The roof plays a critical function in protecting your home. It protects your home from the elements: snow, rain, heat and wind. Aesthetically, it also serves as your home’s crowning glory. You need a roof that not only performs well but is also visually pleasing to the eye. To get started, it might help to get some roofing terminologies out of the way. In this blog post, we break down seven roof design elements.

1. Ridge

The ridge is the highest point of the roof where two opposing roof planes intersect. It is the horizontal line at the roof’s top.

2. Hip

A hip is a high point that is formed when two roofing planes form a vertical ridge.

3. Valley

The valley is the v-cut angle that is formed when two sections come together and slope downwards. This is also where rainwater flows.

4. Pitch

The pitch is the angle that determines the steepness of the roofing. This is measured from the roof’s ridge to the wall plate. It can vary from a low slope to, a normal slope, to a very sharp slope. The pitch is very important in determining the amount of snow and rainwater that it can carry; hence certain local codes have pitch requirements.

5. Eaves

Eaves are the parts of the roof that overhang the exterior walls of a home. Gutters are installed at the edges of eaves.

6. Gables 

The eaves and roof’s peak form the triangular portions called gables.

7. Dormers 

Dormers are the additional openings that pop above roof surfaces. They often have windows and bring in light to the topmost room in the house.

Coleman Roofing & Construction proudly provides commercial roofing, industrial roofing, roof repair, roof inspections and exterior services throughout Gonzales, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Mandeville. Backed by over 40 years of experience, our team delivers dependable service and quality workmanship for properties across Louisiana.