Parts of Your Roof Explained

Every home has a roof. This incredible feature is what keeps you safe from pests and the elements. It’s a critical feature that needs to stay intact. Upon looking at your roof, you might be focused on the shingles. This is what most people associate a roof with, but there’s more than meets the eye. Your roof has several parts. When having your roof replaced or a new roof put on, the roofers will need to look at areas to determine their condition and whether to not replace them. It is important that this is done by professionals, so you might want to check this if you need a roofer in Longmont, CO. The roof is not an area that you want to do yourself you need certified roofing contractors with knowledge and experience. But let’s first take a look at the highlights of your roof.
 

 

Parts of Your Roof Explained

 

The Fascia

The fascia has the primary job of holding up the gutters. Without a gutter system, rainwater would pool alongside your home, creating a ton of problems for your foundation. The fascia runs horizontally with your home and parallel to the ground.

 

The Soffit

A critical component to your roof but often overlooked is the soffit. This runs perpendicular to the fascia. Its primary job is to provide ventilation and to allow moisture to escape from the roof. It also protects the rafters from water damage.

 

Valley

Anytime you see a V formation on the roof, this is considered a valley wherever sloping sections intersect, which can be found near windows or eaves.

 

Drip Edge

The drip edge is an important feature as it will protect your home against leaks. Common areas where leaks occur include around the edges of the roofline near the gutter. The drip edge is a metal piece of material used to stop water from entering the home at this access point.

 

Flashing

Flashing is weather-resistant material (membrane) that is applied at roof intersections. You might see this at the top of the roof, near vents, or along eaves and chimneys. Flashing is a critical component of your roof and one that needs to be intact to prevent water damage from happening in your home.

 

Vents

Every home needs to have exhaust vents. These vents remove the hot air and moisture that collect inside the home. Without vents, carbon dioxide and other gases would be recirculated around your house, along with moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. There are two types of exhaust vents, including soffit and ridge or gable.

 

Problems That Can Arise With Your Roof

It’s not uncommon for issues to happen to a roof. They aren’t meant to last forever, after all. One of the greatest concerns for homeowners is storm damage. High-speed winds and hail can cause significant damage. So when needing to replace your roof, it’s critical that you choose a material that can withstand your area’s climate and weather patterns. Metal roofs, for example, are an excellent choice for their rigidity and tolerance against storms.

Other issues that happen are typically a result of age. Most asphalt shingles aren’t rated to last 20+ years. Even if they are, most standard asphalt roofs don’t last longer than that due to sun exposure, changing seasons, and storms.

Are you having issues with your home’s roof? Do you suspect that you have a leak or are curious if you need a new roof put on? Any roofing problem can spell disaster for a property. It’s critical that roofs be maintained and replaced when needed. Roofing systems now have excellent durability and can last upwards of 20 years, provided storm damage doesn’t occur. If you need a new roof put on or have questions about roofing services, visit https://www.newroofplus.com today to learn more.


Published: 2021-05-19 22:54:33
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