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What's in a Roof?
Parts that go into a roof remodel
When you have a new roof installed, your contractor may rattle off a bunch of words and terms that you only half understand. Well, they say knowledge is power, so to help you feel empowered to make the right decisions for you, we have compiled a list of the most common parts that go into your roof remodel, scroll through to learn more.
1. Bundle
A Bundle typically refers to a single package of roofing shingles, and they are often ordered by the square, Expect to see a full pallet of these Bundles in your driveway the day of your roof install.
3. Downspout
Sometimes also called a Leader, Downspout refers to the pipes that drain water from roof gutters, directing the flow of rainwater away from the foundation of your home and any of the weak points, such as corners and windows.
2. Dormer Flashing
Also referred to as Plain Flashing, Dormer Flashing is a long, straight piece of metal that bends at an angle. Dormer flashing is used in areas where the roof meets a flat, vertical surface, typically under a Dormer.
The color is normally dictated by the color of the shingles you chose for your new roof. the purpose of flashing is to add an extra barrier of protection between the elements and your home.
4. Drip-edge
A corrosion-resistant, non-staining material that is used along the eaves (the horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof) and rakes (the sloped sides of a roof with a gable end) to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction, preventing rot and water damage.
5. Fascia
The fascia is the attractive board along the side of the overhang and the roof that helps your roof appear finished. Your gutter sits atop the facia board. The fascia is also known as a “transition trim” between the home and the roofline. The fascia supports the shingles and helps to keep moisture out.
7. Gutter Apron
A Gutter Apron is a bent piece of flashing that tucks up under the shingles and over the gutter. It serves a few purposes. For roofs that don't have shingles that extend out to the gutters, the Gutter Apron ensures water runs off into the gutter and not back up under the shingles. It also protects the back of the gutter, since the water will flow directly into the trough, the backs of the gutter won't rust out from water and snow build up pouring down the back.
6. Gutters
The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts, attached to the facia at the end of any slope of your roof. Gutters are vital for the health of your home, as they prevent water from gathering in areas that can cause massive damage.
8. Ice and Water
Also known as "Eave Flashing", Ice and Water is self-adhering underlayment installed at the eaves of a building to prevent damage from water back-up due to an ice dam or wind driven rain. It’s also made of modified bitumen (slip-resistant), which provides a watertight seal around the shingles and around roofing nail penetrations.
9. Ridge Cap
Ridge Cap, or Ridge Shingles are special shingles used to cover the ridge of your roof- the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. You might refer to this as your roof's peak. Ridge Shingles are an important part of a completed roof, as they protect the ridge of your roof- a weak point where water can get in. And since they are thicker than the regular shingles, it is best practice to use Ridge Cap rather than cutting the regular shingles down to size.
10. Sheathing
Sheathing, or decking, refers to the wooden surface of your roof underneath the shingles. The minimum thickness of a wood deck is a 15/32” exterior grade plywood, and if your roof had any signs water damage, it will probably need a few new sheets before the shingles go down.
11. Soffit
Soffit serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose for your home. It covers your eaves and exposed rafter beams. Protect them with Soffit, in the style and color that you like, and you add some instant and easy character to your home. Soffit protects your home from weather and mold build up, saving you from future repairs. With vented Soffit, air can flow through the vents to provide regular air circulation to your attic- important for your whole-home health.
13. Starter Strip
A Starter Strip refers to a line of special, adhesive asphalt shingles that go on top of the Ice and Water and below the regular shingles. Their purpose is to protect the first, vulnerable row of shingles from the wind and anything else trying to creep in and compromise the integrity of your roof.
15. Underlayment
While the edges of your roof are protected by several layers of shingles and metal flashing, the rest of your roof's decking is protected by Underlayment- an asphalt saturated felt or specially engineered synthetic material used beneath the shingles. This helps prevent rot from happening on your decking.
Closed Cut Valley
Open Valley
Woven Valley
17. Vent
Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck. This includes attic ventilations, bathroom vents, pipes, stacks and exhaust vents. Unfortunately, the pieces that protect these openings, are also called vents, though they do get more specific. The most common vents are as follows:
Ridge Vent: Used for attic ventilation, the Ridge Vent is installed at the ridge of your roof buy cutting a channel, laying the vent and then putting the ridge shingles over the vent. This method of venting is popular because you can't see the vent unless you're looking for it, perfect for low profile homes.
Turtle Vent: also called box vents or louvers. They are spaced evenly across your roof and installed close to the roof's ridges. This type of vent is extremely easy to install or add to an existing system. If your roof's ventilation isn't up to par, adding turtle vents could solve the problem.
Bath Jack (vent): Very similar to the turtle vent in style, the Bath Jack is smaller and more protected from the weather and elements as it is used to protect your bathroom vent that actively circulates air.
12. Square
Forget what you know about geometry, this is a different kind of square. A Square is a standard unit of measurement in roofing, equal to 100 square feet. This can be equal to between 3 and five bundles of asphalt shingles, depending on the brand.
14. Step Flashing
Much shorter than Dormer Flashing, usually about six inches, Step flashing is used on sloped plains of your roof that meet vertical surfaces. One end is tucked beneath the shingles, the other is usually left exposed against the siding or chimney. Step Flashing protects the corners of your roof, whish are weak points and vulnerable to water.
16. Valley
Valley in roofing refers to the internal angle that is formed by two sloping plains of a roof meeting. It is protected by a long piece of metal known simply as Valley Metal. There are a few aesthetic choices that can be made when it comes to the Valleys of your roof.
Closed Cut: shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley while shingles from the other side are trimmed to overlap. The Valley Metal is not exposed.
Open: shingles on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley Metal is exposed.
Woven: shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternating sides as they are applied. The Valley Metal is not exposed.
Ridge Vent
Turtle Vent
Bath Jack
Every roof is different. You may find you need things that we haven't discussed here, or that you don't need certain things. The best course of action is to communicate with your contractor to discuss your roof's specific needs. Hopefully with this information in your back pocket, installing a new roof is a little less daunting for you. And when you're ready, give GeekSuite a call and we can get started on a new roof right away.
