Roofing Education Quick Reference Guide

Residential vs Commercial Residential Projects Residential Roofing projects are typically considered as sloped-roof homes. Although some Residential homes have flat portions or are fully flat roofs, they are most often sloped roofs. The most common roof materials installed on these projects are: Shingle Metal Tile Commercial Projects Commercial projects usually have a low slope or flat roof and are much larger than residential projects. Commercial projects are typically categorized as multifamily buildings, warehouses, factories, apartments, retail stores, malls, and similar structures. These are the most common systems for commercial projects: Single-Ply Business 411 © MBR BUR Coating Metal ROOFING EDUCATION Residential Roof Shapes Styles of Roofs No roof is the same. Architectural design and creativity allow for many different roofs, all designed to suit your needs somehow. Helping homeowners choose the right system for their home may rely on its style and construction. It’s also important to be able to identify roof shapes for better documentation during the insurance claim process. GABLED CLIPPED GABLED DUTCH GABLED GAMBREL HIP MANSARD SHED FLAT Business 411 © ROOFING EDUCATION Parts of a Sloped Roof Ridges The ridge is often the single longest line that can be seen on most rooftops, and it designates the highest point of the roof’s frame, usually running along the attic itself. Most properties have a single ridge, but larger structures can feature multiple ridges. Flashing Flashing is resistant molding that prevents water from infiltrating the roof. There are various types of flashing, including aluminum, galvanized steel, and plastic. You'll find flashing among the most common places in valleys, at the bases of chimneys, and around roof vents. If the flashing is applied to an area located on an incline (like chimneys or dormers), "step flashing" is used. Drip Edge Drip Edge is a metal molding designed to prevent rain from infiltrating the roof by directing water away from shingles near your eaves and gutters. Drip Edge is crafted in an L-shape, which attaches to the edge of the roof. Business 411 © Hips Hips are the down-sloped ridges formed at the intersection between two sloping roof planes. Many popular styles of homes feature hipped roof designs, including: “Hip and Valley”, “Overlaid Hip”, “Cross Hipped”, and “Pyramid Hipped”. Valley Valleys are the “V-cut” angles formed along the junction of two slopes of a roof. As their name implies, valleys dip inward, making them opposite hips, which project outward. Since valleys are particularly vulnerable to water damage, they are commonly reinforced with a specialized underlayment membrane. In many cases, a “valley flashing” is also installed to help divert rain from the valleys to the gutter system. Decking Roof decking is a critical structural feature of a home. It's commonly made from 1/2-inch plywood. Its purpose is to enclose the roof structure, reinforce its strength, and provide a sturdy nail bed for shingles. ROOFING EDUCATION Parts of a Residential System As a roofing professional it's vital that you know all about roofing systems and the terms that define each component. Eaves Eaves are the horizontal edges of a roof. It's where your roof meets your gutters. Under the covering of an eave, you will also find an "eave membrane." This membrane goes under some (or all) shingles to prevent water infiltration caused by "ice dams" in the winter. Business 411 © Rakes Rakes are the angled edges of your roof. While eaves are entirely horizontal, rakes are set at an angle. If an edge isn’t parallel to the ground, you’re looking at a rake. ROOFING EDUCATION Parts of a Sloped Roof Soffits Soffit is the term for the enclosed underside of any overhanging eave. Soffits cover the eaves of the roof, hiding visible rafters from sight. More importantly, soffits allow air to be captured and circulated through the roof system, directed to the attic, improving circulation, regulating temperature, and preventing moisture damage. Underlayment Underlayment is an asphalt-saturated felt or synthetic fabric sheet installed between the roof deck and the roof's outer layer to provide additional weather protection. The underlayment helps the roof shed water while protecting the outer layer from resin released by the decking. Fascia Fascia is the long, straight boards that run along the lower roofline and support the bottom row of shingles or tiles. These boards prevent damage to the roof (as well as the home’s interior) by blocking moisture from getting in. Fascia is fixed to the roof’s lower trusses, allowing it to carry the additional weight of the gutter system. While most fascia boards are made from wood, materials like vinyl, aluminum, and plastic are also available. Aesthetically, fascia creates a smooth appearance along the roof’s edge and gives you the option of adding an extra splash of color to your home. Roof Vents Roof vents including ridge vents are an essential part of a well-ventilated home. These enclosed structures draw air from soffit vents located at the base of the roof and help regulate the temperature while also preventing the accumulation of moisture. Business 411 © Attic The attic is the space between a roof and the rest of the home.