In all of your years of building or buying a home, it can be assumed that unless you are a professional roofer, you have never thought about the various parts of a roof. There are drip edges, ridges, and valleys to name a few shown in the picture below. Many homeowners are happy to know that the roof is intact and keeping them safe. However, there are others parts of a roof as well and one of those is a rake of the roof.
So, what is the rake of a roof? Well, the rake of a roof is the exposed portion on the sides of a gable roof that extends from the eave to the ridge of the sloped sides. The rake of a roof covers the top edge of the roof. This is also an area of the roof where leaks can often occur. It is best to get to know the terms of your roof so that you can take the proper steps to maintain yours.
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Let’s take a look at the information regarding the rake of a roof to learn more about this feature.
Rake of a Roof vs. Roof Rake
There is a difference between these two terms. The rake of a roof, as explained above, is the exposed portion on the sides of a gable roof that extends from the eave to the ridge of the sloped sides. It covers the top edge of a roof, while a roof rake is used for removing snow from the roof of a house.
What is the Rake Made Of
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The rake boards can be cut from multiple roofing materials. Pine, cedar, smart board, PVC board, and concrete board are all types of materials used to make a rake of a roof. The builder will determine the type of rake board to use based on the style of the trim and fascia of the home. You might also see rake boards wrapped in metal to match a metal roof.
Common Problems With the Rake of a Roof
Believe it or not, the purpose of rake board serves as a moisture barrier to your home and roofing system. The most common problem area for a roof is moisture. Roof damage can be caused by various types of moisture such as rain, snow, and high humidity, so your rake of a roof must be intact. A rake of a roof is also meant for aesthetic value.
Another more common issue that could arise if the rake of a roof is not intact is pest damage. Insects and animals like to access any openings of your roof so that they can nest and use it as shelter. Gaps of crevices in your roofing system such as an open soffit or fascia is an issue that should be addressed. Keeping pests and animals out of your attic is a key reason for rake boards.
Knowing to address the area of your rake after a snowstorm is vital to the health of your roof. Typically, the area of the rake of a roof is where ice dams can form and this could be a cause of leaks in your roof. You will want to remove any ice dams in or near your rake of a roof system.
Other Maintenance To Consider
You will want to make sure that your eaves are free of holes and clean. If you see any holes, seal them.
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Another area to consider is your roof sheathing. This will be checked during the roof inspection. If your roof sheathing is leaking, this will result in mold growing in the attic. If mold is growing in the attic, it is likely to also have mold growing on the trusses. In addition, it may be growing on the roof sheathing and this could become a structural hazard.
Lastly, if you have a chimney with a shake or shingle roof, make sure to check the flashing around the chimney and its’ vertical walls. Wood acid can eat away at your flashing. Make sure that the chimney has a cap on it to keep out animals that nest. This is also a great time to determine if more maintenance is needed on the chimney.
Roof Inspection Checklist
It is a great idea to inspect your roof once a year. You never know what storm damage might have occurred or just environmental scenarios that have affected your home’s roof. Here is a roof checklist to follow when inspecting the roof.
When Do I Call A Professional
When it comes to your roof, you should always call out a professional roofing contractor. They are trained to know what to look for in terms of roofing damage. It is also a great idea to have your home roofing inspection done at the same time. This will allow you to compare notes and determine the best course of action for any repairs that you need.
Conclusion
Getting a roof inspection on your home once a year is not a bad idea. Especially, if you live in an area of varying weather conditions. Often we don’t know if the snow or rain or winds have damaged our roof until the detailed inspection is completed. Call on Boggs Inspection Services to get your yearly home roof inspection completed in the Lacey, WA, and surrounding areas.
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