18 Parts of a Roof and What They Do

Without knowing the basic components when having your roof repaired or replaced, an unscrupulous roofer can take advantage and charge you more money than necessary. Knowing the various parts that compose a roofing system will help you understand the work being done, and ensure you are treated fairly.

atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com gathered the following information to help you gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and needed parts of your home’s roofing system.

Parts of a Roof

The following are 18 parts of a shingle roofing system and their purpose:

1 – Ridge Board

This is the wooden or metal board that runs along the peak of the roof. Rafters and trusses connect to the ridge board, creating a cohesive framework for the roof.

2 – Collar Beam

A collar beam is a horizontal beam that connects two rafters that intersect at the ridge.

3 – Solid Decking

This decking is composed of solid materials, is strong and stable for bearing potentially heavy loads.

4 – Rafter

One of the multiple diagonal members of the truss that meet at the apex to support the roof deck and its load.

5 – Felt Underlayment

This layer of material is a waterproofing layer made of regular felt. It is stacked above the solid decking board and then covered by shingles or preferred roofing materials.

6 – Shingles

Shingles are the roof covering typically flat and cut or molded into rectangular shapes. Shingles can be made of multiple materials like slate, wood, stone, plastic, metal, and composite materials.

Suppliers can offer shingles in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

7 – Chimney

The vertical structure penetrating through the roof that is responsible for safely ventilating smoke and combustion or residual gases from a fireplace, boiler, or stove (wood-burning or gas equipped) to the outside environment.

8 – Chimney Flashing

A waterproofing seal installed at the penetration point of the chimney through the roof and used to prevent moisture infiltration.

A small structure called a cricket may also be installed on the raised side of the chimney to prevent moisture and debris from gathering and damaging the roof or chimney.

9 – Vent Pipe Flashing

This installation is weaved or layered into the shingle pattern preventing damage from water seepage into the roofing system.

10 – Spaced Sheathing

Spaced sheathing, also called skipped decking, refers to the type of decking identified by boards running horizontal to the rafters with a 4”- 6” space between them.

11 – Valley Underlayment

This waterproofing layer protects roof valleys from ice and water damage.

12 – Valley Flashing

Valley flashing is a waterproofing seal installed along valley lines.

13 – Lookout

A lookout, lookout rafter, or roof outlooker is a joist that extends in cantilever out from the exterior wall (or wall plate) of a structure, supporting the roof sheathing and providing a nailing surface for fascia boards. When not exposed, it can serve to fasten the finish materials of the eaves.

14 – Fascia

The fascia is the often attractive board along the side of the overhang and the roof that helps your roof have a completed appearance. Your gutters will sit atop your facia board. The fascia is sometimes called a “transition trim” between the home and the roofline.

15 – Rake

A rake board covers the top edge of siding where it meets the roof or soffit if there is an overhang on the gable end. A rake prevents rain from running behind it.

16 – Gutter

Gutters are the horizontal metal (typically aluminum) part of the water drainage system that are usually installed along the eave edges of your roofing system, or along roof features like dormers. Gutters are open at the top to collect rainwater flowing off the roof, then directing it into the downspouts.

17 – Down Spout

The primary job of gutters and downspouts is to collect water from the roofing system during rainstorms (or from melting snow) and safely divert it away from the foundation of the structure.

18 – Splash Block

Splash blocks are rectangular pieces of plastic or concrete located beneath the end of downspouts. Splash blocks are used to direct water as far away from a structure as possible while preventing soil erosion, eventually causing foundation issues.

While there are many more components that compose a roofing system, knowing the 18 listed above will give you sufficient dialog to properly address and negotiate eventual roof repairs or replacement.

Understanding What Makes a Roof

In this article, you discovered 18 roofing components that are fundamental to the proper functioning of a sloped, shingle roofing system.

The ability to address your roofing system issues directly with your roofer in clear and concise vocabulary will help you get the work done that you need.

Not knowing how to communicate your roofing system issues clearly can result in expensive, unneeded repairs, compounding existing problems, or the risk of being taken advantage of and overspending.

Sources:
goconstruct.org/why-choose-construction/whats-happening-in-construction/what-are-the-different-parts-of-a-roof-and-what-do-they-do/
checkbook.org/v2/docs/roofers/all-areas-roofers-parts-of-a-roof.pdf
asphaltroofing.org/asphalt-roofing-systems-components/

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3 Leaky Roof Causes and Solutions

The materials, and equipment found on a commercial roof are susceptible to the elements, leaks and costly damage. Taking measures to fix and prevent that damage, can save a ton of money and dramatically extend the life of your commercial roofing system.

atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com gathered information about 3 common commercial roof leak causes, solutions, and how to prevent them altogether.

Commercial Roofing Penetration and Leaks

Industry-wide, the most common roofing complaints are for leaking roofing systems. Commercial roof penetrations are often the culprit and may include vent pipes, drains, wiring connections, or any related equipment that creates an opening or hole in the roofing system.

Cause – Leaks generally occur around the penetration or joint, and when its waterproofing (flashing, pitch pans, etc.) are poorly or improperly installed. However, severe weather events and nuisance wildlife can compromise the integrity of the installation.

Solution – After discovering which penetration is causing the leak, one of the following should be repaired or replaced:

• Flashing – The waterproof layer of material keeping water from leaking through joints, vents, or appliance connection points. Read more about Types and Purpose of Commercial Roof Flashing at atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com/types-purpose-flashing/
• Pitch Pans – Used as sealants around rooftop penetrations and pipes exiting through a roof.

Depending on the roofing system, the combination of a pitch pan and flashing may be necessary to seal the penetration.

Make sure to verify that the object penetrating the roofing system is firmly held in place. The slightest vibration or movement over time will cancel out even the best waterproofing, allowing water into your property.

Poor Commercial Roofing System Installation (Bad Contractor)

If your roofing system was poorly installed, you can expect to experience everything from minor/major leaks, and partial or complete failure if your contractor neglected quality control checks, manufacturers guidelines, or necessary procedures.

Cause – Poor commercial roofing installations are generally the result of inexperienced, unqualified, or negligent contractors who cut corners, rush through installations, and neglect manufacturers and general safety guidelines.

Solution – Use strict guidelines when vetting roofing contractors to repair or replace a roofing system. To qualify a roofing company, do the following:

• Check the company’s references.
• Visit locations of their previous installations.
• Read through their online reviews.
• Search for complaints and resolutions through the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
• Verify the company’s license to operate in your city.
• Request proof of insurance coverage.
• (Once contracted) Request copies of all permits attained to allow the lawful repair or replacement of your roofing system.
• Request information about their warranty policy.

Reputable roofing contractors will make all of this readily available for your review.

If you suspect that your roof was poorly installed, have it inspected and thoroughly documented to hold the roofing company accountable for the repair or replacement of their faulty work.

You can learn more about common Mistakes that Most Roofers Won’t Tell You by visiting atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com/15-mistakes-roofers-wont-tell-you/

Commercial Roofing System Scrapes, Punctures, and Holes

TPO, EPDM, and PVC membrane systems are vulnerable to being scraped, punctured, and developing holes that go unnoticed until severe damage has occurred.

Cause – The causes for scrapes, punctures, and holes in your roofing system may include:

• Storm Debris
• Foot Traffic
• Equipment Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement
• Wildlife
• Poor Roof Installation
• Defective Material
• Inferior Quality Repairs or Patchwork

Over time, this type of damage can lead to rotting or destabilizing your roofing system’s support structure. This can result in catastrophic loss if it leads to a complete roofing system failure.

Solution – The following measures will help prevent scrapes, punctures, and holes from causing significant damages to your building:

• Install raised walkways, rooftop pavers, or walk pads from roof access points to machinery and equipment.
• Have pathways reinforced where walkways are not possible.
• Schedule thorough inspections after equipment maintenance, severe weather events, or the discovery of wildlife activity.
• Restrict roof access to maintenance and technical crew members.
• Have the roof inspected annually for signs of shrinkage, expansion, weathering, or other signs of trouble.

If left unmanaged, this type of damage has the potential to void the manufacturers and maintenance warranties.

When having your roof repaired, the expansion and contraction of materials from temperature and weather conditions must be taken into account. In many cases, the source of a leaky roof is the poor or inadequate repair of a previous issue.

Leaky Roof Prevention

Among the best measures of leak prevention for a roofing system is not to ignore it. Routine inspections and a roof maintenance plan are far less costly than a partial or total roof replacement.

Take immediate action when damage occurs. Problems with roofing systems don’t go away on their own, and are exacerbated when avoided or repairs are delayed.

Commercial Roof Leaks

If you don’t know how to address these common leaky roof issues, your building could be severely compromised and require extensive repairs well before its time.

In this article, you discovered 3 common leaky roof scenarios, what causes them, and how to quickly solve them.

Allowing problems with your leaking roof to persist will lead to structural damages, rot, mold, mildew, and very costly repairs. In the case of roofing systems, everything you can do to fix and prevent leaks is far less expensive than repairing structural damage to the building or having to replace your roof entirely.

Sources:
https://www.copper.org/applications/architecture/arch_dhb/arch-details/flashings_copings/roof_penetrations.html
https://www.nachi.org/roofs.htm

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Types and Purpose of Commercial Roof Flashing

Don’t let wet spots on your ceiling or streaks down your wall make your property look ugly and worth less money. Your leaky roof is often times the result of a failure in the roofing system’s flashing.

Without sufficient flashing, a roofing system cannot repel the elements, will ultimately fail and begin to leak. When installing a new roof or repairing a current one, it is essential that the flashing be compatible with the roofing system and be installed properly.

atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com examines the purpose, types, and application of flashing used in commercial roofing systems.

What Is Flashing?

Flashing is a layer of waterproof material that keeps water from penetrating your roofing system at joints, vents, exhausts or appliance connection points. While caulk is used to fill small gaps around doors and windows, it has an entirely different purpose, and shouldn’t be confused with flashing.

Water naturally runs downhill to the lowest point of gravity. For flashing to work correctly, all seams must be installed facing downhill. Properly installed, the upper edge of flashing should be covered or protected by tarpaper, TPO, or whichever membrane or material is used in the roofing system.

Flashing Material

Numerous materials can be applied as flashing. The two criteria commonly used when determining which material to use are:

1 – The material won’t degrade from being in contact with other incompatible material.

2 – The material is impermeable to water.

The following materials are commonly used as flashing in both commercial and residential roofing systems:

Plastic and Rubber – While primarily used as caulk, plastic and rubber are excellent water-repellants when applied as flashing.

PVC and TPO – Both PVC and TPO are popular types of roofing systems, and the same material can be used as incredibly effective and durable flashing.

Roofing Felt – Asphalt-saturated roofing felt can be used as flashing, but is not as durable as other options.

Aluminum – Durable, easy to form, and somewhat inexpensive. When left in contact with alkaline material like concrete, or treated lumber, aluminum flashing will corrode.

Galvanized Steel – Not as durable as other options, but it is very inexpensive.

Copper and Lead-Coated Copper – More difficult to bend and form than aluminum, but much more durable. Copper flashing is typically used during the installation of solar panel piping, wiring and sensor connections.

Lead – Because of its super-flexibility and durability, lead is a popular choice in the roofing industry (a favorite of masons for chimney flashing). There are potential health risks, but the use of lead flashing continues, and when properly installed can last for up to 200 years.

While most flashing is sold in rolls that vary in thicknesses and can be cut, bent, and shaped at the job site. Pre-molded flashings are also available for standard-sized exhaust pipes, vents, and fittings.

Flashing Types for Roofing Systems

The following are the names and descriptions of different types of flashing used in commercial and residential roofing systems:

Ridge Flashing – This flashing is applied at the “peak” of a dually sloped roof.

Bargeboard – This is the flashing along sloped roof edges.

Wall Abutment – This is where roof edges meet walls.

Corner Flashing – This flashing is used where walls meet, and it runs from roof to floor.

Inverted Corner Flashing – This flashing is used when the corner of a structure meets a wall. Instead of wrapping around the corner as in “corner flashing,” it is applied to the structure and the wall in an “inverted corner” from roof to floor.

Eaves Flashing – This flashing runs along the length of flat edges of a roofing system.

Drip Cill Flashing – This is the flashing which runs along the lower perimeter (at the foundation).

Valley Flashing – The point where two downward slopes meet is where valley flashing is applied.

Step Flashing – Commonly used in place of wall abutments or chimney and skylight flashing (on slopes), step flashing is the downward overlapping alternate layering of roofing and flashing material.

Metal Edge Flashing – Also known as “drip edge flashing,” this is installed around the perimeter of a roofing system to direct the flow of water off of it without entering the structure . To learn more about commercial edge flashing and coping visit disastersafety.org/ibhs/commercial-roofs-flashing-coping/

Saddle Flashing – This is the flashing used where joists meet walls or other support structures, wrapping around connection points to form a water-tight seal.

Vent Pipe/Exhaust Flashing – This flashing provides a water-tight seal at the point where vent or exhaust pipes protrude through a roof.

Cap Flashing – This flashing is usually composed of metal and is used to shield the upper edges of membrane base flashing along the top of a wall or column.

As you can see, flashing is a critical element in a roofing system. There are a few more essential components that comprise a complete roofing system. To learn these, and for more commercial roofing information and tips, visit atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com/info/

Roof Flashing Weatherproofs Your Structure

Don’t let your building unnecessarily look run-down and develop water damage from preventable water infiltration and leaks. Keeping the elements outside is what a successful roofing system does, and it dramatically relies on properly applied flashing.

In this article, you discovered what roofing system flashing is, what it is used for, the different types, and its application.

The use of the wrong flashing material on a roofing system may lead to leaks and its ultimate failure. Save money and avoid unexpected interruptions of your business by having the appropriate flashing material properly installed in your commercial roofing system.

Sources:
http://web.mit.edu/parmstr/Public/NRCan/CanBldgDigests/cbd069_e.html
https://www.nachi.org/flashing-part1-12.htm

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