The roof consists of different parts that each play a role in keeping your home safe from the elements. This is why, before you decide to call the roofing company for repairs, you need to know what and where the problem is. Whether it’s leaking or structural wear, learning about the parts of your roof will help you to pinpoint the problem areas.
Roof Truss
Acting as the skeleton of your roof, the truss is the basic wood frame that gives your structure form. It includes the rafters, which are beams that run throughout and the valleys (corners going inward) or hips (corners going outward).
Underlayment
To protect your structure from moisture and water damage, your roofing uses an underlayment. The underlayment is a water-resistant sheet that acts as a moisture barrier. It is placed beneath the shingles to catch leaks that could pass through the shingle layer.
Flashings
The flashing is a piece of metal that protects the roof’s most vulnerable areas, like the valleys and chimneys. Flashings are thin, metal sheets but some are made of other materials, such as plastic and other composite materials that are impervious to water.
Shingles
The topmost layer of your roof is the shingle layer. It is the front line of defense against weather, sunlight and debris. Many roofing companies offer a variety of shingle materials, from asphalt to metal.
Pitch
While it is not exactly a part of your roof, the pitch determines how well your roof sheds water. Simply put, it is the slope of your roof. By modifying the pitch, you can modify its level of maintenance. Higher pitched roofs are low-maintenance but require more framing to install and they also become harder to reach. Meanwhile, lower pitched and flat roofs are easier to repair and install.
DryTech Roofing LLC is the leading home improvement service provider in Maryland. Call us at (240) 491-5600.