Most of us heard the term Be humble or thankful if you have a roof over your head. Although it refers to the whole place we live, it shows the significance of one of the most important parts of a house. As we see or observe, a roof is a flat or medium pitch structure.

But the roof is not limited to these two exterior looks. It is composed of many layers of materials that give it strength, durability, and structurally intact with other house parts. The roof’s style, structure, and material composition vary depending on location, environmental factors, and climate, but its purpose remains unchanged. 

Type of Roof Structures:

The roofing structures depend on the style and architecture of the house or commercial building. The style of the house defines whether it will be medium pitched or steep pitched. Mostly, craftsman houses have medium pitch roof structures, while royal style houses have steep ones.

The roof’s strength and materials also decide its composition; other than that, different cities and building codes have prescribed the roof specifications. Lighter materials like asphalt shingles don’t need extra support, but heavier materials like slate need extra support and reinforcements.

Roof Materials:

Roof materials vary in different parts of the world, or different area’s within a country depending upon the climate factors and recommended by the building departments. However, in the United States, the main roof material is widely used in lumbar. 

Lumbar is cheap, reliable, and widely available throughout the country; almost all the residential building roofs are made with lumbar. The use of steel is common in the roof of commercial buildings and warehouses.

Roof Structure Composition:

Shingles are the visible and exposed part of the roof; shingles can be asphalt or slate. Other parts of the roof other than shingles are explained below. These parts are equally important in roof strength and longevity.

Flashing:

Flashings enhance the roof’s waterproofing; they are placed over the joints and prevent the water from entering the roof. Usually, flashings are used around chimneys, roof valleys, and skylights. They depend upon the quality; galvanized steel, plastic, and aluminum flashings last t bit longer. You can also paint them before fixing them on the roof to increase life.

Underlay Membrane:

Underlay membrane is one of the most crucial parts of any roof; it covers the entire roof and protects the roof against different environmental factors and climate changes. It consists of felt and synthetic fabric saturated with asphalt.

Roof Valley:

Valley is usually located at the meeting point of two pitched roofs; this is mostly at the lower slope; it keeps the roof symmetry and patterns. Flashings are used to prevent water from going into the roof and therefore are used in roof valleys.

Protection from Ice and Water:

Protective ice and water shield are used under the shingles. It acts as a seal and protects the whole roof. It also covers the ails and forms a watertight seal there too.

Roof Truss:

The roof truss forms the main skeleton of the roof over which all the other roof parts like shingles are placed. The roof truss can be of different types of material as prescribed in the building codes of different areas. Usually, they are made from wood, though in some parts of the country, metal trusses are used in roof structures. If you visit website of a reputable roofing engineer, you can find out more about roof trusses and see how engineers can support you throughout the entire roofing process, from planning and design to delivery and installation.

Roof Rafters:

Rafters ensure the roof strength by providing support from one side of the roof to another. Shingles are also rested on rafters, and rafters provide the ground for waterproofing the roof. They are also available in wood or metal.

Roof Shingles:

Roof shingles are the exposed and visible part of the roof; they also protect against harsh climate conditions, like sun, snow, and rainwater. Shingles are of many types, asphalt, fiberglass, wood, or metal. The type of shingle also determines the type and strength of roof truss and rafters. They are available in different colors. Before buying shingles, consider the following factors:

• Weight of Shingle: The weight of the shingles affects the roof’s strength; if the rafter and truss are not laid in comparison to the shingle’s weight, it may bend or crack the roof.
• Cost: The cost of shingles varies with quality and roof styles. Don’t compromise on their quality; go with the best shingles for your roof style, and don’t disturb your budget.
• Aesthetics: The aesthetics and shape of shingles are also worth considering. They change the look of your house, and if you are planning to sell it, they attract the buyers’ attention.

Conclusion:

The basic roof structures consist of different materials and parts. The roof structure varies from area to area, depending on the building codes and regulations. Normally lumbar is used extensively in roofs; it constitutes most roof parts, from rafters to truss. All the basic roof structure is made of wood. Other than that, metal, asphalt, synthetic fiber, and other waterproofing materials are also used in roof structures.