While it may seem like a simple structure from the outside, every roofing company knows that a roof is anything but simple. Roofs are constructed of many different parts, each of which plays an important role in the entire installation. This is why it is so important that you hire experienced roofing services to perform essential roofing maintenance. Take a look below at the many mysteries contained under your shingles and understand why maintenance is so important.
1. Shingles or Panels
Shingles or panels are the materials you see on the outside of your house. These materials provide the main weather protection for your home and cover all the other parts of the structure. Yet without these other essential parts, roofing services would have no wayto attach the exterior materials.
2. Underlayment and Decking
Directly under the exterior material lies the decking and underlayment. Decking, which is affixed over the support structure of the roof, usually consists of thick plywood. It provides a flat surface onto which your roofing company affixes the exterior material. Between the decking and the shingles lays the underlayment, a thick, watertight felt that protects the decking yet allows some ventilation.
3. Trusses and Rafters
The decking is attached to the trusses, which are the basic skeleton of the top of your house. Trusses support the weight of the decking, underlayment, and external materials. The rafters are the cross beams that support the trusses. Trusses and rafters are produced as one complete piece. They are an essential part of every roof and can be seriously damaged if regular roofing maintenance is not performed.
4. The Ridge
The ridge is the highest point on the roof and the main beam that joins all the trusses together. It runs the length of the top of the building while the trusses span crosswise over the width of the space. Since it is the highest part of the house, it is standard to install ridge vents that aid in attic ventilation by allowing rising hot air to escape.
5. Soffit and Fascia
The soffit is the underside of the eaves, which is the overhang where the trusses extend out from the wall. This area is sealed in order to close off access to the attic. The soffit should have multiple vents to promote the intake of fresh air into the attic and maintain adequate attic ventilation. When poor ventilation is a problem, one of the ways roofing services may remedy this is by adding more soffit vents.
6. Dormers
Dormers are structures installed around windows that extend from the main angle of a sloped roof. Dormers protect the window, provide more space and light into an attic or upper floor of the house, and look attractive on many homes with more traditional architectural styling.
7. Valleys
Valleys are the inside angles created where two separate roof angles meet, such as in the corner of the main slope and an extending dormer. Valleys are areas known to suffer from leaks if materials are not properly installed by an experienced roofing company; they should be regularly checked during routine roofing maintenance. Preventing leaks in valleys takes careful installation of materials and protection with quality flashing.
8. Flashing
Flashing is the protective trim that covers the intersections of the valleys and joints as well as around vents and other protrusions through the surface of the installation. This trim is made of metal and covers exposed edges such as shingle edges, preventing water from seeping through the external materials to the underlayment, decking, and trusses below. Flashing is also one of the most commonly damaged or lost parts of any roof and should be replaced as needed to prevent damage.
The next time you wonder whether you actually need to hire roofing services to inspect your installation or do routine roofing maintenance, think about all the unseen parts that need care along with your shingles. Damage seen on the outside of your home is usually not the only damage present. Avoid problems with your structure and the many parts hidden beneath the exterior surface by arranging for regular inspections and maintenance with a skilled roofing company!
