Roofing Terms
What are some of the terms used in the roofing industry?
A Roof Deck: Is any material used on the roof. Wood, metal, and concrete. It is often a flat or sloped surface not including its supporting members and vertical supports. The deck supports the non-load-bearing components such as insulation, membrane, and flashing.
Roofing Drains: The roofing drains receive water collecting on the surface of the roof and when installed correctly will route water to the leaders and downspouts of your gutter system. A good gutter system is very important to your roofing system. Dispelling the water away from the roof and keeping it from pooling with help your roof last longer.
Gutters and Drainage: Besides complete and solid roofing materials, a key component to your roofing system is a good gutter system. Moving as much water off the roof and away from your home’s foundation is important.
Recovering Roofing:
Recovering roofing is when another layer of roofing is added to your existing roofing. This can be a cheaper alternative to a complete removal of the existing material. Depending on the condition of the roof now, and the number of layers currently on it this may be an option for your project. Let us take a look and see if we can add additional roofing coverage over your existing coverage. It can add years to your roof with little impact.
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Roofing Replacement:
Full roofing replacement is necessary when the shingles or sheathing of the roof are compromised to the point that they will not be a good foundation for another layer. If this is the case, we can remove the old material, bring it down to the wood and then apply a new layer.
Vapor Layer: A vapor layer is important to prevent damage to your roof and attic. With the humidity we have in North Carolina, it is important that you have the proper vapor layer between your shingles, sheathing and attic space. We can inspect your roof and venting.
Control Joints: Control joints are placed within a roof system to relieve the stress between the structural framing system and components of the structure and home.
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Expansion Joints:
Expansion joints are important in new construction. Expansion joints should be placed within the roofing system to relieve structural stress between adjacent rooflines.
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Roof Ridge:
The roof ridge is the top of the peak of the roof and probably the most important part of your roofing system. This area, obviously, receives the most impact from rain, wind and harsh weather.
Fascia Molding: The molding that runs around the home, along the shingles. This is often decorative and your roofing shingles and wood should cover this area by at least three inches. If it doesn’t, the water coming off the roof can run into the walls or along the house shingles which can lead to damage and rot.
Decking: The decking of the roof is the plywood underneath the shingles and rolled paper. Usually ½ inch plywood.
Underlayment:
Under the shingles is an underlayment material that covers the plywood and wood roofing. This is a key part of your roofing system as it protects the wood from being exposed to the elements, including wind and rain. Known as tar paper it is actually made of felt or rubber. If your shingles are damaged this layer is one of the most important barrier Insulation
to on your roof. When doing a complete evaluation of your roofing system we’ll inspect this area to if this is in need of repair or replacement.
Roofing Shingles
The roofing shingles, are the top layer of the roof- the area that you see. They come in many different styles and colors but the main purpose is to protect your roof. The proper insulation of the shingles is important. Spacing, leveling, and insulation can affect the quality of your roof and its ability to repel water. The ultimate goal of the roofing shingle is to keep water away from your roof and move it to the gutters and downspouts. We’ve been servicing the Jacksonville area for many years, we would love to have you as one of our happy customers- Give us a call for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Roofing Flashing:
The flashing around your dormers, vent pipes, and skylights is the thin metal that seals this area from water and keeps the shingles secure. Flashing can also be found in valleys of your roof as well because it can help to dispel the water quickly down the valley and into your gutter system. I you don’t have metal flashing along your roof valleys, let us inspect it- we may be able to add this important element into your system which will help prolong your roof’s life.
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Roof Dormers:
Roofing dormers don’t only add space to your home’s top floor, they also enlarge the coverage area of your roof and therefore need to be inspected and serviced often. The roof line around the dormer is often a place where water can seep into the ceiling area next to the siding. Water running along this area can do damage if not sealed properly and maintained on a regular basis.