This series, “The Basics of Residential Roofing” isn’t a course on how to be a roofer but rather an effort by us to help homeowners have a better understanding of their roof system so, when the time comes, they will have the knowledge to comprehend what is going on with their roof and what their roofing contractor is actually talking about!
In the previous post, “The Basics Of Residential Roofing: Terminology (Part 1)”, we explained some of the more common parts and elements of your roofing system. Today we are going to continue with that narrative with a few more components of residential roofs which your roof is likely to have.
Flashing
Flashing is a weatherproofing component of roofs. Primarily comprised of sheet metal, flashing is installed along areas prone to leakage such as around breaks in a shingled roof-line or around chimneys (stepflashing), skylights, or other areas. Installed properly, they shouldn’t be seen and will seal exposed areas preventing moisture from entering your home.
Valleys
Valleys are the area where two adjoining roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “V” shaped depression.
Starter Strip
The first course of roofing installed. Usually trimmed from the main roof material
Soffit
The soffit is the underside of the eaves, balcony or arch. Standing outside your home and looking up at the overhang, it is the material (plywood, aluminum, or PVC) covering the wall and outer edge of the roof.
Roof Plane
A roofing area deined by having four separate edges. One side of a gable, hip or mansard roof.
Underlayments
Asphalt-based rolled materials designed to be installed under the main roofing material for added protection.
While there are many types of residential roofing systems, these terms apply to more common shingle roofs you find around Metro Atlanta. Hopefully, if you’ve read the previous post as well as this post you learned a little about the components that make up your roof and have a better understanding of what these are and what they do. Although we haven’t covered everything in these initial articles, in future posts, we will expand on these terms and explain more in detail how they work and why they may break down.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free estimate call us anytime at (770) 419-2222.