Roof Parts Explained

The roof tiles are usually the stars of any roof because they are the most obvious, most visible part.  They hold off the weather and keep the house protected.  But there’s more to a roof than just the tiles.  Let’s look at the roof parts that support those tiles – also known as the roofline.

Fascias and soffits

The fascias or fascia board are long straight boards that are mounted under the edge of the roof.  They are fixed straight to the roof trusses and have two main jobs – to support the guttering and also to support the bottom row of tiles on the roof.  Fascias need to be in good condition to withstand those sudden downpours that we can get where gallons of water pour into the gutters and splash the surrounding area.

Soffits sit under the fascia and usually have a finished surface.  If you stand on the ground and look up at the roofline, the soffit is the bit that you can see.  Soffits are fitted by roofers to allow ventilation of the roof space without letting water in.  Without it, damp in the loft is a big problem and can cause jotting roof timbers.

Bargeboards and box end

The bargeboard is used on the gable end of a house – so isn’t present on a terraced house or on the connected side of a semi-detached.  It is a decorative feature but also helps to finish the protective layer of the roofline.  It combines with the box end which ties up the fascias and soffits as well as the bargeboard to ensure there is no weak spotwhere water can get in.

Guttering and downpipes

Around Wolverhampton, PVC is one of the most popular materials for guttering and downpipes although you still see older plastic and even metal examples.  The guttering on the house does a crucial job – it collects the water and carries it away from the roof to stop problems such as penetrating damp.  That’s why it is so important that guttering is in good condition, attached to the wall and not blocked by debris or moss.

The downpipe is the element that brings the water from the roof to the drainage system.  There are often two or more of these on a house so that the water doesn’t put too much pressure on a single one.  And they will be located above a drain access point to make sure the water goes in the right place.

Roofline maintenance

Like all parts of the roof, the roofline can weather or be damaged by the same kinds of things that damage roofing – flying debris, weather damage and more.  That’s why it is worth watching it to make sure everything looks okay and there are no signs of damage.  It is also worth having a roofer check it periodically to make sure it is all working properly so that when those heavy rains turn up, your roofline is ready to handle it and send that water to the drain, away from your home.