Roof Terminology Every Homeowner Should Know
The anatomy of a roof is much more complex than the average person may think. Even the most ambitious DIY’er wouldn’t dare start a roofing project knowing what goes into the job. But even if you don’t plan on building your own roof, it helps to know the different parts in case you ever need to call for repairs or touch-ups. Roof Bear Tampa is here to help you out with this list of roof terminology that every homeowner should know.
Deck
The deck is arguably the most important part of any roof since it serves as the base. Every other component of a roof is stacked on top of this base layer that can be made of either wood, steel, or concrete. Common materials for the roof base include plywood and oriented strand board (OSB).
Drip Edge
A simple metal sheet is placed in areas of the roof that tend to collect the most water. The water is guided down the drip edge and into the gutter system to help prevent water damage.
Eaves
The small overhang at the edge of the roof by the gutters is known as the eaves. This area is often in need of inspections since it’s exposed to the elements.
Fascia
The wooden trim along the edge of your roof is referred to as the fascia. It offers visual appeal by completing the roof’s appearance while sealing up corners and edges.
Flashing
Areas of the roof that are at high risk of water damage are touched-up with waterproof flashing for added protection.
Penetrations
A penetration refers to anything that sticks out of the roof and disturbs its structure. A perfect example of a penetration would be a chimney.
Ridge
The ridge is the highest point of the roof where the sides meet. To be more precise, the ridge refers to the seam that the roof creates when the sides touch.
Shingles
The topmost layer of the roof that you can visibly see is typically made up of shingles, but tiles can also be used. This is the “fun” part of the roof where homeowners can choose the style and color that they want for their home’s exterior aesthetic.
Slope
Every roof needs to have a slope to account for water drainage. Believe it or not, even flat roofs have a slight slope so that water doesn’t pool up on top.
Square
When a roofer talks about the number of squares that a roof has, they are actually talking about a specific unit of measurement. In this case, one square equates to 100 square feet.
Underlayment
While the base of the roof is the bottommost layer, the Underlayment rests right on top of that. This layer of the roof is designed for extra protection underneath the topmost shingles.
Need A Professional Roofer? Call Roof Bear Tampa!
At Roof Bear Tampa, our qualified contractors know every part of a roof like it’s nothing. Whether you need repairs, re-roofing, or a brand-new roof installation, we’re the best roofing company for the job! Call today to schedule your next service and request a roofing estimate.
