Your home is your greatest asset. So, it's best to know all of its anatomy, and the roofing lingo, to help stay up to date and make sure your roof keeps in tip top shape.
Each part of your roof has a specific function and can get storm damage in its own way -- leaving your home vulnerable to the elements and pest.
In this post, we'll cover each part of the roof, their function, and the importance of their maintenance.
Abutment - The junction of a roof surface with a wall, or any other structural feature, which arises above it. Can be vulnerable to leaks from high impact rain. This is a common place for the waterproof protection of flashing.
Chimney flashing - Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier system. This flashing is located on a chimney baseline. Signs flashing has lost its integrity include corrosion, rusting, curling or broken shingles, patches on the roof and leaks in the attic or interior walls.
Drip Edge - Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof intended to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edge overhangs the sides of the roof. When getting a roof replacement the drip edge must be replaced. We would not recommend a contractor who wants to leave the old drip edge to cut corners and out bid competition. New drip edge is a must for proper roofing.
Dormer - A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof. Leaks are common for these structures. Adding flashing is the best way to prevent water damage here.
Downspout - A pipe to carry rainwater from a roof gutter and to a drain or to ground level. Downspouts can become bent out of shape from severe weather or rusted. Replace to ensure protection from water for the foundation of your home.
Eave - The part of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building. Eaves are susceptible to water damage caused by ice dams, improper flashing, torn shingles, and faulty gutters.
Fascia - A horizontal board that runs along the edge of the roofline as a finishing touch. This helps to boost your home's curb appeal. Water and sun exposure can cause the fascia to crumble.
Flat Roof - A flat roof is a roof that has no slope and runs parallel to the ground. This leaves is susceptible to all weather conditions, the collection of debris, plus the ponding of water and biological growth.
Flashing - A flat and thin metal material used to prevent water from running into any cracks or openings of the roof. Often placed at critical areas to help waterproof the baseline of chimneys, side and front wall abutments, valleys, vents, skylines, and roof edges. Signs flashing has lost its integrity include corrosion, rusting, curling or broken shingles, patches on the roof and leaks in the attic or interior walls.
(Chimney Flashing)
Gable/ Rake - A roof is considered gabled when there are two sloped planes to a roof that meet at one ridge. The rake is the sloped side of a gables end.
(Gable roof and Gable end)
Gable End - A wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof. Wind damage can be common here.
Hip - A hip roof, also known as a pavilion roof, has four slanted sides or planes. It has the ends enclosed, as well as the sides.
(Eave, drip edge, hip roof, hipped edge, rain gutter, and soffit/underside)
Hipped Edge - From the ridge to the eaves, where two sides of the roof meet on a hip roof.
Rain Gutter - A surface water collection system that channels water away from the foundation of the building. Damage can look like dents from hail, bending away from the roof from storm damage, and clogging from debris.
Ridge - The horizontal line, also know as the peak at the top of the structure, running the length of the roof where the roof planes meet. Check for loose shingles from high winds here.
Sidewall - A junction between a wall and a sloped portion of a roof.
Skylight - A window made of translucent materials located on the roof, that is designed to admit light. Skylights can leak, so ensure well maintained flashing here.
Soffit (Underside) - Located under the eaves of a roof — A soffit is an exterior or interior architectural feature. Generally runs horizontal, at the vertical bend is where the fascia is located.
Valley - A "V" shaped slope where two slopes meet. This can be a common place for leaks. A flashing can be added here, but proper laying of shingles can help guide the water to the gutter system.
(Clear picture of a valley, gutters, and downspout)
Storm damage can also happen around the window frame, typically from hail and debris.
With weather conditions being so unpredictable in Oklahoma, make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of weather damage on your roof. Contact us today for an inspection on your roof! We're based in Ada, Oklahoma, in Pontotoc county, and are here to serve all Oklahoma locals.
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