THE ANATOMY OF A ROOF

Your roof is composed of a number of distinct and essential structures.

For the roof to remain protected, useful, and efficient, all of these structures must be in good condition, therefore it’s critical to know what to check for.

The following guide will assist you in determining and comprehending the function of each roofing component:

Attic – this area beneath the roof

Chimney – a structure that sticks out from the rooftop and is used to expel smoke and gases. Typically constructed of brick or stone.

Chimney Cap – a metal or stone cover that protects the chimney vent from the weather.

Decking (or sheathing) – To strengthen the roofing structure, it’s usually built of 1/2-inch plywood. The decking also serves as a nail bed for shingle attachment.

Dormer – The framework that surrounds a vertically positioned window that sticks out from a sloping roof.

Downspouts – Rainwater drains away from the roof and foundation via pipes attached to the fascia.

Drip Edge/Gutters – built along the perimeter of the roof to direct rainwater away from the downspouts.

Eaves – a roof’s lower edge that extends beyond the outside walls.

Fascia – protect the edges of the roof or eaves 

Fasteners – connects the underlayment and deck to the roof. Based on the roofing material, it might be made out of roofing nails, tar, or even glue.

Flashing – Any vertical components that connect the roof, such as a chimney, are protected by thin waterproof metal sheets.

Gable – Any place where two roofing planes connect has a triangle wall underneath it.

Hip – the area between two roof faces that extend outward.

Ridge – the peak of two intersecting roofing planes.

Saddle – waterproof structure designed to divert rainwater away from projections (such as the higher side of a chimney).

Shingles – a protective layer to defend your roofing structure. It can be made from different materials such as asphalt, wood, metal, fibreglass or tile.

Soffit – the horizontal underside of a roof eave that extends past the exterior wall. Vents are frequently installed to allow air circulation in the attic and rafters.

Underlayment – between the deck and the roofing material is a protecting fabric-like layer, usually constructed of asphalt-saturated felt.

Valley – the angled intersection of two sloping roofs. Designed to direct rainwater into gutters.

Vent Pipe – pipes that extend from the wall and provide fresh air into the home’s plumbing system.

Vents – intake vents are situated below the eaves (or soffit) to help air circulation and moisture protection within the attic.

WHAT IS SOFFIT?

The term “soffit” comes from the combination of a French word meaning “ceiling formed” and a Latin word meaning “fix underneath”. Soffits are a common factor on roofs. They serve to cover and protect a roof from water.

While some roofing materials may not have soffits, those that do are usually pretty easy to spot. Roofs with soffits on the other hand, are more difficult to see if they’re properly aligned.

Soffit is a part of a building that extends into the eaves where the rafters meet the walls. It’s the bottom section of the roof that usually connects to the ceiling of the space below.

Soffits are a popular option for ventilation of the attic. They are available in solid and vented styles. Vented soffits are used to make more efficient use of attic space.

What Purpose Does Soffit Serve?

Soffit provides a clean, polished look to your house otherwise exposed eaves, as well as a number of other major benefits.

Soffit, in practice, offers the following benefits to your roof:

• Weather protection

• Keeps air flowing through the rafters and attic.

• Reduces the possibility of condensation and moisture accumulation.

• Reduces the likelihood of ice dams, mold, and degradation.

• Increases the energy efficiency of the system.

• Reduces energy costs.

• Keeps birds, vermin, pests, and animals out of your attic.

You have a much higher probability of protecting and extending the quality of your roof for many years if you allow it to “breathe.”

While a moist, moldy, and poor roof can lead to deterioration and increase your energy bills, it’s also essential to inspect your soffit on a regular basis to ensure it’s in excellent shape.