subject: There's More to Your Roof Than Shingles [print this page] There's More to Your Roof Than Shingles There's More to Your Roof Than Shingles
Glance at most home roofs around New England and you'll see a variety of asphalt shingles, wood shakes or tiles. The outside covering of the roof is the most obvious feature. But don't be fooled into thinking that's all there is to a roof.
Your roof is actually one of the most complex structural systems in your home. It is the largest system and is tasked with protecting the rest of your home, along with its contents and residents from the wind, rain, snow, sun and ice typical of our New England weather.
Here is a list of the key parts of a roof system. It is important that all components of the roof work together to provide the maximum effective protection.
Roof Deck: The flat panels to which exterior layers are attached. Most commonly made of plywood
Ridge: The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of sloping roof deck panels
Flashing: Pieces of galvanized metal or aluminum used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys
Eaves: The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof
Soffit: The finished underside of the eaves
Rake: The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall from the eave to the ridge
Rafter: The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate
Gutter: The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts
Vent: Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck
Drip edge: A non-corrosive, non-staining material used along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction
Taken together as a complete roof system, the complexities of your roof must be comprised of quality, durable materials that are properly installed and maintained by a qualified roofing contractor. If this proper roof system is done, you should be able to relax and enjoy the protection of your roof for many years to come.
