edges of the roof that overhang the walls of the house. They help direct water away from the walls and foundation.

Valley: A valley is the intersection of two roof slopes where water runoff is concentrated.

Knowing these roofing terms can help you better understand your roof's anatomy and communicate effectively with your roofing professional. Regular inspections and maintenance of these components can help extend the life of your roof and protect your home from water damage and other issues.