All steep-pitch roofing systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percentage or more) are most generally made of five basic components. These roofing components are the roof covering, sheathing, roof structure, flashing and the roof drain system. Take any one of these components out of the picture and your roof could fail and begin leaking . Let’s find out just why each of these components is so critical .
Let’s start with your roof’s drainage system. Our focus here is your roof’s basic design features such as the shape of your roof, the slope and the characteristics that would affect its ability to shed water. Typically your roof is a variation of either a gable or gambrel style roof. The purpose of the shape of your roof is to force water to run in the right direction, out and away from the building. A steeper roof makes this more easy to accomplish . Certain elements create special challenges such as roof valleys and roof penetrations like chimneys, skylights and plumbing ventilation pipes. All of these elements call for extra attention to fend off leaks.
The rafters and trusses that form the skeletal shape of the roof are refered to as the roof structure . Just like the bones in the human body the roof structure component is what gives the roof its strength and enables it to carry the loads that a roof is typically subjected to. Not only does the structure have to support the burden of the sheathing and roof covering but that of snow loads and wind which can excert tremendous stress on a structure. The crucial thing is that the roof structure be engineered to support any and all loads that might potentially be present across all seasons and weather possibilities .
The roof sheathing is the next component of your roof. Sheathing is made of plywood, boards, toungue and groove boards or even SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) that combine structure, insulation and sheathing all in one laminated panel. The purpose of the sheathing is to supply a strong, smooth surface area that the roof covering will be attached to. The sheathing must be fastened properly with adequate fasteners configured and engineered for the purpose .
Special precautions must be taken when it comes to roof valleys or roof penetrations. These challenges must be addressed with cautiously applied flashing. Roof flashing is made of metal or sometimes copper sheeting. Through careful layering, the flashing carries water away from the vulnerable areas and onto the roof covering where potentially damaging moisture can be ushered off of the roof.
The portion of the roof that everyone sees is called the roof covering . The most common roof coverings are asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, tiles, slate or metal roofing. Each type of covering serves a purpose and has both strengths and weaknesses . The type of roofing that is right for your particular application is a subject that is best discussed with a professional roofing contractor. A reputable professional will be knowledgable with the roofing types and application techniques that will behave best for your structure. They will also be able to scrutinize and address each of the other components of your roof and determine if repair work is necessary.
