The Parts of a Roof
Roof Deck. The plywood or board base that everything else is fastened to.
Underlayment. The water-resistant layer over the deck. In Florida it often sets the real roof lifespan.
Secondary Water Barrier. A sealed layer that keeps water out if the covering is damaged in a storm.
Flashing. Metal at valleys, walls, and penetrations that directs water away from seams.
Drip Edge. Metal at the roof edge that guides water into the gutters.
Ridge. The peak where two roof slopes meet, often vented.
Valley. Where two slopes meet in a downward channel, a common leak point.
Soffit and Fascia. The underside and edge boards that support ventilation and trim the roof.
Hip vs Gable. Roof shapes. Hip roofs shed high wind better than gables.
Ventilation. Airflow that reduces attic heat and moisture and extends roof life.
Common Roof Shapes
Materials at a Glance
- Shingle: most affordable, about 15 to 20 years in our sun.
- Tile: classic South Florida look, tile lasts 40 to 50 years but underlayment often needs replacing in 20 to 30.
- Metal: long life of about 30 to 50 years, great in wind and near the coast.
- Flat and low-slope: TPO, modified bitumen, and coatings for commercial and modern homes.
Coming soon: "Learning About Roofing With Joe," a series of short instructional videos and articles from our President, Joe Manick.