All steep-pitch roofing systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 pct or more)  are most generally made  of five basic components. These roofing components are the roof covering, sheathing, roof structure, flashing and the roof drain system. Should  any one of these components fail or if they are not installed correctly  your roof could fail and leaks are likely . Let’s find out just why each of these components is so critical .

We’ll begin  with the roofing  drainage system. What we’re talking about here are your roof’s basic design features such as the shape of your roof, the slope and any features  that would affect its ability to shed water. Typically  your roof is a variation of either a gable or gambrel style roof. The basic job  of the shape of your roof is to force  water to run in the correct  direction, out and away from the construction. The steeper the slope of the roof the more easily this drainage is accomplished . Certain elements create extra challenges such as roof valleys and roof penetrations like chimneys, skylights and plumbing ventilation pipes. All of these elements need your particular care to stave off leaks.

The roof structure is the underlying backbone of your roof and is made up of rafters and trusses. . Just like the bones in the human body  the roof structure component is what gives the roof its strength and enables it to  support   the loads that a roof is typically subjected to. Not only does the structure have to support the burden of the sheathing and roof covering but that of snow loads and wind which can excert tremendous stress on a structure. Your roof structure must be engineered to support every possible load that it could be subjected to over it’s lifetime .

The roof sheathing is the next component of your roof. Sheathing is made of  plywood, boards, toungue and groove boards or even SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) that combine structure, insulation and sheathing all in one laminated panel. The intent of the sheathing is to provide a strong, smooth surface area that the roof covering will  be connected to. Its important that the sheathing be secured with fasteners that are carefully selected and properly spaced .

Earlier we refered to  some special challenges such as roof valleys or roof penetrations. These challenges  must be addressed with carefully applied flashing. Roof flashing is made of metal or sometimes copper sheeting. Through careful layering,  the flashing channels  water away from the vulnerable  areas and onto the roof covering where potentially damaging moisture can be ushered off of the roof.

And that brings us to the roofing component that is most obvious that being  the roof covering . The most common roof coverings are asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, tiles, slate or metal roofing. Different types of covering are designed for different applications . The type of roofing that  is right for your particular application is a subject that is best discussed  with a professional roofing contractor. A reputable professional will be knowledgable with the roofing types and application techniques that will perform best for your structure. He or she  will also be able to scrutinize and address each of the other components of your roof and determine if repair work is necessary.