A roof is a large cover that shelters the occupants and belongings from elements such as rain, wind, snow, dust and many more external factors. There are a lot of pieces that come together to make up your roof. A missing or failing part may put the entire roof in jeopardy. Every part of the roof is essentially vital as each part has an important function and role it plays in the life length and long term strength of the roof in protecting the house.
Truss:
A roof truss is described as a system that supports the roof. It is the part of a roof that provides it with the strength and support it needs to hold the roof up. It is the framework found in the entire roof section.
It consists of many pieces such as rafters, ridge rafters, and it supports the covering, sheathing, underlayment, insulation and any other components that might be added to the roof, such as a skylight or chimney.
Covering:
The covering is what is nailed onto the rafters and actually keeps elements such as rain, sun, wind, snow, animal droppings, dust, dirt and other debris from entering. The covering can be made of many materials, such as concrete, iron sheets, tiles, slate, or synthetic lining.
It must be both lightweight and impervious to substances such as the different weather elements, sleet, bird droppings, dirt, wet leaves, and the muck that accumulates on a roof over time. One’s choice of a roof covering often depends on factors which includes the weather where the roof building is situated, and the type of house you are constructing.
Rafters
Rafters form the support system for the rest of the roof and it runs from one end of the roof to the other forming the framework. They are the section of a roof that creates the foundation, layout, and skeleton structure for the roof itself.
Rafters which are normally made from wood but which you may also find the metal type is found at the internal apex of the roof. Rafters are made to handle more than just the weight of shingles and installation. They’re also intended to hold up against the extra weight of water, snow, or ice. They supports the covering, insulation, and sheeting and also connects the ceiling joists.
Fascia
This is the wood plank that runs horizontally along the roof’s edges. It is also called roof lines. The fascia is fixed to the rafters and may also serve as a support for the gutter or the main board where the gutters are attached. The fascia contributes to the facade of the house and improves the roof’s aesthetic beauty and the value of the property.
Ridge
A ridge is found on specific types of roofs, including pitched, gambrel, gable, and mansard. It is the highest point on your roof.
A ridge’s wooden or metal part connects and “seals” the shingles from the two different sides of your roof as they intersect at the top. Most of the ridge boards have a ridge vent that is installed at the peak of the roof.
This ridge vent helps any damp or warm air to escape from your attic and this ventilation allows for your roofing to last for a longer period of time. The ridge is likened to the “keystone” of the roof and it is shaped the letter “V” upside-down.
