Guide: Learn About The Exterior Of Your Home
Are you a new homeowner wanting to learn more about the various parts of the exterior of your home? Or are you an experienced homeowner looking for a quick refresh before tackling a home improvement project? Either way, this guide will provide you with a quick run-down of all the parts of your home’s exterior so that you can be ready to talk with contractors or head to the home improvement store with confidence. Let’s jump in!
Apron
An apron is decorative trim beneath a window and against the siding.
Box End
The box ends of your home are located at the gables (see gable definition below), typically where the siding and roof line connect. Box ends create a visually appealing appearance as well as a seal, to keep out moisture.
Chimney
Chimneys allow for the release of smoke and toxic gases from the interior of your home. They are typically attached to your fireplace, and are built vertically to push hot fumes up and out of your home.
Column
Columns can usually be found on the front of your home. They are used to create structural soundness and add style to your home.
Corner Post
Located at the corners of your home and garage, corner posts are typically made of aluminum, and are constructed at a 90-degree angle. They protect the corners of your home and garage from damage, and support your home structurally.
Drip Edge
Drip edges are located underneath the edge of your roof line, near the gutters. They protect the roof by allowing rainwater run from the edge of your roof into your gutters.
Dormer
A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof. A dormer window is a form of roof window. Dormers are commonly used to increase the usable space in a loft and to create window openings in a roof plane.
Down Spouts
Downspouts are attachments to the ends of your gutters that help direct water down the edges of your home vertically, and out and away from your foundation. Downspouts are typically constructed of aluminum.
Eave
The eave is the part of your roof that hangs over the side of your home, also known as an overhang. Eaves are designed to push water away from your siding.
Fascia
The fascia can be found where your gutter and roof line meet, and are generally constructed of aluminum and wood. The main purpose of the fascia board is to keep moisture from entering your roof and the interior of your home.
Flashing
Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into your home from a joint or as part of a weather barrier system.
Foundation
The foundation of your home is the base that your home was constructed on. They are designed to bear the weight of your home and provide strength and stability.
Frieze Board
Frieze board is trim installed where your siding meets your soffits. It is placed at the very top of the siding under the edge of the roof for decorative purposes.
Gable
Gables are generally a triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. The shape of the gable depends on structure and aesthetic concerns.
Garage
Attached or detached, garages are used for parking cars and general storage.
Grid
A window grid is created by materials laid within the glass of a window to create the look of multiple panes. Depending on how the grids are installed, they can either be supportive or decorative in nature.
Gutters
Gutter are located along the perimeter of your home, along the roof line, and are typically made of aluminum. They collect water and lead it to your downspouts and away from your home.
Header
Headers are trim boards above doors and windows that are both decorative and help with supporting the weight from above.
Hip
A hip is a connecting point between two different sides of a roof that slope downward.
Patio
Patios are outdoor spaces made of concrete that are typically connected to your home.
Porch
Usually located at either the front or back entrance to your home, a porch is an extension of your home sheltered by a roof or eaves.
Railing
Railings are used for a border and for safety, and are located around decks and along staircases and steps.
Rake
Rake is the term used for the sloped sides on the end of a gabled roof.
Ridge
A ridge is a peak on a roof where two sloping sides meet, and also the term for the beam used to build this part of the roof.
Soffit
Soffits are attached under roof overhangs to protect the tresses that hang over the side of your home, or to cover porch ceilings. Soffits are often vented to allow airflow into your attic, and are made of vinyl, wood or aluminum.
Shingles
Shingles are overlapped and nailed to your roof to protect your home from the elements. They are generally made of asphalt and limestone.
Shutters
Shutters are decorative additions to the left and right sides of your windows.
Siding
Siding is the term for the exterior walls of your home, most commonly made of vinyl, aluminum, brick or wood.
Trim
Trim borders windows and doors on the exterior (as well as interior) of your home for aesthetic purposes. It is typically made of vinyl, wood or aluminum.
Vents
Vents are located in different areas on a roof and allow air to escape from a home.
Twin Cities Resurfacing hopes that this guide was helpful, and looks forward to helping you with your next home project. Click the link below to get started!