What Are The Components of a Residential Roof?

As a homeowner, it is important to understand the components of your residential roofing system. The roof protects the entire structure of the home and knowing what every component is responsible for is essential for its proper upkeep and maintenance. Bob Harvey Roofing explains

The Architectural Parts of a Pitched Roof

Despite their many shapes and structures, roofs have a standard set of architectural parts. These include:

1. Roof plane: Also known as the field of the roof, the roof plane is essentially the flat surface of the roof.
2. Ridge: The point where the two roof planes meet is known as the ridge of the roof.
3. Valley: The structure where two roof planes connect in an inward projection is the valley.
4. Dormer: Projecting out of the roof, this structure provides space for a window or light to enter the home.
5. Abutment: Found commonly in smaller homes, the abutment is where the roof face connects to the wall of the house.
6. Hip: The point where two roof faces connect in an outward projection is known as the hip.
7. Gable: The triangular structure below the point where two roof planes connect is the gable.

The Anatomy of a Residential Pitched Roof

Apart from the architectural structures, there are layers in a roof that provide it with strength and durability.

Shingles

These are easily the most commonly found and recognizable components of a roof. While wood and slate shingles were the preferred choice in olden times, asphalt shingles are more utilized in the last century. Available in a variety of colors, asphalt shingles come in the following styles:

1. Traditional or 3-tab shingles
2. Laminate or architectural shingles
3. Designer shingles
4. Solar reflective and thermal emissive shingles
5. Mock slate shingles

Flashing

Flashing is the material roofers use to transition between surfaces. Flashing is usually a thin metal sheet that is installed around several vertical features on a roof including chimneys, plumbing vents, and dormers. This helps protect the interiors of the home from water damage that can otherwise seep through the shingles, decking, or underlayment of the roof.

Underlayment

For further protection, roofing professionals recommend adding an underlayment, which is a fabric-like barrier, onto the decking of the roof. The underlayment helps with:

1. Protecting the shingles from resin released by the decking
2. Avoiding the seepage of water
3. Preventing ‘picture framing’, which is a phenomenon that occurs with the contraction and expansion of wood panels

Ice and Water Protector

Ice and water protectors are placed beneath the shingles to prevent roof damage caused by harsh winds, snow, and ice. In areas that are prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or high snowfall, it is recommended to install ice and water protectors across the entire surface of the roof deck for greater durability.

Roof Frame

The roof frame, also known as the roof truss, is the wooden structure or skeleton that holds all other components of the roof. There are several local and national quality standards that contractors must adhere to when building the roof frame. It is then completely covered with thin wooden panels known as roof sheathing or decking.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Roofing System

If you are looking to embark on your roofing project, there are several factors to consider:

1. Cost: Depending on the area you live in, there are certain materials you must use to safeguard your roof. However, if you are looking to save costs, asphalt shingles are an excellent choice.
2. Warranty: It is recommended to always review the warranty document and understand your coverage closely before making a decision.
3. Maintenance: Even though the roof is considered a sturdy component of your home, it is advised to conduct routine maintenance at least twice a year for the best protection.

For more information on the various components of a residential roof, contact Bob Harvey Roofing today!