- Roof Ridge The horizontal line that runs the length of the roof between the two roof planes. This intersection is sometimes called the peak. Hip and Ridge shingles were specifically made for this area of a roof.
- Ridge vent: An exhaust vent that runs horizontally across the peak of a roof, allowing warm and humid air to escape the attic.
- Flashing: Metal material that’s installed around joint openings and chimneys. It also protects against water infiltration through skylights or dormer windows. Flashing can be identified as metal stairs that run alongside a chimney, or side walls of a roof.
- Hip: The intersection between two roof planes. This creates a sloped ridge that runs from the peak to its eave.
- Roof Deck: The structural foundation for the roof system. This is typically made from wood or plywood.
- Roof Underlayment: Adds additional protection to the roof deck and underneath the shingles. Synthetic underlayment protects against water infiltration and repels moisture. Synthetic underlayment has become a more popular choice than felt because of its long-lasting durability and proven water resistance.
- Roof Valley: A V-shaped intersection of two sloping roofing roofs joined at an angle for water runoff.
- Architectural Shingles: The laminated architectural asphalt roofing shingles have more than one layer. This adds dimension, performance, and durability to the roof. Sometimes, architectural shingles are also called three-dimensional shingles and laminated shingles. Three-tab shingles are the opposite of architectural shingles. They are made as one layer of tabs and look flat or lack the dimension of a laminated roof.
- Roof Gable: The triangular section at the peak roof between a sloped roof and an eave.
- Metal drip edges: A thin strip of noncorrosive steel used at the rake or eave to manage drip water and allow water to runoff to protect the wall’s underlying section.
- Dormer – An elevated section of the roof. Dormers often have a window that extends vertically through the roof’s slope.
- Water and ice barrier: A self-adhered waterproofing membrane that protects against wind-driven rain and ice damage is installed in eaves, valleys and side walls.
- Eave: An edge is the part of the roof that extends beyond the wall.
- Undereave Vent: An intake vent located under the roof’s eaves. They help to draw in cool, dry air into your attic.
You’ll be able to see gables and dormers everywhere you go now that you know the basics of a roof’s anatomy. You’ll also be able to have an informed conversation with your roofing contractor when it comes time to get a new roofing system!