Roofing 101 The Roof Over Your Head

Your roof works hard to protect you

Most of us only think about our roof when it leaks. The TSW Roofing Solutions team wants to change that! A roof covers a lot of territory, has a big job to do, and is continually subjected to harsh weather conditions. Annual maintenance, starting with an inspection (because every roof should be inspected every year) will help you keep small problems from becoming big disasters.

So, here’s some Roofing 101, starting with the basic parts of your roof and the jobs they do.

What is a roof system?

A roof system comprises these three major components.

  • Decking: wood base. The type of wood used depends on the type of roof covering.
  • Underlayment: leak barrier between the deck and the roof covering. The three basic types are asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic.
  • Covering: slate, asphalt, or wood shingles; tiles; metal; rubber.

Other roof parts (the short version)

All of the parts of the roof work together to keep weather from entering your home. Damage or deterioration in any of the following can cause roofing problems.

  • The ridge is the highest point of the roof. The ridge is usually vented to deflect weather away from the attic and help pull air out of the attic.
  • The eave is the lowest point of the roof, extending past the exterior wall.
  • Valleys are “Vs” created where two sloping roofs meet.
  • Flashings are materials used to waterproof the area around projections, such as chimneys and vents.
  • A vent pipe is a vent line extending from the roof that allows sewer gas to escape and prevents trap siphoning.
  • The drip edge is metal material that properly channels water away from the roof’s edges.
  • The soffit is the cover between the outer edges of a roof and the adjacent wall of the house. Soffits may be vented for air intake.
  • Fascia is board mounted on exposed ends of rafters or the top of exterior walls. Fascia protects the roof and the interior of the house from weather damage.

Don’t wait for leaks

Many problems can be resolved without replacing the entire roof, depending on the age, overall condition, and type of roof.

Don’t wait for a leak to remind you of the work the roof over your head does for you every minute of every day–schedule an inspection now.

About this blog series

Quality roofing products and workmanship will enhance your home’s comfort, appearance, and value. The TSW Roofing Solutions team wants you to understand the components of your roof system, because we know that informed homeowners make smart choices about contractors and materials.

We’re here to solve your roofing problems!