When you’re working with a roofing company, it can seem like they are speaking a different language when they talk about your roof and any issues. Whether your roof is hip, gabled or shed, it can be tough to figure out just exactly what to ask for and to understand what is being done to your roof and what it will cost.
Roofing Styles
There are many different kinds of roofing styles. The hip roof is the primary basic type.
Hip Roof
A hip roof slopes on all four sides, all sides are equal length, and they have a ridge at the top. The hip roofs are best used in windy or snowy environments because they will repel snow and rain better.
Gable Roof
Traditionalists like the classic gable roof. These designs are triangle-shaped and face different directions from home.
Shed Roof
Another choice of roofing style is the shed roof. A shed roof is a designation for a roof that slopes in a single direction, flat and down, just as you would find on a backyard shed.
Understanding Pitch and Slope
Pitch and slope can be deceptively similar, but they are both important concepts to understand when talking with a roofing contractor, designer, or architect.
Pitch
The Pitch is defined as the incline of a roof, which is figured out by dividing the rise of the roof by the span from one wall to another.
Slope
The slope is defined as the angle of an incline, usually expressed as a fraction or ratio, representing the number of inches that a vertical rise increases over a horizontal run.
More Roofing Terminology
Here is some additional roofing terminology:
Decking
Decking is usually composed of plywood or composite materials and is the foundation of your roof. It rests against the attic, covers the rafter, and supports the weight of roofing materials.
Dormers
Dormers are often seen jutting out over windows and extend up from the roofline to form a house-like structure.
Eaves
Eaves are the edges of the roof that overhang the outermost walls of a house.
Flashing
Flashing is a corrosion-resistant metal strip that is deployed around vents, pipes, and chimneys specifically to prevent leaks. It is essential to inspect and fix cracks in a roof, because water will find its ways through the crack and create extensive damage, such as mold, can occur.
Gutters
Gutters are installed at the edges of the roof to help direct water away from the home. Gutters may also push rainwater to downspouts, which are designed to carry water from the gutters to the ground.
Ridge
The ridge is the edge at the very top portion of the roof that runs from one end of a home to the other.
Roofing shingles
Roofing shingles form a barrier on your roof to prevent water from getting in, block UV rays from the sun, and provide aesthetic choices to the homeowner.
Soffit
A soffit is on the underside of roof components such as the underside of an overhang, or the inner curve of an arch.
Underlayment
Asphalt and fiberglass or felt make up a base layer called underlayment that is installed between the roof deck and the shingles. It may be waterproof or water-resistant.
Valleys
Where two sections of a roof connect is called the valley. A valley is a risk-intensive place for leaks to develop, and the valley may require additional underlayment and flashing materials.
Vents
Vents allow an attic a small opening where fresh air can enter, or gas, smoke, or steam can escape.
As a homeowner, we can help you keep your roof in excellent working condition. At No. 1 Home Roofing, we encourage you to be diligent when researching a contractor to install your next roof, especially since a roof protects your home or all of the contents in the property. We can guide you through the process and produce a quality product.
No. 1 Home Roofing is a family-owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.