31May 2025
Most homeowners in South Jersey know about the shingles and gutters on their home. However, the roof structure is more than what’s on the outside. On the inside, under the shingles or tiles or metal, are critical pieces that support the roof and protect everything that makes your house a home. Whether you’re building an addition, replacing an old roof, or simply trying to better understand your home’s components, knowing the basics of roof structures helps you make smarter decisions. Here’s a simple guide from the team at TA Hughes to help South Jersey homeowners understand what’s going on above their heads.
Key Takeaways
- A roof’s structure includes more than shingles—it’s made up of critical components like rafters, trusses, decking, underlayment, fascia, and soffits that all work together to protect your home.
- Rafters and trusses form the skeleton of your roof, while the ridge board, decking, and underlayment provide shape and waterproofing.
- A properly built roof structure supports the weight of materials, snow, and wind while preventing sagging, leaks, and potential collapse.
- Warning signs of structural issues include sagging rooflines, interior cracks, attic moisture, and sticking doors or windows—all of which should be addressed quickly.
- TA Hughes helps South Jersey homeowners assess, maintain, and repair their entire roofing system to ensure long-lasting protection and peace of mind.
The Key Parts of a Roof Structure
Let’s take a look at the key components of your roof:
1. Rafters and Trusses
These are the main structural elements that form the skeleton of your roof. Rafters are sloped beams that run from the ridge (top) to the eaves (edges) and support the roof deck. Trusses are pre-engineered triangular frames that combine multiple structural elements into a single unit. Trusses are common in modern home construction because they’re efficient and offer consistent support.
2. Ridge Board or Ridge Beam
The ridge board, also known as the ridge beam, is the horizontal piece at the very peak of the roof. It connects the tops of the rafters and provides a central line that helps define the roof’s shape. In some larger or more complex structures, a ridge beam may be used for added strength and load distribution.
3. Roof Decking
Also called sheathing, roof decking, usually made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), covers the rafters or trusses and provides a flat surface for the roofing material. It also adds strength to the roof system and serves as a base for underlayment and shingles.
4. Underlayment
Installed on top of the decking, underlayment is a waterproof barrier that provides additional protection from moisture. It acts as a second line of defense if water gets past the outer roofing material.
5. Fascia and Soffits
One of the most overlooked parts of the roof structure are soffits and fascia. The fascia is the horizontal band that runs along the edge of the roof, often where gutters are attached. Soffits are the panels located underneath the overhanging portion of the roof. Both components help with ventilation and prevent pests and moisture from getting into your attic.
6. Roof Pitch (Slope)
The roof pitch refers to how steep your roof is. A steeper slope generally sheds water and snow more easily, but the design depends on your home’s architecture and climate. South Jersey homes, for example, often need a balance that accommodates seasonal snow while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Why Does Roof Structure Matter?
A solid roof structure is essential for protecting your home from the elements. It must support not only the weight of roofing materials but also added loads from snow, wind, and occasional maintenance work like walking on the roof or installing solar panels. The structure distributes these loads evenly across the home and keeps everything stable.
If the framing is undersized, weakened by age, or improperly built, it can compromise the integrity of the entire roofing system. A poorly designed or deteriorating roof structure can lead to sagging, leaks, and water intrusion, and in extreme cases, it may result in partial collapse or extensive damage to the home’s interior. That’s why having a strong, well-designed structure is just as important as the roofing material on top of it.
What are Common Signs of Roof Structure Issues?
Some roofing issues can be easily seen with your eyes, such as missing or damaged shingles. Structural issues, on the other hand, often develop slowly and subtly. Here are some signs that something may be wrong beneath the surface of your roof:
- Uneven or sagging rooflines that weren’t there before
- Cracks in interior ceilings or along wall joints
- Water stains or signs of moisture buildup in the attic
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick, shift, or don’t close properly
- Creaking noises or changes in how your home “feels” during high winds or storms
Tackle Roof Structure Problems with South Jersey Roofing Contractor TA Hughes
Understanding roof structure is not just something that builders and architects need to know about. As a homeowner, having a basic understanding of roof structure can help when it comes time for roof maintenance, repairs, or replacement. You can make better maintenance and repair decisions and know exactly what the roofing contractor is talking about.
Furthermore, if you’re making changes to your home or replacing your roof, you need a contractor who understands structural integrity—not just surface repairs. At TA Hughes, we’ve been helping South Jersey homeowners for over 35 years with roof installations, replacements, and repairs that last. We take time to assess your entire roofing system is built to protect.
Contact TA Hughes today at 856-845-8505 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help your home from the top down.