From planning to construction and installation your roof is a complicated system of interconnected parts. However, learning the parts of a roof can not only help reduce stress but also make roof replacement in Wichita much easier to understand. Dingers Roofing & Construction understands the value in teaching homeowners more about their homes. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide on parts of a roof homeowners should know about.
Parts of the Roof Support Structure
Roofing structures are the support systems for your home. These parts support the roof’s weight and frame the home’s attic space. The two major parts of every residential roof include: the roof deck and rafters.
Roof Deck or Sheathing
Your roof deck is the solid structural surface that form the foundation of your roof. Think of it as the ‘floor’ of your system. It’s the layer directly attached to the rafters or trusses and serves as the base to which all other roofing materials are fastened.
Rafters or Trusses
Rafters and trusses are the main support beams and structural pieces that support your roof deck and entire roofing system. The main goal of rafters and trusses is to distribute the weight of your roof down to the wall of your house.
Protective Parts of a Roof
The protective components act as a shield for its internal systems and structures. Underlayment, soffit, fascia, roofing materials, gutters, and downspouts protect the roof’s resisting moisture and other types of damage. As a result, the protective parts often take consistent damage over time, and typically need the most extensive roof repair in Wichita.
Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is a water-shielding, protective layer installed directly onto the roof deck. This durable layer is a secondary barrier between your deck and the elements. The most common type of underlayment is made of synthetic material, usually tar paper, or rubberized asphalt. The underlayment is then installed under your shingles to help prevent leaks.
The key takeaway: quality underlayment in Wichita is crucial given the high humidity and severe weather. Likewise, pairing the best roofing materials with quality underlayment will help add to the overall lifespan of your roof.
Soffit
The roofing soffit is the underside of the roof overhang that extends past the exterior walls of your house. Imagine standing next to your house and looking up at the edge of your roof. The visible underside of that overhanging portion is the soffit. The soffit allows fresh, cool air to enter the attic and works with the exhaust vents to provide proper ventilation.
Roof Fascia
Roof fascia is the vertical board that runs along the lower edges and slopes of your roof. Simply put, fascia are the finished edges or trim boards you see facing outwards from the side. Keep in mind that your home’s gutters hang from the fascia boards and that they protect the inner parts from the elements.
Flashing
Roof flashing is the thin metal installed at junctures and penetrations in your roof’s surface to prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas. The flashing acts as a waterproof sealant and redirects water around the parts of your roof where it meets different elements. For example, roofers use special types of flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Downspouts
Downspouts are the vertical or angled pipes that connect to your roof’s gutters. They essentially provide a channel for rainwater collected by the gutters to flow down to the ground level and away from your home’s foundation.
Roof Ventilation Parts
The airflow regulates temperature and moisture which prevents a range of problems. Ventilation parts include: intake vents, exhaust vents, and baffles.
Intake and Exhaust Vents
Intake vents bring cool, fresh air into your attic and promote air circulation. These vents are typically a part of the soffit or on the fascia boards around your home.
Exhaust vents simply allow hot, moist air to escape from your attic. These vents are often near the highest points of your house and include ridge, box, and turbine vents.
Roof Baffles
Roof baffles are physical barriers in the spaces between your rafters, near the soffit vents. These barriers prevent the insulation from blocking the intake vents. The baffles give your attic a dedicated pathway for cool, dry outside air to enter, giving you better ventilation and air circulation.
Did You Know?
According to Energy Star, proper attic ventilation can save homeowners money on energy bills throughout the year. Good ventilation regulates the temperature in the attic and helps disperse trapped heat through the roof’s surface.
Quality Roofing Service from Local Experts
Contractors design every home to protect your home and keep you safe. In fact, familiarizing yourself with your roof can help you better identify when repairs or replacement is needed, and better communicate with roofing contractors. If you notice any problems with your home, contact Dingers Roofing & Construction in Wichita, KS for a free roof inspection with no obligations.