The Parts of a Residential Roofing System

Your roof is a complex structure designed to protect your home from the elements. To make sure it stays in top condition, it helps to understand how your roof actually works. The more you know about your roof, the easier it is to spot early signs of trouble and prevent costly damage in the future. This is why we created a quick guide to the major components that make up your roofing system.

Surface

The topmost part of the roofing system is composed of the main roofing material. Most roofs feature asphalt shingles as the surface, but metal, tile and slate roofing are also common options. The top surface protects the roofing underlayment by forming a physical barrier.

Underlayment

Because the surface is not perfectly waterproof, a residential roofing system needs a watertight layer just underneath the shingles. The underlayment can be considered the main waterproofing component of the roof. Tears and gaps in the underlayment can pose a serious threat to the roof.

Sheathing

A secondary layer found just below the underlayment, the sheathing is designed to make the roof more rigid. The sheathing also doubles as anchor points in which nails and fasteners can be secured. Since sheathing is often made of plywood, it should always stay dry.

Flashing

Flashings are strips of metal or PVC designed to cover intersecting edges of roof planes. Flashing can be found along valleys (inward intersections) or ridges (outward intersections), where shingles can’t properly overlap. Flashing in flat roofs or commercial roofing are often found along chimneys or vent ducts.

Fascia

A thin, vertical surface that runs along the edges of the roof, the Fascia serves as the anchor point for the gutter system. A damaged fascia can cause the gutter to become misaligned and damaged, which, in turn, can cause water to build up and seep into the fascia and the rest of the roof.

Soffit

The soffit is found underneath the overhanging parts of the roof. Often made of plywood, thin composite sheets, or hard plastic, the soffit is basically an outdoor ceiling. The soffit may also have holes to accommodate the installation of outdoor lighting.

Do you want to learn more about taking good care of your roofing system? Johnston Roofing is your best source for quality roofing products and services in Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. You can call us at (954) 989-7794 or fill out our contact form for further questions.