Being a homeowner can be wonderful but sometimes stressful. It is a serious commitment, and home maintenance is essential if you want to keep your property not only looking nice but maintain its real estate value and livability.
Those who own houses know the importance of a roof. It can take up to almost half of your property in its size, and it’s the guard system that keeps your entire house safe from extreme weather conditions such as rain, hail, or heatwaves.
And in order to properly take care of your roof and discuss roofing projects with your roofer, you need to be familiar with some of the basics of roof systems.
This article will serve you as an easy-to-follow roof system guide that will help you understand all things roofing, so make sure to read on!
Why Do You Need Basic Roofing Knowledge?
Imagine this situation: Winter has passed, the snow has melted, and you’ve noticed a leak on the ceiling inside the house, most likely due to a hole in the roof. You want to call a professional roofing contractor, but you don’t know how to describe the problem accurately.
What you are missing is the right terminology. Of course, you don’t need to know all the professional terms or understand all the processes involved. That’s up to you roofer to deal with. But when it comes to describing the problem you have or where the leak’s located on the roof, this is where you’ll need some roofing 101.
Learn These Basic Terms
First thing’s first. Let’s look at the shape of the roof.
The shape of the roofs can be flat or sloped (pitched). Flat roofs are most commonly found on commercial properties and sloped on residential homes. The most common sloped roof is an A-framed gabled roof built in a variety of pitches to best shed water and snow.
And now for the main components.
The ridge is the horizontal line that stretches across the very top of a roof, the eave is at the bottom, overhanging the exterior walls/siding, and the sloping edges are known as rakes.
A valley is formed when two roof planes meet downwards, at an inside corner, while a hip is the highest point on a roof, formed when two roof planes meet at an outer corner.
The frame, made up of rafters, will be installed beneath all of these outer components, as the roof’s base.
Underlayment is the black paper that is applied to the plywood sheathing to protect it from the elements like rain and snow, and it is installed beneath the shingles.
Shingles or tiles are the outermost section of the roof and serve as a barrier against the elements. They can be built of a number of materials and styles.
Flashing is the sheet metal laid on top of all roof joints and around protruding elements such as skylights and chimneys, designed to keep water out.
And finally, the gutters are the roof’s drainage system, designed to drain water off of the roof and away from the exterior walls and the entire property.
You Also Need to Know the Most Common Roof Problems
Damaged or missing shingles are one of the most common issues, caused typically by weather conditions, especially wind and rain. Depending on the material, shingles may deteriorate over time.
Leaks are another issue associated with bad weather, usually the results of heavy rains, but melting snow can be the culprit as well.
Moss and discoloration are caused by algae and mildew growth, and they can not only decrease the roof’s curb appeal but also lead to leaks and damages.
Ice and snow come to Loves Park IL during the winter months, and accumulated snow can cause damage to your roof. Not only leaks, but cracks as well, due to the increased weight. We can also add hail to the list of icy issues.
Sun exposure can also damage your roof, as UV rays in the summertime can take a toll on your shingles.
Leaves and branches, as well as dirt and other debris, can accumulate in the gutters. If the gutters are clogged, the rain will run down to the sides of your house, causing water damage.
Now You Can Talk to Your Roofer Easily
Now that you are familiar with some of the most basic roofing terms, you will know how to properly communicate with your roofing company when you call them.
Always keep in mind that it’s best to call the pros instead of doing repairs by yourself. You cannot guarantee your own safety once you get up on that roof with some assorted tools.
You can trust Pro Restoration, your best roofing contractor Loves Park IL to come to your property and inspect your roof, offer advice about roof maintenance and perform any type of work that needs to be done.
