As you start the process to repair or replace your roof, it’s important you make well-informed decisions. A good place to start is with a basic understanding of your roof’s components. In addition to shingles and nails, your roof includes other important pieces you should be aware of in order to best take care of your home in Gig Harbor, Bremerton, or Port Orchard. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the following:
Roof Deck
What is it? The roof deck is the first layer of your roof and is usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The roofing materials are applied to the roof deck.
Why is it important? Your roof deck is actually a structural component to your home and needs to be able to support any additional weight that may go up on your roof. It also serves as the foundation for your roof, so a properly installed roof deck can help eliminate any concerns surrounding performance of your roof system.
Underlayment
What is it? Often referred to as tar paper, this asphalt-saturated sheet is used as a second layer of protection over the roof deck.
Why is it important? The underlayment is important because it separates the roof covering from the roof deck and helps to shed water that may make its way under your shingles.
Flashing
What is it? Flashing is a piece of metal used to prevent water from seeping into areas of the roof where there is an interruption with the roofing materials. Flashing is usually found around chimneys, vent pipes, at the perimeter of the roof, or at any joints.
Why is it important? Flashing is a crucial component to you keeping your roof weatherproof. It prevents leaks and protects the deck and underlayment.
Slope
What is it? Do you remember rise over run from your middle school math days? Well if you don’t, here’s a bit of a refresher. The slope of your roof is its incline and is expressed in the ratio of vertical rise to the horizontal run. So, a roof with a slope of 4 in 12 rises 4 inches for every 12 inches in run.
Why is it important? While it’s not the most important aspect of your roof, it is important to know how steep your roof is to help determine how much roofing material you need, or if there are any special requirements for your roof’s slope.
Fascia
What is it? Fascia is a flat board or band located on the front of your roof’s overhang. It is connected to the trusses or rafters of your home and it between your gutters and the brick or siding of your home.
Why is it important? The fascia is important because it is the last line of support for the lower edge of roof shingles. It’s also where your gutters are installed, so the fascia needs to be in good shape in order to hold the weight of your gutters when they are empty, or if they get full during a storm.
Being informed is the best way to ensure you are able to keep your roof in good shape, for many years to come. But if you have any questions or concerns be sure to contact us today!