When it’s time to have your roof repaired or time to put on a new roof, your roofing contractor is going to discuss the different parts of your roof with you. They will talk about what needs to be repaired or whether or not you should have a new one installed. While they are filling you in on what needs to be done for your roof, you might be wondering what they are actually talking about. Let’s review the parts of a roof so you can understand what your roofing contractor is pointing out to you and appreciate the materials that are being installed on your home.
6 Parts of a Roof
- Plywood Sheathing – This part of your roof is basically what it says it is – plywood. This is where your roof starts after the rafters of your home. Most roofs are built with large sheets of ½” – 5/8” plywood bases for the portions of your roof to be adhered to. If you have a leak in your roof, sheathing will probably need to be replaced as well if it’s showing damage or is sagging.
- Static and Ridge Vents – Airflow and ventilation are important in your home, attic, and roof area. A ridge vent is a ventilation device that goes along the top of your roof edge or edges. This is a modern type of venting system for your roof. In the past, many homes would vent from the gables on the side of the home. Static vents are placed in a straight horizontal line on the top of your roof. They are centered between the attic rafters and installed at regular intervals.
- Flashing – Flashing is an essential part of a home’s roof. Keeping your home free from moisture is one of the main reasons a house needs a good roof, and flashing is one of the components that make this possible. Often made of aluminum, metal flashing on a roof will funnel water and moisture away from the seams and joint areas where your roof joins other components on your home such as vents, chimneys, and gutters, in the valleys of your roof, and around the edge of the roofing material.
- Drip Edge – The edge of your roof will require a specific type of flashing called a drip edge. These trim pieces will significantly siphon water away from your roof and shingles so moisture doesn’t develop under the shingles.
- Asphalt Shingles – This type of manufactured roof shingle has been around for a long time. A widely popular type of shingle, the asphalt shingle is devised of an asphalt base coated and permeated with stone or ceramic granules. Asphalt roofing shingles come in a variety of colors and various lengths of durability. These types of shingles are an excellent part of a well-designed home and will drain away moisture and protect your house from the sun for many years to come.
- Felt Underlayment – Underlayment on your roof is another key component of keeping your home dry. There are many parts to your roof and they all work well together. The felt underlayment is no exception. Modern underlayments are synthetic and offer superior moisture barrier for your roof and your home. The underlayment will be laid down in sheets or rolls to protect your plywood sheathing and your home underneath.
A Good-Quality Roof
All of the roofing components go hand in hand to provide you a safe and moisture-free living environment. Many developments in the design and composition of these roofing components over the years assures you that you will have a superior product on your home.
Your Austin Roofing Experts
As your Austin, Texas area roofing company with decades of experience, training, and knowledge, we strive to get every job right! Call us for an estimate today! As a local reputable roofing company in good standing with our customers, we will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials. This is one way we stand out from our competition.
We’d love to come out and review your roofing needs, explain the roofing components with you, and give you an idea of what your roofing project will require. We are Master Elite Contractors and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community. Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote.
