
The Most Important Parts of a Roof
Whether you’re trying to locate the source of a leak or want to better understand a roof replacement quote from a professional, knowing the essential parts of a roof can help you make informed decisions about property maintenance. In this article, the roofing experts at Elite Remodeling Services will teach you all the critical parts of your roof.
If you need a roof repair or replacement in Farmington, MN, contact Elite Remodeling Services at 952-646-2480. We offer trusted roofing services throughout the Twin Cities South Metro area, including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, and Lakeville.
Nine Essential Parts of a Roof
Unless you make a living as a roofer, you probably rarely think about all of the parts of a roof. Most people automatically think of shingles or tiles when considering their roofs, but these materials can’t adequately protect a home without all the other structural elements.
1. Truss
Industry professionals call a roof’s framework the truss. It comprises several components, which include:
- Rafters: Diagonal beams that rise from the roof’s edges to the ridge and provide support for the decking and roof load
- Ceiling Joists: Horizontal beams that connect the rafters, frame the ceiling, and support other elements like soffits
- Collar beams: Horizontal beams connecting pairs of rafters that meet at the roof’s ridge
The truss of a pitched roof also includes struts, purlins, and other elements.
2. Decking
Also called sheathing, roof decking provides the roof’s foundation. It supports all the other parts of a roof that protect the home from water and wind and creates a solid, even surface for nailing down materials.
3. Underlayment
Roofers install a protective felt layer called underlayment over the decking. This waterproof layer adds extra protection to help keep the roof deck dry.
4. Valley Waterproofing
Many roofs feature two or more pitches oriented in different directions. The angled lines where these differing roof pitches meet are called valleys.
Roof valleys present a higher risk of leaks because water and ice tend to accumulate in these areas. To help protect the roof frame and home interior, roofers install special waterproof membranes across these valleys.
5. Flashing
Roofing contractors install sheets of metal flashing (usually steel, aluminum, or copper) to roof sections that need extra protection against intrusive water, such as valleys, chimneys, vent pipes, and roof edges. Depending on its purpose and placement, this flashing may sit above or below other roofing materials.
6. Shingles, Tiles, Shakes, or Panels
Roof shingles, tiles, and other systems protect the interior roof elements. Roofers install these roof cover materials over the underlayment, usually in overlapping rows that encourage rain, snow, and ice to fall down and off the roof. Homeowners have several roofing material options, including:
- Asphalt
- Wood
- Slate
- Clay
- Concrete
- Metal
- Synthetic materials
7. Vents
A well-sealed roof must include proper ventilation that allows the attic to breathe. An improperly vented attic may trap heat, cold, or humidity, which can cause inefficient heating and cooling of the home’s interior and lead to maintenance issues.
8. Soffits
The roof cover extends beyond a home’s exterior walls, so we must seal the underside of the overhanging roof to prevent intrusion from water, wind, and unwanted pests. Roofers install soffit boards made of wood, fiber cement, or similar materials to seal up these parts of a roof.
9. Fascias
Fascia boards also help seal the roof by providing a drip edge. We install these on the sides of the roof edge, covering the open sections between rafters. High-quality fascia is essential because these boards often help to support rain gutters.
Minnesota’s Top Roofing Company
Now that you know the most important parts of a roof, you can trust us to take care of them. The Elite Remodeling Services team has the expertise you expect from a reliable roofing contractor. We have more than 25 years of experience in the MN roofing industry, so we understand the unique challenges of maintaining a roof in Farmington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, and Lakeville.
We can help you repair your roof following a storm, optimize its insulation and ventilation, or replace it entirely. Contact us online or call 952-646-2480 to schedule your free inspection and service estimate today.