77 Roof Parts Names For Your Hardware Knowledge

Roof parts names are not only essential for a builder or an architect but also for the owner of the house.

In order to have a well-protected abode with a roof, you must be familiar with the terms and roof parts' names. The basic functions of roof parts will help you understand a simple roof design and the mechanism of roofs as different roof parts are designed in a way that collectively protects the house from externalities.

The building materials used and the functions of each and every roof part will definitely widen your knowledge about roofs, their functions, and building codes. Roof parts like hip, flashing, chimneys, decking, eaves, sheathing, and gutter will help you understand how the roof building system works and how to make it maintain its durability.

Make sure to go through the roof parts and check whether they are in function.

There are different types of roof parts involved in different roof designs, but the basic roof structure remains the same throughout the construction. A saddle, gable, edge, soffit rafter, and valley are some vital roof parts for most houses.

After reading about different materials and components used in a roof, be sure to share the info with friends and family!

Metal Roof Parts Names

The most common roof parts include rakes, edges, rafters, underlayment, valleys, hips, decking, and more. Any basic roof structure would require these elements to be present which makes the roof strong and stable.

Chimney (English origin) means 'exterior component on the roof' that diverts the smoke and gas coming from the house to the outside.

Chimney Flashing (English origin) meaning 'water-resistant seal' provides water resistance around the bottom of the chimney thus preventing moisture from entering the house. One of the most important parts of the roof.

Collar beam (English origin) means 'horizontal beam that connects two rafters.' Collar beams are attached to the bottom of the rafters and prevent them from spreading.

Downspout (English origin) means 'vertical pipe beneath the gutter' and is installed downward to the ground to carry out the water flow from the gutter without splashing.

Fascia (English origin) means 'protection cover at rafter's end.' Fascia is made of aluminum or vinyl which blocks the moisture around the roof.

Felt Underlayment (English origin) means 'the layering part for dual protection.' It will save the house from a broken shingle.

Gable (English origin) means 'triangular wall beneath rafters' that connects to the edges of the roofing system and rafters. It is an important part of the roof.

Gutter (English origin) means 'a long pipe to prevent water seeping into walls.' A gutter extends along the roofline. It fosters the flow of water without letting the water seep into the walls. It is an important roofing component.

Hip (English origin) meaning 'outward valley section' is not a common part of house roofs. Hips are parts of roofs where the two sides of the roof meet and form a rising outward angle.

Lookouts (English origin) is a word for 'horizontal joints' that act as a support to hold other roof materials over them.

Rafters (English origin) means 'parallel supporting components for decking system' and are a primary component of a roof.

Rakes (English origin) means 'sloping edges that cover the top edge of the house.' Rakes are useful for the protection of the lower part from rainwater.

Ridge Board (English origin) means 'horizontal primary support' where the two ends of the rafter meet. A ridge board gives a solid frame to protect the house and is usually made of metal.

Roof Plane (English origin) means 'flat part' which is also the roof surface. The roof plane has four edges connected in a slanting style and is joined by a ridge board in the center.

Shingles (English origin) meaning 'outermost roof part' which protects the home from sun and weather. Shingles are flat-shaped metal cover protection that can also be the aesthetic part of your roof.

Skylight (English origin) means 'solar catcher' in the form of a window that helps channel the sunlight and provide adequate ventilation. Skylight also gives an attractive appearance while ensuring a regular flow of the wind through the ventilation process. The skylight frame can be installed at the convenience of the user.

Soffit (English origin) meaning the 'underside parts of the roof', is a roof structure that is situated in the roof's eaves. The fascia and the gutter are attached to this and a soffit is not common in all houses.

Solid Decking (English origin) means the 'first layer above the roof frame' made of metal where all other roof parts will be nailed in order.

Spaced Sheathings (English origin) meaning 'part of truss in a ladder pattern form' to nail the solid decking of the roof.

Splash Block (English origin) means 'horizontal pipe that drains water' from the downspout and provides protection from water seepage. Make sure it doesn't have any blockages for it is an important roofing material that performs an important function.

Valley Flashing (English origin) means 'waterproof layer made of metal' to cover intersections or gaps in the roof frame and reduce the robustness of the existing roof system. A strong roof frame is one of the basic components of a strong roof.

Valley Underlayment (English origin) means 'waterproof sheet over the valleys' to prevent it from leaking debris. This will ensure waterproof conditions and avoid damage in seasons.

Valleys (English origin) is the word for a 'channel that extends inward to the home' and are made of metal. Valleys are the spot where fallen leaves or debris from outside gather and must be cleaned regularly.

Vent Pipe (English origin) means 'plumbing system that prevents water from entering the insides.' Venting also regulates air circulation and reduces the heat keeping the home free from moisture.

House Roof Parts Names

A house roof consists of many parts having different functions. Some of the parts are made of wood, metal or asphalt, steel, or any other synthetic materials. Here are some house roof parts like dormers, ridges, and eaves, with their meanings and functions given below.

Attic (English origin) means 'area under roof' and is a vacant space to protect the entire roofing system. Attic ventilation must be ensured with regulated heat and moist air content during extreme weather conditions.

Birdsmouth Cut (English origin) means 'connection between a rafter and the supporting wall'. The name is intended because the cut resembles the bird's mouth.

Cantilevered Top plate (English origin) means 'projecting beam' that also transports load to the walls.

Decking (English origin) means 'reinforcement for the structure of the roof' and is usually made of plywood and serves as a nail bed.

Deflector (English origin) means 'piece of cardboard tucked between two rafters' to ensure free airflow near soffits.

Dormer (English origin) means 'raised portion of the roof'. A dormer is a window that has vertical projection through the slope of the roof.

Drip Edge (English origin) means 'molding' that covers the roof edge and decreases the risk of water infiltration.

Eave (English origin) means 'lower border of a roof' which overhangs the front of the wall. Eaves are usually found in the first three feet of the house roof.

Eaves Edge (English origin) means 'provides support along the edge of eaves' and is a common element in roof construction. It runs along the entire edge of the roof and is the lowest point of a pitched roof.

Eaves Membrane (English origin) means 'protective membrane' to avoid water infiltration located under some shingles. It is the lowest point of a pitched roof.

Ice and Water barrier (English origin) means 'self-adhered material for waterproofing' to protect the damage from ice and rain. These are installed along the sidewalls and eaves.

King Post (English origin) means 'central post' in a vertical position that is found in the 'King post roof truss.'

Laminated Architectural Shingles (English origin) means 'three-dimensional shingles' that add performance and durability to the roof containing multiple layers that appear flat.

Metal Drip Edge (English origin) means 'narrow strip to manage water seepage' by providing the dripping water to outflow and protect the walls.

Plumb Cut (English origin) means 'outward faced cut' which is designed of a rafter to ram against a ridge board.

Plumbing Vent (English origin) means 'pipe that allows wastewater to flow' to the sewer. This pipe emerges from the rooftop carrying wastewater and preventing water seepage.

Ridge (English origin) means 'horizontal line at the rooftop' and is an essential roof element and can be made aesthetic.

Ridge vent (English origin) means 'exhaust outlet' that runs horizontally to release the warm air outside. This is responsible for ventilation requirements and temperature maintenance at the house.

Roof Deck (English origin) means 'structural base' and lies at the foundation of a roof made of wood or plywood.

Roof Gable (English origin) means 'triangular section of the exterior wall'. A roof gable is situated between the eave and a sloping roof at the peak of the roof.

Roof Ridge (English origin) means 'highest point of intersection on a roof' where the two planes of a roof meet. Roof Ridge is sometimes also referred to as peak. Ridge shingles and hips are specifically designed for the roof ridge.

Roofing Underlayment (English origin) means 'extra protection above the roof deck.' Usually made of synthetic underlayment that restrains moisture and has long-lasting durability.

Saddle (English origin) means 'structure behind chimney' and is a projection from the roof that provides rainwater diversion around it. It is found behind the higher chimney side.

Strut (English origin) means 'diagonal part of truss' that maintains rigidity and adds strength to the structure with a compressive force.

Strut (English origin) means 'diagonal part of truss' that maintains the rigidity and overall strength of the structure by adding a compressive force.

Strutting Beam (English origin) means 'horizontal beam' supporting and transferring the roof loads to load-bearing walls directly.

Supporting Wall (English origin) means 'chief member as it carries the maximum load-bearing capacity from the roof and supports the structure.

Under-eave vent (English origin) means 'intake vents' which are located under the eaves. The under-eave vent helps to draw cool and dry air inside the attic. This helps in regulating the ventilation of the attic.

Underlay membrane (English origin) means 'coating that protects shingles'. It is usually made of synthetic fabric and secures the decking against harsh weather.

Underpurlin (English origin) means 'horizontal beams' used to support rafters and are found in traditional buildings.

Wall Plate (English origin) means 'lumber piece' that lies horizontally on the wall to support the rafter.

Flat Roof Parts Names

The flat roof is the simplest form of roof and has no fancy roof designs. However, it is important to ensure the flat roof can provide protection against external damage and serves the purpose. There are a few common roof parts like a rake, flashing, joist, and more. Some flat roof parts along with their functions are given below.

Built-up Roof (English origin) means 'a low and flat slope type of roof that is covered with multiple layers'. Built-up roofs are alternative layers made of asphalt or roofing felt.

Cornice  (English origin) means 'a wooden or a metal finishing'. The cornice is usually located at the edges of a building or rake. This also includes a frieze. You can use asphalt shingles for added strength.

Counterflashing (English origin) means 'embedded flashing' that is attached or sealed in a wall. Counter flashing is also seen on vertical structures while sometimes it is lapped down over base flashing.

Courses (English origin) means 'rows of shingles' usually found in horizontal rows and are also commonly known as tiles.

Felt (English origin) means 'paper used by roofers' which is usually made with a combination of either rake or paper and asphalt.

Frieze Board (English origin) means 'a board at the rooftop' that forms a corner with the soffit at a furnished wall of the house.

Insulation and Vapor Barrier (English origin) means 'cooling agents' that protect your decking from moisture damage or heat damage. The insulation absorbs the sunlight and retains it to keep the roof dry. A vapor barrier helps with moisture prevention and protects the walls from possible leaks.

Joist (English origin) means 'a horizontal structure' found on a flat roof. It is the joist over which the sheathings are then attached.

Pitch (English origin) means 'slope' is the vertical rise in a roof.

Plasterboard Ceiling (English origin) means 'interior part of the roof' which covers the entire roof from the inside. It helps keep the decking firm and strong.

A plasterboard ceiling helps hide the insulation and other unnecessary areas out of vision. It is also an aesthetic component of the house that prevents moisture from damaging the walls. Hence, the ceiling also has tiny vents.

Rake (English origin) means 'the slant edge' forming a part of the gable roof. 

Step Flashing (English origin) means 'flashing in strips' that is laid under every shingle. It is bent up at the edge of a wall or a chimney. It is one of the popular roof flashing types.

Waterproof Layer and Covering (English origin) means 'protective layer' that acts like coverings and keeps the roof safe. It comes with coatings that add more resistance to the roof by avoiding the roof from leakages from rain and snow.

Car Roof Parts Names

A car roof does not have many parts. But there are many types of car roofs for different purposes. The other parts of the car also act as an extension of the roof and thus have one single color. Here are some car roof parts names discussed with their functions and features.

Bumper, 'an extension of the hood to keep the car safe' from minor collisions. Bumpers are made of metals that absorb shock in case of a low-speed crash and avoid possible physical damage to a car. You can definitely find stylish bumpers too.

Car Roof, means 'protective layer above the passenger' that keeps the inside of the car safe. The car roof protects the front from external threats of wind, rain, sun, and more.

Hood, 'covers the engine' which is also the extension of the roof on the front side and gives access to the engine. It protects the engine from dust, snow, and harmful particles. You can access the engine by opening this hood.

Moonroofs, 'specially designed to view at night'. Moonroofs allow the passengers to enjoy a scenic view in the moonlight and have colored glass panels.

Open roof, 'adjustable rooftop' that comes with a small window that can be opened when needed. These are common in many branded cars and give a fancy look to the car.

Panoramic Roofs, are 'luxurious rooftops' that allow the entire scenic view during day and night without the need to open the roof of a car. This panoramic roof is an elegant and classy feature of the car.

Roof Rack, 'storage space' located above the car roof with racks is available to carry luggage or store things.

Sunroofs, 'electronic system of roofs' that can be opened and closed to allow entry and exit of light and fresh air into and out of the car cabin. The sunroof serves as a window in the car roof and is an exciting feature for kids during long drives.

Windshield, means 'big front glass' that extends from the car roof to provide visibility to the driver and the front seat passenger while on road. The main task of the windshield is to protect the driver from the wind created when the car moves forward. It is an essential safety component.