Roofing Glossary

Rake

The rake is the sloped edge of a gable roof — the diagonal line running from the eave up to the ridge peak on each gable end. If the eave is the bottom edge of the roof, the rake is the side edge.

Rakes are finished with rake trim or flashing and, like eaves, should have drip edge installed to keep wind-driven rain from getting under the shingles. Because rakes face sideways into the weather, they catch wind-driven rain more directly than eaves do.

On many homes the rake overhang is modest, but the trim boards there are prominent from the street — damaged rake trim is very visible and a common spot for wood rot.

Why It Matters

Wind-driven rain hits rakes hardest, so failed rake flashing is a classic leak source on gable ends. It is a small detail with an outsized role in keeping water out.

What to Watch For

• Rotted or peeling trim boards on gable ends
• Shingles lifting along the sloped edge
• Water stains on gable-end siding below the rake

Questions about your own roof? Request a free estimate or call Nucci Brothers Roofing at (301) 458-1003.