Your asphalt shingles are part of a larger system that is your residential roof. Many of us only think of the asphalt shingles when referring to our roof. However, it is vital we recognize the many other parts of our roof too. Failure to do so can lead to serious damage to your home, which results in costly repairs.
When you understand the many different parts of your roof, you can approach roof maintenance in a better way. When seeking roof repairs or a replacement, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to know what your roof really needs. Of course, it is always best to leave it to the experts, but having that foundation of knowledge will make you a better homeowner.
Residential Roof Parts
Here are all the parts of your residential roof explained:
Asphalt Shingles: The outermost layer of your roofing system that is doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of designs, styles, and colors. They are installed from the bottom to the top of your roof.
Underlayment: A second layer of protection underneath your asphalt shingles. It acts as a barrier to keep moisture from penetrating the roof decking below. It is typically made of synthetic felt, as most modern roofs have moved to this type of material.
Decking: Referring to the wood planks underneath the underlayment and asphalt shingles. Decking acts as the foundation for all other roofing materials. This part is accessible from your attic and is the last line of defense against moisture from the outside.
Roof Valley: The v-shaped intersection of two sloping roofs. Specialized flashing is placed in this area since it is a high-traffic area for rainwater.
Roof Ridge: The highest point of your roof, also known as the peak. Specialized shingles are installed on ridges.
Ridge Vents: Specially designed vents located on the ridge or peak of the roof. These vents allow hot hair to escape the attic and let cooler air enter through the soffits.
Eaves: The portion of the roof that hangs over the side of your home. Eaves contain three other major parts of your roof: fascia, soffits, and gutters.
Fascia: The outer portion of the eaves facing out away from the house. This surface is used to install your gutters and drip edges, which assist in the collection of rainwater.
Soffits: The underside of eaves containing vents for cool air to enter. Soffits allow cooler air to enter the attic and maintain the temperature of the entire roof.
Drip Edges: A piece of metal used to divert water runoff to gutters rather than the wall or shingles.
Gutters: Canals hanging on the fascia of the eaves to collect water and send it away from the house. Gutters are paramount to keeping your roof protected from water damage.
Flashing: Typically made of metal and installed at seams of the roof, such as the base of chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights. It acts as an additional barrier against moisture at the weakest points of the roof.
Understand Your Roof’s System
At Expert Roofing & Remodeling, we believe education is essential when you’re a homeowner. You can learn more about your roofing system and the asphalt materials on your roof by visiting our Complete Guide to Asphalt Roof Shingles. When you understand the parts of your roof, you can be a more responsible homeowner. We want to assist you in caring for your roof system. When you notice an issue with your roof, give our Dallas roofers a call.
We’ll assist you in diagnosing the problem, learning the cause, and implementing a solution. Our roofing contractors have years of experience handling roof repairs and replacements on a wide range of residential roofs. Give us a call at (469) 809-6160 or visit our free estimates page to fill out the form. We want to keep your home protected through expert roofing services!