Aside from that, it will always come in handy for future home improvements.
For these reasons, we will be focusing on the parts of a roof and their functions today.
Here is a rundown of the different parts of a roof and their functions.
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1.
Shingles
It is essentially a roof cover that comes in flat and rectangular shapes.
They are installed at the roofs eaves after the roof decking is placed.
At present, solar shingles have also become a trend.
Its main function is to prevent water from entering the eaves.
To make it ultimately waterproof, shingle underlayment is also applied after.
Ridge
It is technically known as the ridge board.
It is the horizontal wood or metal resting at the roofs peak creating the roofs triangle.
In technical terms, it is the highest peak on a roof.
In terms of function, the ridge is connected to therafters and trussesto make the roofs frame.
Valley
It connects two pitched/sloped roofs, forming an angle of 90 degrees.
Essentially, it is the roof valley that collects the water that will fall off the roof.
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4.
Eave
It is considered as the lowest point in a pitched/gabled/mansard roof.
They are also called roof edges overhanging from the walls face projecting from the side of the house.
It is the one that connects the gutters to the roof.
Technically, it functions to dump the wall with water trickling down the surface.
Soffit
It is a fixture considered to be both aesthetic and functional.
This is the roof structure that you will see when you straighten a roof up.
It is located in between the wall and the roofs eaves.
It basically conceals the ceiling joists and the rafters.
Its basic function is to protect the rafters from natural elements such as moisture and molds.
Through this, it also helps preserve the longevity of the roof materials.
It is used to describe the sloped sides at the ends of a gabled roof.
It can be flat or with overhangs.
Rake with overhangs can be left open or can be closed with the fascia or soffit.
It can also be customized for roof aesthetics.
Sidewalls like its front wall counterpart are vertical walls intersecting with the roof decks surface.
It connects the edges of a sloping roof deck.
Flashing
It can be made with different materials including aluminum, galvanized steel and plastic.
Thus, it is typically mounted in roof valleys, vents, chimneys and skylights.
Through the various types of roof flashing, ponding water is redirected in many parts of the roof.
Hip
It is the external angle functioning as the intersection where adjacent sloping sides of a roof would meet.
It provides an additional usable space in the roof that is why it is also called a living roof.
They are commonly used in locations with arid climates and on commercial buildings.
Dormer
It is also called the dormer window because it provides a space where the skylight is housed.
It projects out of the roof surface or beyond the plane of a pitched roof.
Functionally, dormers work to increase usable areas in compact rooms/lofts.
Abutment
It is a term used specifically in bridge construction and in roofing.
They can be found on the side, top or around these vertical areas where they connect with.
Low pitch areas
They are also called low slope areas or just low spots.
They are common among flat punch in roofs.
Low pitch areas are basically the lower slopes in the whole roofing system.
However, it is in low pitch areas that ponding usually occurs.
When left without high quality putty, ponding can damage the roof sheaths and the wood rafters over time.
Downspout
It is the pipe installed vertically from the roof down to the ground.
It is the pipe connected to the external gutter and channels the expelled water down to a designated point.
While it is usually made of PVC,downspoutscan also be made of galvanized steel and other plastic materials.
Drip Edge
It is a punch in of metal flashing used to protect underlying roof fixtures.
It is installed along the eaves to re-route water flow away from the fascia.
In structure, it hangs from the roofs sides.
It has a small metal flange bent away from the fascia.
Fascia
It is also called roof lines.
The fascia would be the boards running the points where outer walls of the house meet the roofs.
Gutters
It isan important external roof fixture.
It is a duct functioning as a water discharging system for the house.
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18.
Rafter
It is essentially the wood/metal frames that work as the frame/skeleton of the roof.
It is a diagonal shaped structure that is included in the truss.
It meets at the apex and its main function is to support the roof deck from heavy loads.
For visuals, you could check this video fromNSM Construction.
Underlayment
It is also called as underlayment membranes.
Vent Pipe:It is also called as plumbing vents.
They usually extend from the buildings waste pipes and are installed through the roof.
Through vent pipes, sewer gases are released outside the house/building instead of being trapped inside it.
These pipes also allow more oxygen in the waste pipes lessening the bad smell that comes from them.
Collar beam
It is usually used in domestic roof construction.
Basically, a collar beam is used to frame the ceilings structure.
Ice and water protector
They are more commonly called ice and water shields.
They may not be necessary but particular states require them in their building codes.
These shields are basically types of underlayment used to prevent ice dams and heavy, wind-driven rains.
This must be clear because it is not often considered as part of the roof.
It is both aesthetic and functional.
Aesthetically, provides additional lighting and sky views.
Functionally, it offers more ventilation and acts as egress during emergencies.
It comes in the form of a window or ceiling installed directly in the roof.
It is housed by a dormer.
Check out these beautiful skylight designs fromDecoistandHome Designing.
Lookout
It is also called a roof outlooker or a lookout rafter.
Structurally, it is a wooden joist from a buildings wall plate extending to the cantilever.
It is also used as a joist where finished materials of the eaves are fastened.
Solid decking
It is more popularly called roof decking.
It is a composite decking made of solid materials.
As the cliche goes, knowing where it hurts will save you from prolonged pain.
It does not hurt to know the parts of a roof and their functions.
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