If you are a new homeowner, looking to build yourself a home that would last you for a very long time or if not somebody who’s had his or her home for quite some time now and are looking to get your roof replaced, you’d obviously want to invest in a quality roofing system; something that can stand the test of time and of the wacky climate. To do this, people must have informed decisions on what to select and when it comes to roofing, it pretty much boils down to the architectural design of the roof. You must know what roof designs suit your house or at least a design that’s compatible to it if you are looking to install a new one or do an overhaul.
This is can be a long learning process especially to those who are new to house-building or carpentry in general. However, the payoff would surely be a stable roof over your head and real value for your money. Besides, there’s nothing you can’t do if you just put your mind to it. Now, to start, we’ll tell you about a several roofing terms you may encounter when having your roof replaced, installed or repaired.
Rafters:
These are a series of long and wide timber framings for your roof. These sturdy wooden beams go right underneath the roof tiles and support the entire roofing structure. Think of this as the backbone of your roof or, say, a ribcage, because it does indeed look like a ribcage. There are many types of rafters that were formed through the ages and they were all unique in their design and were used for various reasons, depending on the demands of the construction plan. There were even old records of how medieval architects used Norman-style rafters from the 11th century.
Sheathing:
The sheaths are usually pieces of wide and smooth plywood that go over the rafters when constructing the roof. These plyboards are installed right next to each other until they cover up either side of the constructed roof. They act as sort of protection for the roof, but the sheathing is not the one exposed to the elements directly. Instead, the sheaths will be sandwiched between the rafters and the roof tiles themselves. Once in place, the sheaths are then nailed down to the rafter beams to secure them to the house itself for good.
Fascia:
This is the flat plank that is installed on the side of the roof that’s visible to an observer from the outside of the house. However, non-corrosive metal sheets are common as well. The fascia holds together the eve and the drip edge of the roof so it means this must be sturdy enough to withstand water drips for a long time. Rain gutter accumulates dried water and molds easily, especially if the place is high in humidity. Good thing services like gutter cleaning and gutter repair are readily accessible house repair services.
Drip Edge:
The drip edge is an L-shaped board that hugs the fascia in place. This is one of the main ways water is handled by the downpour of rain on your roof and it manages them so that it won’t overwhelm the integrity of the structure. Lead is a popular material for a drip edge as well as aluminum, zinc, copper and even bamboo. There are quite practical ways of how a drip edge collects water and needing them installed really depends on how much the structure of your house needs it.
Ridge:
The ridge is the part that connects one sloping side of the roof to the next. These sides are usually conjoined by a curved variant of a tiled roof placed right next to each other. They need to be installed sturdily and thoroughly. It is the peak where two opposing sides of the roof meet and can also be found at its highest point, so think of it as the spine of the roof. Choosing the right ridge for your roof is vital to the overall integrity of the roof itself.
Eave :
This is the water collection channel that’s made of a PVC or metal that runs from under the overhangs of the house down straight to the ground. This concept has actually been around since Ancient Rome and was rediscovered only in the middle ages.
