Exploring the Parts of Your Roof

The roof over your head keeps your home warm, safe, and dry—but do you know how it works? A residential roof is actually comprised of a system of different components all working together to seal out water, weather, and pests. Learning more about the parts of your roof and understanding how they work together as a whole will not only give you a new appreciation for this essential component of your home, but help you identify potential issues in need of repair and where they may originate as well.

Roof Truss

Just like there are bones in your body, your roof has a skeletal structure that gives it support and strength from beneath. The roof truss is a framework of rafters, typically made from wood or metal, which defines the shape and slope of your roof. The lowest part of the truss is a horizontal beam called the bottom chord, while a top chord is one of many beams that directly run underneath your roof to support the next level: the decking.

Roof Decking

The roof decking or sheathing directly covers the top chords of your roof. This component is a flat sheet of material that creates the surface over which the rest of your roof is laid. Thus, the decking supports the structure of your roof and creates its inherent shape. Common sheathing materials include wood and oriented strand board. Radiant barrier sheathing is an energy-efficient roofing material that consists of an aluminum bottom designed to reflect incident heat from the sun away from your roof to keep your home cooler.

Roof Underlayment

Pitched roofs—like those on most residential homes—also have a layer of material called underlayment. The underlayment sits directly atop the sheathing of your roof to form a moisture-resistant barrier that protects both the sheathing beneath and the shingles above. Underlayment is typically made from builder’s felt or a felt paper soaked in asphalt, but newer products include synthetic materials that offer even better protection against the elements. Self-adhering underlayment products can be used together with felt paper to seal up areas around nails and other fastenings on your roof. This can offer an additional layer of protection and insulation, particularly to prevent ice dams.

Roof Shingles

The top layer of your roof is comprised of the shingles you see when you view the roof from outside your home. While asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the U.S., this “shingle” layer may also be comprised of wood shake, slate tiles, or metal. The outermost layer of your roof is often put in place with aesthetics in mind, but different roofing materials also offer certain benefits and drawbacks. Your roof’s overall lifetime and maintenance needs will ultimately be determined largely by the type of material you use as its outermost layer.

When any part of your roof needs repairs, an experienced roofing contractor in Alexandria will ensure the job is done quickly and properly. Click on over to our website to learn more about roofing maintenance, repairs, and replacement for your Bethesda, Alexandria, or Fairfax home or business. Don’t forget to take a look at some of the newest roofing technology available, including green roofing solutions.