Learn the vital components that make up your roof.

1. Ridge – A ridge finishes off the roof at the top and can be mortar bedded or dry fixed. Dry-fix systems are more resilient to varying weather patterns and require very little in the way of maintenance so be sure to ask your roofer about it as an option. The ridge is essential to the ventilation of your property (see previous post on ventilation for more information) so it’s worth investigating effective, long-lasting ridge options.
2. Valley – Just as you’d expect, this is where two slopes meet. Water runs down these junctions, which tend to be lined with fibreglass or lead to make them watertight. On a plain tile roof, special valley tiles can be used for a more traditional style.
3. Hip – Just like a valley, this is where two slopes meet, creating a junction from which water can run away.
4. Verges – If you look at where your roof starts and finishes at a gable wall, you’ll find your verges. Many readers will find that, if they take a look at their verges, they have been fixed with a mortar bedding but, just like ridges, dry-fix systems are available which can reduce the need for maintenance in the long run.
5. Eaves – This is where the roof drains into the gutter and is where most water will collect. It’s important to take special care when installing or repairing eaves and make sure that any gaps under the tiles are less than 16mm, otherwise a filler will be needed to prevent any rodents or birds getting into the roof space. It should also be noted here that, if bats do manage to make their way into your roof, by law they are a protected species and you will have no right to move them.
6. Abutments – These appear where a roof meets a wall. They are normally covered with lead flashing. A secret gutter can be used if your roof is made using interlocking flat tiles.
7. Tiles – Finally, the most obvious part of your roof will be the roof covering, which, in the UK, is usually made of tiles often in concrete, slate or clay.