When looking at your roof, you may be surprised to know that there are a lot of technical words used to describe different parts. Knowing what each part of your roof is called will help you when you are inspecting your roof or speaking with a local roofer like RGB Construction. So what is the rake of a roof?
About The Rake of the Roof
When describing a roof, the rake of the roof is the exposed portion on the sides of a roof that extends from the eave to the ridge of the slopes sides of the roof. The best way of remembering what the rake of the roof is, is that the rake covers the top edge of the roof. Therefore, if you are searching for the rake of the roof when locating where an issue could be, this is a quick way of finding it: always look for the top edge. It may be common that you hear the term rake as the rake on a roof tends to leak often and is a part of the roof you should keep a close eye on.
What Is The Rake On A Roof Made From?
The rake on your roof is made from boards that can be cut from different kinds of material. The type of material that the rake on your roof is made from can differ depending on budget and quality. The most common materials that are used when making rake boards are wood (pine or cedar), PVC, or concrete. Often when the roof is being fitted, the professional will be able to determine which material will be best for the style of the trim and look of the home.
What Is The Difference Between a Roof Rake And A Rake Of A Roof
You may be thinking, what is the rake? How are these two terms any different? These two terms may sound very similar if you are not used to the terminology commonly used when ministering your roof but there is actually a difference between the two. The rake of the roof will always be the portion of a roof that is exposed on the sides of what is called a gable roof. A roof rake is something that is used specifically when removing snow from the roof of your home. One is part of your roof and another is an object that is designed to help your roof.
The Difference Between Rake Trim And Rake Boards
If you look at a descriptive picture showing you want a rake board, your eyes will most likely see the rake boards first. Rake boards make the structure that follows the roof’s slope and are made from 1-inch thick boards to extend the roof line. The rake trim is a protective piece to cover the rake boards and will make sure that your rake boards last longer.
Why Do You Need Rake Trims?
Rake trims will help protect your rake boards and make sure that no extreme damage is caused. If you are applying a new roof, it is worth getting rake trims as when the rake trims are installed professionally, the rake trim will help keep your roof dry. A roof trim will help any rainwater or excessive water flow off the roof onto the ground rather than sitting, or flowing down the side of your house which could end up causing quick wear and tear and potential damage.
By allowing this water to slide onto the ground, the rake trim protects the roof decking of your home from water damage and therefore, structural damage. If you live in a wet area of the country or find that you have a lot of water leaks, it may be worth investigating if applying rake trims to your roof may help.
Why You Should Inspect The Rake On The Roof
Even without applying rake trims, the rake boards will act as a barrier to water, protecting your home. Although rake boards can protect against moisture to a certain extent, this is not always 100% the case if you experience heavy or extreme weather such as rain or snow, this could potentially cause damage to your rake boards and then cause leaks. Therefore it is best to always check the rake on the roof before you are suspecting this type of weather.
Another reason why you should inspect the rake on your roof is pest damage! Insects and small animals will look out for small openings in your roof so that they can gain access and a nest. It is always best to make sure that there are not any small gaps between your rake boards as this can be a common problem among households.
Investing In Protecting Your Rake On The Roof Is A Good Idea
It may seem a little costly at the beginning but splurging on the rake on your roof will eventually pay off. As the rake on the roof is one of the most common areas on the roof that you can have problems with, it is always best to do what you can to make sure that it is fully protected against the season changing and other external factors such as pests. Any water or pest entering the areas that are exposed around your rake boards could do a lot of damage to your roof.
Call The Best Roofers to Fix Your Roofing Woes
It is always wise to inspect your roof regularly, especially the rake area to make sure that you do not see any small openings or any boards that are broken. If you do notice any damage to your rake boards or trim, it is best to hire professionals to take a close look and do all repairs quickly. 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 damage, 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 856-264-9093.
