What are the different parts of a roof and their meaning?

A roof is a system of products working together to protect a building from the elements. When planning, constructing or maintaining a pitched roof, it’s important to be clear on the terminology. From the battens to the ridge tiles, each part of a roof plays a role in its function and aesthetics. However, the terms can be confusing or have different meanings depending on who you ask. In this guide, we’ll define the main elements of a pitched roof and explain how they contribute to safe and weatherproof homes.

Roofing glossary: defining common terminology for different parts of a roof

Abutment: What is a roof abutment?

A junction where a pitched roof surface adjoins a wall, a dormer or other vertical feature. Abutments are commonly found in roof and building extensions.

Apex: What is the roof apex?

The apex is the highest point of a roof, where two sloping sides meet to form the ridge.

Battens: What are roof battens?

Timbers that span between rafters, roof battens provide a fixing point for roof coverings such as clay or concrete roof tiles, shakes or shingles or solar tiles. They also help strengthen trussed roofs, provide safe footholds for roofers, and create an air gap that helps with ventilation and water drainage beneath the roof covering.

Eaves: What are the eaves of a roof?

The eaves of a roof are the draining edges, normally found just above the gutters. Most eaves are horizontal and run parallel to the ridge, but on some older building the eaves can be raking. Eaves can overhang the building with soffits or can be close to the walls. As well as helping to discharge rainwater off the roof, eaves can play an important role in ventilating the roof.

Gable: What part of the roof is a gable?

A gable is a section of wall at the end of a building that extends upwards to meet the sloping edges of a pitched roof, forming a triangular shape between the opposite eaves lines and the ridge.
Depending on the building design and aesthetic choices, some gables may be flush with the roof or extend higher than the roof plane.
Gables often include decorative elements such as finials, gable vents, decorative trim or patterned brickwork. Gable ends may also feature windows that provide visual interest or ventilation.

Hipped roof: What is a hipped roof?

A hipped roof is a type of pitched roof where all sides are sloped, including the ends. The tops of the roof planes meet at external angles called hips.

Rafters: What are rafters?

Common rafters are inclined lengths of timber that run from the eaves at the bottom of the roof to the ridge at the top. They provide support for roofing battens, sarking (if present) and the roof covering. Comon rafters are sometimes called spars. Shorter rafters can also be found at the hips and valleys if they are features of the roof.

Ridge: What is the ridge of a roof?

A roof ridge is where two sloping sides of a roof come together. It runs along the length of the roof, usually in the centre, forming a horizontal line.

Ridge tiles: What are ridge tiles?

Ridge tiles are purpose-designed roof tiles that cover the ridge (apex) of a pitched roof. Ridge tiles can be bedded in mortar or dry-fixed. Dry ridge systems provide an effective, mortar-free method for securing the ridge tiles, while also ensuring adequate high-level ventilation.
In order to conform to BS5534, bedded ridge tiles must also be mechanically fixed.

Underlay: What is a roof underlay?

Also known as a roofing membrane or ‘felt’, a roof underlay is a protective layer that is laid over the rafters and covered by the battens and roof covering. It helps to prevent water ingress in case the outer roof covering is damaged, or water penetrates between the roof tiles. Underlays are available in various types, including breathable, non-breathable and air open. The right choice of underlay will depend on the roof’s ventilation and moisture control requirements.

Valley: What part of the roof is a valley?

A roof valley is the concave angle formed where two sloping roof surfaces meet, typically running from the ridge to the eaves. The timber that supports this intersection is called the valley rafter. Because valleys channel rainwater from both roof slopes, they require careful weatherproofing to prevent leaks and ensure water drains away efficiently. Dry valley systems provide an effective method for securing and weatherproofing roof valleys.

Verge: What part of the roof is the verge?

The verge is the defined as the free edge of the roof above the gable end or a dormer. Verges generally extend 50mm for most dry fix products and 38-60mm for mortar bedded, creating a small overhang that prevents rainwater from the roof from running directly down the walls. Dry verge systems can be used to secure the verge without mortar, giving it a finished appearance, while also protecting against moisture ingress and wind uplift.

Bringing it all together with the Marley Roofing System

With so many different elements, roofs are complex structures. They must be carefully planned, specified and constructed to ensure all parts work together cohesively to provide weather protection and long-lasting performance. Marley’s complete Roofing System combines all roofing elements – from the battens and underlay to the roof tiles and integrated solar panels – to simplify planning, ordering and construction. It’s backed by a 15-year warranty for peace of mind.

To find out more, download our latest roofing product brochure, or get in touch with one of our roofing experts to discuss your project.