If you need to install a new roof, you are about to start a confusing and expensive process that can be overwhelming. But knowing the parts of a roof will make this process easier for you.
It is crucial to clarify that every piece in a roofing system plays a vital role and should not be overlooked. However, a roof has too many parts, and learning about each can also be overwhelming.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about 4 of the most essential parts of a roof, its purpose, and more to empower you to make more informed decisions about your roofing system.
The roof is the most important part of any building, protecting you against inclement weather elements. Basically, they are part of our daily life. Therefore, having a deeper understanding of them is crucial. Here are 2 of the main reasons:
Roof decking is also known as roof sheathing. This is the base for the entire roofing system. You can only start your roofing replacement project after having thought about the decking. The decking is what encloses the roof structure and ensures its solidity.
A roof decking is a very durable and solid structure with a long lifespan, which will depend on the type of materials, weather conditions, and many other factors. The 3 prominent materials are:
The gutter is a crucial part of a roof since it protects your house and keeps the water away from your home.
The gutters are attached to the fascia and run the entire roof length, ending with a downspout. Gutters are in charge of your waste management.
During storms, they channel the water flow from your roof through the downspouts. With a proper gutter system, your house can stay intact after storms.
Gutters have an average lifespan of 15 years. However, it can vary a lot since there are many types of gutter materials, such as:
This part of the roof is also called “Shingle Underlay.” The roofing underlayment works hand in hand with the roof decking. This protective barrier is installed between the shingles and the roof decking.
The lifespan of a roof underlayment goes from 20-40 years. The primary function of a roof underlayment is to prevent the water from getting underneath your roofing material.
Without a roof underlayment, the water will rot the roof decking, leading to leaks, structural damage, mold, and more.
The 3 main types of roof underlayment are:
Roof flashing is an essential part of a roof; this directs water away from critical areas of the roof. Flashing is installed to surround roof features such as vents, skylights, valleys, chimneys, and so on.
The Roof Flashings come in materials such as:
The roof flashing can last up to 40 years and much more if well-maintained and properly installed.
Knowing the parts of a roof will help you make informed decisions about your roof. You will have a deeper understanding, which will help you understand what does or doesn’t need to be in your roofing systems and when they need repair or replacement.
We also know this is a very technical topic. And that your safety is not a game. Therefore, every decision about your roofing system needs to be made correctly. So, if you need help, do not hesitate to ask for professional help from a trusted roofing contractor. In this way, you can rest assured that you will receive outstanding and long-lasting results.