The parts of your roof.

There are many parts and a few layers that separate you from the elements while in your home. Your roof is designed to keep you safe and comfortable. Here is a breakdown of your roofing and the parts that make it up.

Here are the elements that must go into a proper roof:

1. Structure — the roof trusses and joists make up the skeleton of the roof. It must all be able to bear the weight of whatever material you put on top. Concrete or slate tile is much heavier than asphalt shingles and therefore the structure must be designed to handle the weight.
2. Decking —  The roof decking is the roofing material layer between the trusses and joists and the underlayment. Roof decking is usually made of plywood sheets of ½ to ¾ inch in thickness.
 3. Water shield – Typically a water shield (sometimes called ice and water shield) is a peel and stick product that adheres directly to the roof deck. It forms a water-proof barrier where ice or water most often builds up on the eaves edge. This is an optional product that is most useful in colder climates.
 4. Underlayment — The underlayment of a roof is the black paper (sometimes called felt paper) that's laid over the plywood decking in order to seal the roof from damaging elements (snow, rain, ice, etc.).
 5. Roofing Material — The shingles or tiles make up the outermost part of the roof. Sitting atop the underlayment, they form the outermost barrier against the elements. There are literally hundreds of styles, colors and choices for the final layer of your roof, but in general there are five main categories: asphalt shingles (most common), cedar shakes, concrete or ceramic tiles, metal sheeting, and foam.
 6. Flashing — Flashing refers to a thin continuous piece of sheet metal installed to divert water from places where it might collect, such as hips and valleys.
 8. Ventilation — Roofs need to breathe. Ventilation prolongs the life span of your roof.  Adequate ventilation regulates temperature and moisture levels in the attic. Left unchecked, heat and moisture can build up causing damage to rafters, sheathing, shingles, insulation, and raising energy costs. It may also lead to some ugly mold and mildew problems.

The Seven Design Elements of a Roof

 Ridge — This is the highest point or peak of the roof.
 Hip — This is the high point where two adjoining roof sections meet.
 Valley — This is the area of the roof where two slopes meet. These areas receive far more stress as water tends to collect there and require extra protection in the form of sheet metal or flashing to reinforce the area.
 Pitch — This refers to the slope or steepness of the roof. The flatter the pitch, the more water and snow will collect and cause wear and tear.
 Eaves — This refers to the part of the roof that hangs over the rest of the home.
 Gables — These are the triangular portions of the ends of the home, which extend from the eaves to the peak of the roof.
 Dormer — These are the sections of the home that protrude from the roof. They're usually added as a way to bring light into an attic or the upper level of your home.

Abracadabra Roofing serves Roanoke VA and surrounding counties. We endorse the use of GAF roofing products. For a free estimate visit Abracadabra-roofing.com or call 540-977-0045