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This section of our website is intended to serve as an informational source to help you learn about different roof components and their significance in creating a structurally sound roof
Roofing System
MQ Roof understands what makes up a quality leak-free roof because we pay close attention to details. A roof is a complete system and so is the ventilation of the attic. The installation of a roof is a process that requires quality materials and proper training in installation techniques. The roofing process requires the skills and knowledge of a professional contractor. MQ Roof can answer your questions about the parts of a roof as well as any questions regarding any area of roof installation techniques.
A good roof keeps out wind, rain, snow, hail, and the sun’s light and heat. To accomplish this, a roof’s surface must be watertight and durable as well as flexible enough to adapt to temperature changes without cracking or otherwise losing its integrity. In some areas, roofs must also be fire-resistant. Roofs vary in their covering materials and design, but most roofs consist of wood framing, wood sheathing, roofing felt, flashing, and the surface roofing material.
Roof framing can be simple or complex, depending on the style and decorative elements. It provides the skeleton for the covering materials. Roofing felt, a heavy black paper saturated with asphalt, lies between the sheathing and the finishing material. It keeps out any water that might seep through the finishing material, yet allows moisture from inside the house to escape. Flashing keeps out water wherever finishing material connects with chimneys, dormers, or other roof planes. Proper insulation and ventilation beneath a roof is key to keeping a home comfortable and in protecting the roof’s structure from moisture damage.
A good roofing system requires proper design, quality materials, quality application, and routine maintenance to perform successfully.
Restoration
MQ Roof can handle all types of Restoration and Insurance work and much more!
- Roof Storm Damage
- Fire & Flood Damage
- Burst Pipes
- Impact Damage
- Decoration Affection
- Ceiling Repairs
We offer a complete service when undertaking all Restoration and Insurance work. There is no need to take unnecessary time off work; we will do all the running around for you! No time wasted waiting for contractors who simply never turn up! Waiting for weeks for them to provide estimates.
Major Components of a roof
We’ve included definitions and explanations for the components of a roofing system, so that when it’s discussed, you’ll know what’s involved.
Built-up Roof
A low-slope or flat roof covered with alternating layers of roofing felt and hot-mopped asphalt and topped off with a layer of gravel.
Cornice
The wood or metal finishing at ends or edges of building, including a fascia, frieze, or rake.
Counter Flashing
The flashing that is embedded, or attached, and sealed at its top in a wall or other vertical structure and is lapped down over base flashing.
Courses
Horizontal rows of shingles or tiles.
Drip
The strip of metal extending out beyond the eaves or rakes to prevent rainwater from curling around the shingles back into the wooden portion of the house.
Eaves
The lower edge of a roof (often overhanging beyond the edge of the house).
Eave, Ice, and Snow Guard
A 3-foot wide rubber membrane adhered to the sheathing at the roof’s edge that attempts to stop migrating water from entering your home during severe ice dams.
Soffit
The area that encloses the underside of that portion of the roof that extends out beyond the sidewalls of the house.
Square
One hundred square feet of roof or the amount of roofing material needed to cover 100 square feet when properly applied.
Underlayment
The material (usually roofing felt) laid on top of sheathing before shingles are applied.
Felt
The bituminous paper used by roofers, usually made of a combination of asphalt and either paper or rags.
Fascia
A decorative board extending down from the roof edge either at the eave or at the rake.
Flashing
Sheet metal or other material used at various planes on a roof to prevent water leakage.
Frieze Board
A board at the top of the house’s finished wall, forming a corner with the soffit.
Rafter
Structural wood, usually slanted, to which sheathing is attached.
Rake
The slanting edge of a gable roof at the end wall of the house.
Ridge
The horizontal line at the top edge of two sloping roof planes.
Sheathing
Boards or sheet material that are nailed to the rafters to which shingles or other outside roofing materials are secured.
Shingle Flashing
Flashing that is laid in strips under each shingle and bent up at the edge of a chimney or wall.
Pitch (slope)
The number of inches of vertical rise in a roof per 12-inches of horizontal distance.
Valley
Where two sloping roof sections come together.
Valley Flashing
The metal or fabric in valleys, extending in under the shingles on both sides.