The roof is more than just the shingles that you see from the curb. It’s an entire system of parts that’s actually one of the more complex structures of your home. Each part of your roof plays a key role in making it work as a whole.
Your local residential roofers from New View Roofing discuss the key parts of your residential roof and how each one works and fits into the entire system.
The Shingles
Let’s start with the most visible part of your roof: the shingles. These are usually made of asphalt, tile or metal, and are your roof’s first line of defense against the weather. Apart from serving as the roof’s primary rain and sun defense, they also play a key role in establishing your home’s curb appeal.
The roof, after all, is the most visible part of your home. When the shingles look good, so does the whole house. Your shingles play many roles, and that’s why it’s vital that they’re installed properly and given preventive roof repair and maintenance over the course of their operating life span.
Underlayment
As its name suggests, the underlayment is the “under layer” that’s below the shingles. It’s usually made of felt or other water-resistant materials and serves as the roof’s last barrier. The underlayment is usually rolled with an overlap to minimize leaks and make it as weathertight as possible.
Flashings
These are the thin metal strips that are installed on the roof’s joints – the area where water usually swells or pools into when it rains. Without the flashings, your roof will frequently encounter leaks.
The Drip Edge
This is the part of the roof that’s nailed into place over the underlayment and on the sides of the roof. It’s angled in such a way that it prevents water from accumulating on the roof and instead guides it towards the eaves and into the gutters. These are usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel similar to the flashings.
Wood Sheathing
More commonly known as the decking, this is the foundation onto which every part of the roof is installed. As its name suggests, it’s usually made of plywood although it can also be made from metal, polystyrene or concrete. When roofers call something the “roof structure”, this is to what they are referring.
Knowing the individual parts of your roof is important as it can help you prepare for when your roof requires replacement or storm damage repair. At New View Roofing, we’ll make sure each vital component of your roof is working to its fullest. Call us today at (469) 232-7220 to learn more about our services. We are residential roofers serving clients in and around Plano, TX.
