Be Familiar With a Roofing System - By: Figowang

Roof is one of the most important features of your house. If you¡¯re looking to have your roof do its job in protecting your home from the elements of nature, you¡¯ll need to perform proper maintenance to ensure that your roofing system is in good condition. A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a multi-service company that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979, and in his opinion, homeowners should know the basic components of a roofing system as follows:

1. Drip Edge: A drip edge is a sheet of metal or vinyl placed at the end of the roof to allow water to drip in a manner that does not affect the rest of the roof. A good drip edge will prevent water from seeping underneath the roof¡¯s shingles and causing problems.

2. Flashing: Roof flashing is the metal lining that works to seal breaks in the roofline, thereby preventing leaks. Flashing can usually be found around the chimney and other items that stick out from the roof.

3. Truss: The roof truss is a framework of beams that works to support the roof¡¯s structure. Most trusses are pre-fabricated and lend to an easier method of roof construction.

4. Rafters: The rafters are the beams that run from the top of the roof towards the bottom. They are an important component of the roof truss.

5. Ridge: The ridge is the point at the top of a roof where the sides meet and form an angle. The ridge runs the entire length of the roof and often requires the use of vents to ensure that the nearby attic remains well-ventilated.

6. Sheathing: Also known as decking, the term refers to panels that cover the rafters to form a base for protective roofing materials. A roof¡¯s shingles are typically attached to the sheathing.

7. Shingles: The shingles are the overlapping coverings that go on top of the roof. Shingles can serve both protective and decorative purposes. Most standard roofs these days use asphalt shingles, which come in a variety of styles.

8. Starter Strip: These self-adhesive strips are installed along the edges of your roof to help prevent shingle blowoffs.

9. Underlayment: Underlayments extend the life of a roof by protecting against leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain.

10. Valleys: A valley is an angle that is formed when two sloping roof planes intersect. A poorly-covered roof valley can result in leaks, so roofing contractors must be certain to properly shingle this area of the roof.

Now that you¡¯re more familiar with the basic parts of a standard roofing system, you can do your part to keep tabs on your roof to ensure that it continues to serve you well. If there might be a problem with your roof, contact a trusted roofing company or professional to evaluate and fix the problem before it gets worse.

A.W. Ross is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a roofer or more http://local.yodle.com/articles/topics/contractors-construction/home-improvement-remodeling-services /">roofing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.¡¡

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