Roof Diagram
Your roof is more than just shingles — it’s a system of parts that work together to keep your home dry and safe. Knowing the basics helps you talk with a contractor and spot problems early. That’s useful for any homeowner in Middle Tennessee or North Georgia, where heavy rain and storms test every part of a roof. Here’s a simple guide to the main parts of a roof and what each one does.
The Roof’s Structure
Rafters. The frame that supports the whole roof.
Decking (Sheathing). The flat layer of boards laid over the rafters. It holds everything else in place, so it needs to be strong.
Underlayment. A water-resistant layer over the decking and under the shingles. It adds an extra line of defense against water.
The Roof Surface
Field of Roof. The large, central area of the roof, away from the edges.
Ridge. The peak at the top, where two roof slopes meet.
Hips. The outer angle where two sloping sides of the roof come together.
Valley. The inner angle where two slopes meet. Valleys collect a lot of water, so they leak easily. That’s why an ice-and-water shield belongs in every valley — not every roofer installs one, but we do, in every valley on every job, for a water-tight roof.
Rake. The slanted edge on the gable end of the roof.
Gable. The triangle-shaped wall where the roof forms an “A” at the end of the house.
Water Management
Gutters. Usually aluminum, gutters run along the roofline to catch runoff and send it to the downspouts. They must be sized right for your roof to keep up with our heavy rain.
Downspouts. The closed pipes that carry water from the gutters down to the ground, away from your foundation.
Drip edge. A metal strip under the first row of shingles near the gutters. It stops water from slipping under the shingles and rotting the decking.
Flashing. Rust-proof metal (like aluminum or galvanized steel) set in water-prone spots to keep water out. Many roofers reuse old flashing, which can leak through old nail holes. We replace ALL flashing on every roof.
Edges and Trim
Eaves. The roof edges that hang past the walls to throw water clear of the house. They’re often decorative, too.
Soffit. The finished underside of an overhang, such as the eaves.
Fascia. The boards that cap the ends of the rafters for a clean, finished look — and hold your gutters.
Ventilation
Vent pipe. A pipe that lets gases escape from your home through the roof.
Schedule Roofing Services
Now that you know the parts, you can see how much has to go right for a roof to protect your home. At Northpoint Roofing, we use drone technology and AI to inspect every part for storm damage. If we find it, we walk you through the insurance process to get your roof replaced. We serve Franklin, Kennesaw, and the nearby areas.
Schedule your free inspection or call 678-345-1711 today.
