---
title: Parts of a Roof
description: roof, replacement, repair, ridge vent, felt paper,
---

[Home Improvement Blog ](https://www.berkeleyexteriors.com/blog)

# [Parts of a Roof](https://www.berkeleyexteriors.com/blog/bid/186449/parts-of-a-roof)

 Written by [Mike Lofaro](https://www.berkeleyexteriors.com/blog/author/mike-lofaro) | Sun, Nov 02, 2014 @ 06:27 PM

Getting leaks? Cupped shingles? A remarkable crop of plants growing up there? Time for a new roof. It might help if you have the 101 on what makes a roof…a roof. Here are some basic components of the typical roof. Knowing what you have and getting what you need will help make your investment in your home last for decades.

Dormer:The structure that surrounds a window that projects from a sloped roof.

Roof Truss:The skeleton of the roof. A framework of beams that support the roof.

Rafters: The beams that run from the top of the roof to the bottom. Part of the roof truss.

Decking or Sheathing: The wood (plywood) that covers the rafters. The base to which the roofing materials are attached.

Underlayment: Heavy felt paper or synthetic skin is placed on top of the decking before the roofing material is installed to offer an additional layer of protection from moisture.

Drip Edge: Placed at the edges of the roof and helps allow water to run-off and drip clear of underlying construction.

Fascia trim: Covers the rafter end of the eaves. Often where gutters are attached to the house.

Soffit: Is a finished underside of the eaves. Covers the area between the end of the eaves and the house.

Valley: The angle formed when by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. The intersection of a cross hip or cross gable roof.

Hip: The high angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Gable: A triangle shaped part of the end of a building underneath the roof and above the main portion of the house.

Ridge: The highest point of the roof that runs the length of the roof.

Flashing: Pieces of metal used to prevent the seepage of water around any intersection or projection in a roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys, and the joints at vertical walls.

Starter Strip: Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles.

Ridge Vent: Allows ventilation of the structure through the highest point at the ridge of the home.

[View full post](https://www.berkeleyexteriors.com/blog/bid/186449/parts-of-a-roof)

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