First, it’s important to note that the rake edge isn’t exactly part of the “proper roof” like a shingle or the decking. Instead, the rake refers to the sloped sides of a gable style roof. This type of roof is one of the most common in colder or temperate climates. This system consists of two roof sections sloping in opposite directions from the peak. This is to allow for the best flow of precipitation off the roof. The rake edge is the edge of these slopes.
There are three main types of roof rakes. They are referred to as overhanging exposed, overhanging and boxed in, and abbreviated or sometimes called extended. The roof rakes can also be exposed or closed.
It should be remembered, however, that a rake edge isn’t designed to operate on it’s own. It’s part of a team after all. It helps to move rain and precipitation away from your roof. This is a good thing, considering according the the Illinois State Water Survey, the average inches per year is over 41 inches. That’s a lot of water!
Why is Rake Edge so important?
It’s a matter of protection. Just like there are many benefits of having aluminum gutters that look like copper on your home, having a properly installed roof edge rake is a great way to help keep your roof dry. Simply put, a roof rake edge is installed to cover the top edge of the siding where it meets the roof. You can think of it as a type of awning that is designed to allow water to flow off the roof and down onto the ground below, instead of down the side of your home.
A roof rake edge also serves the important function of preventing water from getting into the fascia, and the underlying roof decking of your home. It truly is a great line of defense when it comes to water infiltration. And while it may be cheaper in the short term to skip its installation, you will certainly pay for it many times over in the long run.
Matt Kowalis
Marketing Manager for Central Roofing LLC
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About Central Roofing
Central Roofing is a top quality roofing company in Sullivan, IL that likewise operates in Mattoon and Champaign, and the rest of Illinois. We offer a wide array of roofing services to property owners like you. We have been the leading go-to roofing company of homeowners, business owners, and property managers for almost a decade now here in Illinois.
