There are many different terms when it comes to your home’s roof. Below are the terms we believe all homeowners should be aware of when it comes to their roof, making it easy to identify when there may be a potential problem.
1. Roof Shingles
Roof shingles are the individual overlapping components that cover the roof. Common types of shingles include asphalt, wood, metal and slate. Renaissance Roofing, Inc. only installs asphalt shingles. As the outermost layer, shingles serve as your home’s first line of defense against harsh weather.
2. Flashing
Flashing is a thin material, often made of metal, installed around roof penetrations (such as chimneys, vents and skylights) to prevent water leakage. Flashing is another weatherproofing component that is placed in areas where water is likely to penetrate. It seals joints around your skylights, chimney, vents and wall abutments. Inadequate flashing can lead to leaks and water damage.
3. Underlayment
Underlayment is a water-resistant layer installed beneath the shingles to provide an additional barrier against moisture penetration – this would be the Deck Armor laid over the plywood sheeting. Deck Armor underlayment is another layer of protection against the damaging rain, wind and snow.
4. Soffit
Soffits are the underside of the roof overhang, typically located beneath the eaves. Soffits often contains vents to facilitate attic ventilation.
5. Fascia
Fascia boards are installed along the roof’s edge and provide a finished appearance. They also support the gutters.
6. Ridge
The ridge is the highest point of the roof, where two slopes meet. Ridge vents may also be installed to allow hot air to escape from the attic.
7. Eaves
Eaves are the lower edges of the roof that overhang the walls of the house. They help protect the exterior walls and foundation from water damage. Eaves also work to keep pests and insects out of your home.
8. Valley
A valley is the internal angle formed where two sloping roof sections meet. Special flashing is used to direct water away from these areas.
9. Roof Pitch
Roof pitch refers to the steepness of the roof slope, often expressed as a ratio or angle. It affects drainage and the type of roofing materials suitable for the roof.
10. Ice Dam
An ice dam forms when snow melts on the warmer sections of the roof and re-freezes at the colder eaves, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. This can lead to water infiltration and damage.
11. Trim
Trim is what seals joints and drip edges, keeping moisture from entering your home. It also improves the exterior visual appeal of the entire roof system by providing seamless transitions from slope to slope.
12. Chimney Cap
A chimney cap’s main purpose is to prevent water, animals, and debris from entering into your chimney. Chimney caps also prevent sparks or embers from escaping your flue and landing on your roof or property.
13. Low Slope Roofing Systems
GAF’s Liberty Self-Adhering SBS modified granule-surfaced roofing membrane is designed for use with LIBERTY™ Self-Adhering Base/Ply Sheet and helps provide durable protection on low-slope areas of your property, including porches, garages, carports, and sheds. Materials can be installed without open flames and with no fumes or odors and provides durable protection for the low slope areas of your roof.
14. Drip Edge
Drip edge is an angled piece of flashing that is installed over top of a fascia board. Drip edge helps redirect water from the fascia into the gutters. Drip edge can be installed on the rake, eaves, and gables of your roof.
15. Ventilation
Roof ventilation is a system of vents and fans that allow air to flow through the attic space, removing heat and moisture.
Intake vents: located at the lower parts of the roof, like the soffit or under eaves, intake vents allow fresh air to enter the attic.
Exhaust vents: Located at higher points of the roof, like the ridge or gable, exhaust vents allow hot air to escape your attic.
Below are some examples of exhaust and intake vents:
Can Vent (exhaust)
Bath Vent/ Kitchen vent- comes in various sizes (exhaust)
FasciaVent (intake)
Soffit vent (intake)
Solar powered Fans (exhaust)
16. Starter Strip
Starter strips are an important and integral part of an asphalt shingle roof system. They aid in the roof's water-shedding ability by locking down all the shingles with powerful adhesive. This adhesive also helps prevent the shingles from ever blowing off.
17. Attic Insulation
Properly air sealing and insulating an attic space can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulation saves money on heating and cooling bills and helps to keep the attic temperature where it should be. Proper insulation is an important barrier that prevents heat from moving between the attic and the living spaces of the home.
Knowing these terms can make it easier for homeowners to identify when something may be wrong with their roof’s integrity. Having a professional do an evaluation is always the best way to ensure your roof is in good shape and your home has proper ventilation. Renaissance Roofing, Inc. is here to help with your roofing needs! Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 734-495-0996.
