ROOFING 101: THE ANATOMY OF A PITCHED ROOF
What is decking and what is its purpose in a roof?
What are the unseen parts of a roof?
Rafters
These are sturdy beams that form the primary framework of your home. Rafters serve as the foundational structure that supports and holds up the entire roof.
Decking
Positioned on top of the rafters, the decking forms a solid surface that serves as the base for the roof covering. Normally made of plywood, the decking provides stability and support for the layers that follow.
Underlayment
Installed directly on the decking, a layer of underlayment, typically made of felt, offers additional protection. This underlayment serves as a barrier against moisture and helps prevent water penetration into the decking and rafters.
What are the different parts of a hip roof?
Hip Ridge
The hip ridge refers to the sloping, diagonal ridge that connects two sections of the roof. It runs along the top of the hip roof, forming the highest point where the roof sections meet.
Hip End
The hip end is a significant feature of a hip roof, replacing the traditional gable end found in other roof designs. It refers to the sloped side of the roof, which showcases a peaked top. These hip ends give the roof its distinctive look and contribute to its overall stability.
Ridge
Similar to other peaked roofs, a hip roof also has a ridge. The ridge denotes the highest horizontal line formed at the top of the roof, where the opposing roof sections converge. It runs parallel to the hip ridge and aids in supporting the overall structure.
Eaves
Like most roofs, hip roofs include eaves. Eaves are the overhanging edges of the roof that extend beyond the exterior walls of the building. They play a crucial role in protecting the walls and foundation of the structure from water damage, while also providing shade and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the roof.
What are the different parts of a gable roof?
Ridge
The ridge is the highest point of a gable roof, running horizontally at the top where the two sloping sides meet. It is the central line that connects the peak of the roof. decking, leading to potential rot, decay, or structural compromises over time. Underlayment helps prevent such issues by providing an additional level of protection against the penetration of moisture.
Eaves
The eaves are the edges of the roof that overhang beyond the exterior walls of the building. They provide essential protection by preventing rainwater from directly hitting the walls, helping to protect the structure and its foundation. Additionally, the eaves offer shade and can be used to install gutters or other drainage systems.
Gable
The gable is the triangular-shaped end wall of a building that is enclosed by the two sloping sides of the roof. It forms the peak of the roof and can be seen at both ends of a gable roof. The gable wall creates the distinctive A shape and gives the roof its name.
Rake
The rake is the inclined edge of the gable roof that extends beyond the building's exterior walls. It runs along the slope of the roof, starting from the eaves and reaching up to the ridge. The rake adds an aesthetic touch to the gable roof while also protecting the sidewalls from rain, wind, and other elements.