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Roofing Introduction
How to tell if you need a new roof
Roofing is arguably one of the single most important components in your home. If it weren’t for the barrier that keeps moisture and temperature from us at all times, it would be a lot more difficult to live in a house. Fortunately, roofing technology is at such a level that we can be assured of protection. However, when that protection has a minor problem, it fails to fulfill its purpose.
There are five basic components to a roof.
- Structure: this refers to the rafters and interior skeleton of the home that holds it up.
- Decking/Sheathing: these are the boards that are placed above the actual structure of the roof for added protection.
- Roof Covering: anything to protect from the elements (shingles, tiles, etc.).
- Drainage: the slope of the roof and any other components that keep water from collecting on the roof.
- Flashing: sheet metal at joists and corners to further prevent leakage.
One commonly overlooked aspect of a roof is its pitch. The pitch is the angle at which it slopes, and it can determine the way in which water will run off as well as the size of the interior attic. Because slope is the measurement of pitch, and slope is the change in the height of the roof (rise) over a horizontal distance (run). When dealing with roofers and talking about roofs, the way in which slope is expressed is, for example, “4 in 12.” This means that in a 12-inch section of roof, the roof will rise 4 inches.
It is easy for a homeowner to determine the pitch of their roof. Begin by laying the board flat on the roof, running straight up and down the slope. Then mark a point on the level that is 12 inches from one end and place the end of the level from where you measured near the top of the board. Next, raise the other end of the level until it is "level." Hold the ruler perpendicular (the two will cross each other and form an "X") to the level at the 12-inch mark; measure from the board to the bottom of the level. The distance you find here will give you the "rise" portion of your roof's pitch. For example, if your measurement is 6 inches, you have a "6 in 12" pitch.