As a homeowner, it is important that you not only know how to take care of your roof but also what it is made up of. The roof is more than a single unit protecting your home from the elements. It is made up of several components, including five that are absolutely essential. Knowing about these 5 most important components of a roof can help you down the line when you need your home seen by a professional.
Some of these components may surprise you!
1. Gutters and Downspouts
Drainage is essential to the health of your roof and the shingles. Without gutters and downspouts, you could also face basement flooding once the water has gotten too close to the foundation. Make sure your home is fitted with the right kind of gutters, and that you are also maintaining those gutters and downspouts throughout the year. Removing any built-up debris, such as decaying leaves and sticks, keeps rainwater flowing and away from your roof and foundation.
Keep in mind that once the gutter system is compromised, everything else is endangered. Therefore, if you notice the gutters not working or pulling away from the roof, it is best to call a professional like RGB Construction immediately.
2. Drip Edges
Have you ever noticed houses in your neighborhood with damaged fascia? They most likely do not have drip edges. A drip edge is a kind of metal strip that is installed along the eaves and rakes of your home. The drip edge works in a similar fashion to flashing, since it keeps water away from more vulnerable components, like the underlayment.
Roofs that do not have drip edges are at risk of water seeping behind the gutter and getting into the fascia. In turn, the roof deck begins to rot. Also, according to building codes, homes must have drip edges. Therefore, if a drip edge has not been installed, your home may not pass inspection.
3. Ventilation
Without ventilation, the interior of your home is going to be susceptible to a lot of humidity and condensation. Since those things can cause water damage and mold growth, you want to do everything in your power to prevent it. One of the best ways is to ensure that there is some kind of ventilation built into the roof. There are many ways ventilation can be installed into a roofing system, but the most popular method is a ridge line vent along the top of the roof.
4. Roof Flashing
The flashing on a roof is thin pieces of metal that are used to keep water from getting into places where shingles cannot be installed. This includes around the chimney, roof valleys, under windows, and along walls. Roof flashing is usually made of either copper, steel, or aluminum—with aluminum being the most popular.
But why is flashing such a crucial component of the roof? It is because flashing protects vulnerable areas from getting saturated with water over time. Without flashing, the edges of the shingles would allow water to seep through the barrier and closer to the underlayment.
Keep in mind that flashing needs to be properly installed and maintained. When done right, flashing will outlast the life of your original roof.
5. Underlayment
On top of the roof decking—also known as the roof sheathing—is the underlayment. Without the underlayment, you would notice a lot more stains on the ceiling. Roof underlayment is a kind of felt that comes in weights of either 15 or 30 pounds or synthetic material, and it fills the space between shingles and decking.
You can think of the underlayment as the last shield against water damage. It is installed over the decking and adds a layer of protection against rain, wind, and impacts from fallen branches, for example. Because the underlayment is so important, you should never skimp on the quality!
Bonus: Shingles
Shingles are indeed a necessary part of the roof and come in many styles, shapes, and materials. Asphalt, ceramic, slate, cedar, fiber cement, and metal are the most popular, but there are newer technologies being introduced to the market regularly. Shingles are the first line of defense for your home, and so you should always consider how they interact with the other important components of your roofing system.
Get Expert Help For Your Roof
Now that you know about the 5 most important components of a roof, If you spot or suspect any trouble with any of these essential roofing components, you are going to need a professional roofing company to come in and make things right.
At RGB Construction, our dependable team has the knowledge and experience you need to get your roof in tip-top shape. We clean gutters, repair damages, and much more. Plus, if we spot any additional trouble areas, we will let you know and provide solutions. Call us today to schedule your free consultation or an appointment at 856-347-2297.
