If you’re a homeowner, then your roof is probably one of the most important features with respect to your house. If you’re looking to have your roof do its job in protecting your home from the elements of nature, then you’ll need to perform the proper maintenance to ensure that your roofing system is in good enough shape – which can be difficult to do if you’re unfamiliar with how a roofing system works. A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a multi-service company that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979, and he thinks that homeowners ought to be aware of the basic components of a standard roofing system, including the following:
Truss
The roof truss is a framework of beams that works to support the roof’s structure. Most trusses are pre-fabricated and lend to an easier method of roof construction.
Rafters
The rafters are the beams that run from the top of the roof towards the bottom. They are an important component of the roof truss.
Valleys
A valley is an angle that is formed when two sloping roof planes intersect. A poorly-covered roof valley can result in leaks, so roofing contractors must be extra certain to properly shingle this area of the roof.
Sheathing
Also known as decking, the term refers to panels that cover the rafters to form a base for protective roofing materials. A roof’s shingles are typically attached to the sheathing.
Ridge
The ridge is the point at the top of a roof where the sides meet and form an angle. The ridge runs the entire length of the roof and often requires the use of vents to ensure that the nearby attic remains well-ventilated.
Shingles
The shingles are the overlapping coverings that go on top of the roof. Shingles can serve both a protective and decorative purpose. Most standard roofs these days use asphalt shingles, which come in a variety of styles.
Flashing
Roof flashing is the metal lining that works to seal breaks in the roofline, thereby preventing leaks. Flashing can usually be found around the chimney and other such items that stick out from the roof.
Drip Edge
A drip edge is a sheet of metal or vinyl placed at the end of the roof to allow water to drip in a manner that does not affect the rest of the roof. A good drip edge will prevent water from seeping underneath the roof’s shingles and causing problems.
Now that you’re a bit more familiar with some of the basic parts of a standard roofing system, you can do your part to keep tabs on your roof to ensure that it continues to serve you well. Of course, if you do ever come to suspect that you might have a problem with your roof, then the best thing to do is contact a trusted roofing company or professional to evaluate and fix the problem before it gets worse.
