The Different Parts of Your Roof and Their Functions

Learning about the different parts of your roof will help you care for it better and will help you communicate with your roofing contractor more effectively. There is a lot more to your roofing system than just the shingles. The integrity of your roof depends on all parts of your roof staying in great shape and working with each other.

Learn about some of those parts here:

• Support – The support structure holds up your roof and keeps it together. Metal or timber usually comprise the structure. This is important because a proper structure will withstand whatever weather conditions exist in your area.

• Insulation – An essential feature if you want your home to be more energy-efficient, an insulated roofing system will keep energy from escaping your home, reducing the workload on your utility systems. The best spot for insulation is on the underside of your roof between the support structure.

• Decking – The roof deck or sheathing creates the core surface of your roof. It consists of plywood, reinforced concrete, metal, OSB sheets, or roof pavers. They cover the rafters and serve as the base for roof coverings.

• Starter Shingles – Roofers often apply these shingles to the decking. This product will keep your shingles from blowoffs in bad weather. They also fill in the spaces left by the tabs of other shingles, making your roof look orderly.

• Underlayment – Roofers apply underlayment to the decking to provide extra sealing below the shingles and to provide an even and smooth surface for application. It’s also a second layer of protection for your roof. Different roofing materials require different underlayment materials.

• Shingles – Your shingles are the outer layer for your roof and they serve as the first line of defense against the weather. They are also the visible layer, so you need to choose shingles that can enhance your home’s architecture and improve its curb appeal.

• Finishing Shingles – These shingles protect the seams and edges of your roof. For instance, the ridge cap is a bent piece that seals the ridges of your roof. Quality Assurance Roofing installs high-quality ridge caps that will match your shingles.

Quality Assurance Roofing can help you understand your roofing system. We have many years of experience, have worked with thousands of homeowners, and we earned certifications from industry-leading manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. Our goal is to educate our customers so that they can make an informed decision about their roofing project. Call us toll-free at (800)-928-7026 to learn more about your roof or ask for a free quote.