24 Parts of a Roof 

Trusses

Roof trusses are pre-manufactured metal or wood pieces that make up the roof frame, supporting the weight of all roofing materials.

Rafters

Roof rafters provide the same function as trusses: framing the roof. They look like large triangles made of lumber. But unlike trusses, contractors build rafters on-site.

Underlayment

The underlayment is a thin material, usually felt or synthetic, that goes on top of the roof’s decking and underneath the shingles.

Fascia

The fascia is the long board that runs along the roof’s lower edge. It’s situated at the bottom of the trusses or rafters, and while decorative, it plays a vital role, giving you a place to attach your gutters.

Flashing

Roof flashing material is flat and thin (often galvanized steel), preventing water from penetrating vulnerable areas.

Eave

A roof edge is also called a roof eave – it’s the portion of the roof that overhangs your home’s sidewalls.

Rain Gutter

Rain gutters are a water drainage system attached to your roof’s fascia board. Most gutters are aluminum and look like long, hollow pieces. The purpose of a rain gutter is to direct rain and snow run-off away from your home’s foundation.

Dormer

A dormer is a window that extends out of a sloped roof. Dormers look like small rooms with their own roofs.

Gable

A roof gable is where two sides of a roof come together, creating a horizontal ridge at the top of the roof.

Skylight

A skylight is a window in the ceiling; if you have one, it’s also a roof component. Skylights can be small and square, but most are long rectangles.

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