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A roof is the top covering of a building designed to protect it from weather elements such as rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures. It plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity and energy efficiency of a house.
Key components of a roof include:
- Roof Structure: The framework that supports the roof, typically made of trusses or rafters.
- Roof Decking (Sheathing): A solid layer, often made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), attached to the roof structure to provide a base for the roofing materials.
- Underlayment: A protective barrier (like felt or synthetic materials) placed between the decking and the outer roofing material to provide additional waterproofing.
- Roof Covering: The outermost layer, which can be shingles, tiles, metal panels, or other materials, designed to repel water and withstand environmental conditions.
- Flashing: Thin metal strips placed around roof edges, chimneys, vents, and valleys to prevent water from seeping into the structure.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Drainage systems that direct water away from the roof and foundation.
Roofs can have various shapes, such as flat, gable, hip, or mansard, depending on architectural style and climate considerations.
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