Are you in the process of getting your roof repaired? Do words like “gable” or “truss” sound like a foreign language? Understanding roofing terms and how they work together in your roof system will help you make sense of the repair estimates given by roofing contractors.
Gable? Drip edge? What are these terms and how do they relate back to your roof? Get to know the most common #roofingterms from our roofing experts! Share on X
Defining Important Parts of a Roof
Being able to identify the different parts of a car is comparable to your roof. If you’re unsure of how the crankshaft relates to the engine, a car diagnosis could be confusing. The same is true for the roof of your home. Becoming familiar with common roofing terms listed on estimates or inspections will help you take better care of your roof.
- Decking
- Drip Edge
- Flashing
- Gable
- Ridge Vent
- Saddle
- Shingles
- Truss
- Underlayment
- Valley
- Vent Pipe
1) Decking
The roof deck is the layer of roofing material between the frame of your roof and the outer roof shingles or coating. Besides the trusses and joints that make up the roof frame, your decking is the primary foundation of your roof. Types of deck material include steel, concrete, cement, and wood.
2) Drip Edge
Drip edges are metal sheets, usually shaped like an “L”, that are placed at the edge of your roof. Contractors install these metal sheets to direct water away from the fascia (roof edge) and into the gutter system. Older homes may not drip edges installed, but it is now required for all new homes to include drip edges in their roof systems.
3) Flashing
Flashing is the term used to define materials that are placed in specific areas on your roof to protect against leaks. Usually made of rust-resistant metal, flashing is the best way to weatherproof your home. Similar terms may include base flashing, counter flashing, step flashing, or valley flashing. Each relates to the spot on the roof where the metal strip will be installed.
4) Gable
A gable roof is the most common roof shape when thinking about roof types. The gable is the triangular portion of your roof where the edges of roof sections intersect. Similarly, a gable wall or gable end refers to the gable and wall directly underneath.
5) Ridge Vent
Compared to turbines, ridge vents are the preferred method for allowing hot, humid air out of your attic. A ridge vent is installed along the top of each roof peak and acts as a screen for interior air flow. While allowing hot air to escape from the attic, it keeps outside elements from leaking in.
6) Saddle
A cricket or saddle on your roof primarily concerns the installation of chimneys. To divert water running down the chimney to your roofing material, a ridge structure (saddle) is installed around the high side of the chimney.
7) Shingles
Usually thought of as the most popular roofing material, shingles compose the outer layer of your roof. Otherwise known as asphalt or fiberglass shingles, each home’s shingles range in color, material, and shape. Roofing contractors nail each shingle together in an interlacing pattern to ensure long term durability for your home.
Pro Tip: There are numerous shingle types to choose from your home. Be sure to coordinate the appropriate roofing material with your home’s exterior design.
8) Truss
The truss of your roof is your roof frame. Usually built away from the building site, a roof truss consists of three interlocking parts: rafters, joists, and jacks. In today’s new homes, you can find a number of different roof truss styles such as dual pitch, inverted, flat, and hip roofs.
9) Underlayment
The underlayment of your roof is a waterproof barrier placed between your roof deck and shingle material. Although shingles are your first defense against water damage, underlayment provides extra protection in case of missing shingles. A roofing underlayment can be found in there different materials including asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic, and rubberized asphalt.
10) Valley
Your roof valleys refer to the parts where your sloped roof meets, usually forming a V angle where water runs off. Depending on the design of your roof, there are three different types of valleys including woven, closed, and open valleys. It’s important to inspect your roof valleys periodically to guard against unwanted water damage.
11) Vent Pipe
Did you know plumbing has a part in your roof’s design? A vent pipe is an air pipe installed on the roof of your home to allow gases and odors to escape from your plumbing lines.
Roofing Experts in Spring, TX
Every part of your roof, even the drip edge, comes together to create a protective shield over your home. Thanks to the ingenuity of roof design, you can trust that your home won’t be exposed to weather or allow moisture to leak inside. If you’re starting to notice problems with your roof, schedule a free consultation with one of our roofing professionals. Catching roof problems early on could guard against extensive damage before it’s too late.
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