You’re aiming for beautiful and sturdy roofing like any other Charleston SC homeowner. What do you need to do to make this happen?
To achieve this, you need a full understanding of what makes up a roof. And because we think that this is an important topic, in today’s blog entry, let’s talk about the parts of a roof and their main functions.
Why is this important? (You may ask.)
As a homeowner, you need to understand how your roof functions — individually and as a whole. Knowing how your roof and the parts of a roof work together is crucial. It helps you become more aware of its needs. Otherwise, there’s a tendency to neglect unnoticed parts of a roof that may contribute significantly to its overall well-being.
Related: 2019 New Roof Cost Calculator for Charleston SC Homes
Ready to learn the basic parts of a roof? Continue reading below.
If we’re good with all the introductions, it’s now time to focus on our main topic. What are the parts of a roof? Read about them one by one below:
The decking or sheathing is the piece of plywood that you see on top of the beams. These flat panels close and reinforce the structure. They also provide a surface (or what we call a nailbed) for the outer layer usually for roof shingles.
Many homeowners are familiar with the fascia because you can see it from the ground level. It’s the horizontal board that stretches along the edges of the roof.
This is a photo of a roofer installing fascia at the edges of a metal roof.
The fascia is usually attached to the gutters and can be made from wood or metal.
The attic is also very common to homeowners. It’s basically the extra space that you have under the roof.
As the name implies, its main function is to vent out warm air coming from the attic area. The roof vents are responsible for the proper attic ventilation as it allows air to flow freely in and out of that space.
It may not seem like it but the attic is extremely important (as with all the parts of a roof). It should have the proper ventilation that will protect the roofing system and the entire structure against moisture.
The attic should be regularly inspected regardless of the season.
The saddle’s main purpose is to lead rainwater to proper drainage. You will find it near the chimney area. Without it, water can easily penetrate the openings which can cause many roofing problems like leaks.
Pitched roofs have ridges. These are the horizontal beams that you’ll find at the top-most area of the roof.
It’s the element that’s responsible for forming a triangular shape at the top of the roof.
From the word itself, a valley connects and links two slopes in one roof. You’ll commonly find one in roofs that have two or more pitches.
The underlayment is also very critical. It functions like a barrier that shields the property against any possible threat.
It can either be made of felt that has been saturated with asphalt or it can also be a synthetic fabric. The underlayment keeps the roof free from the resin (coming from the decking). The underlayment also safeguards the structure against harmful elements like snow or fire.
You can find the eaves at the lower edge of your roof. Their main function is to drive rainwater away from the property’s walls. It helps prevent ice dams as well.
Even if they seem unimportant, the role it plays is crucial in keeping your roofing dry.
Yes, there’s another type of vent found on your roof. Have you ever seen a pipe that sticks out a roof? Those are called plumbing vents.
Here’s an example of a plumbing vent. If properly installed, it can effectively promote proper air flow for the wastewater drainage.
They let air into the house’s plumbing system. This is also important as they make sure that there’s a correct wastewater flow to the septic system.
Flashings sound very familiar to many people. They can be found in various areas of the roof such as valleys, chimneys, walls, etc.
Their main function is to prevent water from flowing down and penetrating the interior of the roof. They are usually made from metal but can also be plastic.
Improper flashing installation can lead to water damages that are difficult and costly to treat.
The last item on our list is the actual roofing system that contractors install on the surface.
Roof shingles are the most common among the many other options that you have. They come in different colors, shapes, sizes, finishes, etc.
These are the different types of roof shingles available for your home:
If you haven’t decided yet on what to choose, make sure you consult a professional roofing company. Aside from the aesthetics, you also have to consider the weather condition in your area. You need to find out if they are suitable for the chosen roofing system or not.
Related: Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Which To Choose for Charleston Homes in 2019
As we’ve mentioned in the introduction, it’s very important to know the parts of a roof.
If you’re not convinced enough, here’s an example. Think of your roof like a human brain. You don’t see your brain as a whole but you know that it’s working well.
How?
Simply because you know what works behind the scene. For one, it’s connected to the nervous system. You’re also aware of the continuous blood and oxygen flow. Then, if something goes wrong with your brain, you have clues on what parts of the body may have triggered the concerns.
If you know how one part of your body functions, along with all the elements involved, it’s going to be easier for you to guard its well-being.
This is also the reason why we’ve proactively introduced that parts of a roof. To make sure that it is always capable of protecting your house, you need to learn about the basic elements that make up your roof.
Next Read: Charleston SC Home Improvement: All About Two Storey Deck Construction
The parts of a roof are simple and straightforward. Basically, they work together to strengthen, reinforce, and seal the entire structure. There may be tiny parts that seem irrelevant but the truth is that they all contribute to the day-to-day role of your roofing. Hence, don’t neglect them.
To build a visually appealing roof that’s also sturdy and long-lasting, you have to pay attention even to the smallest details of your roof.
Want to know more about what makes great and beautiful roofing?
Talk to the experts.
The Kilburn Construction Company has been around for more than two decades now. We extend our roofing services to all South Carolina existing and aspiring homeowners. Call us today and receive your estimate, free of charge: 803-674-8649.
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