The Basic Roof Components

Many materials and components go into making a roof. Before embarking on roof repair or replacement, it would be essential to understand them. Here are some of the basic roof components.

Chimney

A chimney is a tube or hollow column that runs from inside the house and through the roof. The chimney is a passage through which smoke and gases are channeled into the air. This structure is usually located above the fireplace or furnace.

Gutter

Shallow and narrow troughs located under the edge of the roof to direct rainwater away from the roof. A gutter is part of a water discharge system that collects and diverts rainwater. There are two types of gutters: vertical and horizontal.

Valley

This refers to the point at which two sloping surfaces of a roof meet. This component is known as a valley because it resembles a valley in shape.

Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is a cover placed on top of the chimney to keep animals, rainwater, and debris from making their way into the chimney and blocking the passage. This cover also stops sparks and embers.

Vent Stack

A vent stack is an opening whose purpose is to carry heat, air, in, and water vapor from the inside of a building and pass them into the atmosphere.

Attic Vent

The attic vent is part of the ventilation system in the attic. The vent supplies fresh air into a building through the attic space.

Ridge Cap/Vent

A material or covering that is placed on top of the ridge of the roof to act as a ventilator. As a ventilator, the ridge cap makes it possible for warm and moist air trapped in the attic space or rafter cavity to escape.

Fascia

A fascia is a board that is firmly attached to the edges of a roof rafter. The fascia can also be used to offer additional support to the gutter.

Soffit

The soffit is an undersurface of an overhanging part of an exterior roof eave that remains exposed. Soffits are also used as surfaces onto which soffit vents and air inlets, which are crucial for attic ventilation, are installed.

Counter Flashing

The primary purpose of flashing is to ensure that the roof system edges remain weather-proof and sealed, especially in the areas where there is no roof covering. This may include valleys, perimeters, expansion joints, drains, and penetrations. To ensure that flashing is watertight, a strip of metal known as counter flashing is placed over the flashing.

Hip Ridge

A material or covering that is placed on top of the ridge in case of a hip roof. The hip ridge helps in enhancing durability and improving aesthetics. They have to be made of high-quality materials.

When it comes to roof repair, the job is best left to the experts. Weatherford Roofing has years of experience in providing quality roofing services and products. The next time you have a project, reach out to us for quality services that meet your needs. Our licensed and insured technicians will be happy to work with you.