Understanding the Anatomy of a Roof
A roof's shingles (or tiles) are the top layer.
Roofs face exposure to changing temperatures and the elements. Therefore, they often need repairs, maintenance, or even replacement. For instance, the underlayment might need patching, or the shingles may need refastening. If those terms sound strange and unfamiliar, this guide will help.
Here are the basics of roof anatomy, layer by layer:
The deck
The deck is like the foundation of the roof. It often consists of large plywood sheets, and it forms the base layer of the roof, with the other layers – like underlayment and shingles – placed on top.
Decks are usually only visible when homes are built before the rest of the roofing system is complete. They're not tough enough to withstand the elements but provide a solid base to support the more resistant upper layers.
The underlayment
Underlayment is the next layer up from the roof deck. As the name suggests, it lies underneath the main roofing material, like asphalt shingles or stone tiles. Underlayment often consists of felt, but there are varying thicknesses and materials to suit different climates.
The purpose of the underlayment is to effectively seal the roof against water damage, forming a water-tight barrier to stop rain from seeping into the attic. Underlayment also provides a material layer to attach the tiles or shingles.
The shingles
A roof's shingles (or tiles) are the top layer. They're the roof's armor – the part exposed to the elements like wind, rain, snow, and the sun's UV rays. Therefore, they need to be tough enough to deal with the harsh conditions of the outside world.
They're also the part on display for all to see, so many homeowners like to pick attractive shingles that improve the look of their home's facade. Asphalt, slate, and copper are just a few examples of the many types of shingles.
The flashing
The roof's three main layers outlined above have other key sections, like flashing. Flashing is a metal component that typically runs along joints or around the outside of chimneys – in other words, it's placed in areas where leaks and water damage are most likely to occur.
The drip edge
The drip edge is another essential component that plays a similar role to flashing. As the name implies, it's placed along the roof's edge and designed to help water run off and drip away instead of pooling or building up on the roof's surface.
Always trust the pros for roof repairs
Knowing more about roofs makes it easier to understand how and why they need repairs. But it doesn't mean you should attempt any roof improvements alone. Instead, always contact the pros for roof jobs like flashing repairs and shingle replacements.
Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning, roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, skylight installation and replacement, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.
