The 7 Parts of a Roof & How They Protect Your Home

Having a roof over your head is one of the most basic human needs, and for a roof to function properly, it needs to be in good condition. A residential roof is composed of 7 different elements that all contribute to its integrity and functionality. If one of these elements is missing or in disrepair, it puts the rest of your home and your family at risk. 

Knowing what these components are can help you identify when you have a roofing problem on your hands and need the services of a professional roof repair company, such as Class Roofing. Keep reading to find out more. 

What Are the 7 Parts of a Roof?

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) provides definitions for the different elements that make up a residential roof. Class Roofing will walk you through these parts and explain why they’re each important to the integrity of your home. 

1. Trusses

Trusses are a formation of structural supports that sit in a triangular shape and act as a beam, carrying the weight and tension of your roof system. They shape your roof and are a foundational element on which other roofing materials sit. 

2. Roof Deck

Another structural element is the roof deck, which covers the trusses and acts as the base layer of support for all the other roofing materials. It can be made from a variety of materials to suit your home’s needs, including plywood, corrugated metal, and other durable, professional-grade materials. At this layer, roofing contractors often apply weatherproofing treatments and insulation elements. 

3. Underlayment

The underlayment is a level of waterproofing and weather protection designed to keep out drafts and moisture and keep roof tiles in place. It is often an asphalt-saturated felt or synthetic underlayment sandwiched between the exterior roof covering and the roof deck. It’s great for steep-sloped roofs because it works as an extra layer of weatherproofing to enhance water shedding. 

4. Flashing

Flashing is any rigid yet pliable material used to prevent water from leaking in at the edges and seams of roofing fixtures or materials. Vents, expansion joints, valleys, drains, chimneys, or other interruptions in the roof membrane require a layer of flashing for weatherproofing defense. There are different types of flashing (e.g., membrane base flashing, cap flashings, step flashing, counter flashing) for different roofing elements. 

5. Gutters

A drainage system, such as rain gutters, is an important component of a proper roof system. The sloped shape of your roof will shed water, but when it does, that water needs somewhere to go so as not to damage the walls, windows, foundation, and entryways of your home. Proper waterproofing systems will ensure the integrity of your roof and home for years to come. At Class Roofing, we offer gutter repairs and full gutter replacements to ensure the integrity of your roof.

6. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is an essential part of your roofing system to ensure a healthy exchange of trapped, moist air for fresh, outside air. If the warm air inside your home is trapped without a place to escape, it can cause moisture problems and make the air in your home feel stale. Vents, screened openings, and pipes are used to create a proper airflow system. These can range from ridge vents to soffit vents. An experienced roofer will be able to identify all your roof’s vents and ensure that they are undamaged and in working order. 

7. Roof Covering

This final layer is the one that guests and neighbors will see when they look at your home. There are a variety of materials these days that can be used as roof coverings, depending on your home’s needs and your aesthetic wishes. From panels and membranes to shingles and tiles, you can make your house look like a home with the right exterior roof covering. Talk to one of the roofing professionals at Class Roofing today for expert advice on your roofing options. 

Save Money by Keeping Your Roof in Top Condition

All these elements are important for keeping your roof in working order and protecting the structure of your home. If any part of it falls into disrepair, it can result in problems such as water damage, animal infestations, or higher energy bills. By keeping out the elements and keeping in clean, conditioned air, your roof does hard work 24/7 in ways you may barely notice. Treat your roof with the utmost care so that it can keep taking care of you. Contact Class Roofing today for residential roofing repairs and roof inspections. 

Class Roofing Means Best in Class Service

No matter your roofing needs, Class Roofing delivers top-quality service from start to finish on every project. As the best roofers in Delaware, we make it our business to address every element of your roof with thorough attention so that no detail or problem goes unnoticed. From gutters to gables, our team works hard to ensure your roof is in the best condition so that it can last for many years. Contact Class Roofing today to get started on your roofing project. 

Class Roofing: Expert Residential Roof Repairs in Hockessin, DE

At Class Roofing, it’s our top priority to deliver a comfortable, seamless roofing service experience. Homeowners trust us to provide them with a roof that protects their families, and we strive to do right by our customers at every step of the process. Our professional roof contractors are proud to serve the New Castle County, DE and Chester County, PA areas with the highest level of care in the industry. When you need residential roofing services you can trust, call Class Roofing at (302) 205-4828 or (484) 289-3022 to schedule your service visit as soon as possible.