Are you unsure what makes up a roof other than shingles? This article will help you understand the essential parts of a roof and its layers. This knowledge will allow you to communicate confidently with your roofing contractor, such as Roofing Repair Milford MA, when working on your next roofing project.

What are the main parts of a roof?

Roof ridge

A roof ridge or ridge is the horizontal line that runs the length of a roof from where the two roof planes meet. This intersection is sometimes called the peak. Hip and ridge shingles were explicitly made for this area of the roof.

Ridge vent

A ridge vent is an exhaust vent that runs horizontally across the roof’s peak and allows warm and humid air to escape the attic. 

Flashing

Flashing is a metal material installed around joint openings and chimneys. This roof part also protects against water infiltration through skylights or dormer windows. You can identify flashing as the metal stairs that run alongside a chimney or side walls of a roof.

Hip

A hip is an intersection of two roof plans that join to form a sloped ridge running from the peak towards the eave. The hip is the part of a roof made explicitly for it.

Roof deck

The roof deck, also known as the structural foundation for the roof system, is typically made from wood or plywood.

Roof underlayment

Roof underlayment includes additional protection to the roof deck and underneath the shingles. In addition, synthetic underlayment safeguards against water infiltration and repels moisture. Synthetic underlayment has become more popular than felt because of its long-lasting durability and proven water resistance.

Roof valley

A roof valley is a V-shaped intersection of two sloping roofing roofs joined at an angle for water runoff.

Laminated architectural shingles

The laminated architectural asphalt roofing shingles have more than one layer. This addition amplifies the dimension, performance, and durability of the roof. Occasionally, you can also call architectural shingles three-dimensional shingles and laminated shingles. On the other hand, three-tab shingles are the opposite of architectural shingles as they consist of one layer of tabs and look flat or lack the dimension of a laminated roof.

Roof gable

A roof gable is a triangular section at the peak roof between a sloped roof, and an eave is called a roof gable. Sometimes referred to as a roof rake, a roof gable can also be called a rake.

Metal drip edges

The metal drip edge is a thin strip of non-corrosive metal used at the rake or eave to manage drip water and allow water to runoff to protect the wall’s underlying section.

Dormer

A dormer is an elevated section of the roof. Dormers often have a window that extends vertically through the roof’s slope.

Water and ice barrier

A self-adhered waterproofing membrane that protects against wind-driven rain and ice damage is installed in eaves, valleys, and side walls.

Eave

An edge is the part of the roof that extends beyond the wall. It’s usually found in the first three feet.

Undereave vent

Undereave ventilation is an intake vent under the roof’s eaves. This part helps draw in cool, dry air to the attic. You can also use ventilation calculators to calculate your roof ventilation needs and determine how much ventilation is required to ventilate your roof.

You’ll be able to see gables and dormers everywhere you go now that you know the basics of a roof’s anatomy. You’ll also have an informed conversation about your options with your contractor when it comes time to replace your roof or some parts.