ROOFING TERMS GLOSSARY

Comprehensive Roofing Terms Glossary

Navigate through roofing terminology with ease using our detailed roofing terms glossary:

3-Tab Shingle -

Lightweight, flat roofing material designed to mimic individual shingles, easier to install due to its single-piece construction.

Architectural Shingles -

Also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, offering a high-end, textured appearance with enhanced durability.

Asphalt Shingles -

Common roofing material made from asphalt, available in various colors and styles.

Base Flashing -

Material attached to the roof deck to direct water flow onto the roof covering.

Built-Up Roof (BUR) -

A flat or low-slope roofing system with alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, often topped with gravel.

Bundle -

A package containing shingles; typically, 3 to 5 bundles cover one roofing square (100 sq ft).

Cap Sheet -

The top layer in a built-up or modified bitumen roof, designed to protect from UV rays.

Cedar Shake -

Roofing material made from split cedar logs, offering a rustic look with natural weather resistance.

Class "A" Fire Resistance -

The top fire-resistance rating for roofing, indicating severe fire exposure resistance.

Counter Flashing -

Flashing installed over or into another flashing to prevent water entry.

Coverage -

The extent of protection offered by roofing layers between the deck and the surface.

Cricket -

A small, peaked structure behind chimneys or other roof penetrations to divert water.

Decking -

The structural surface to which roofing materials are applied, often made of plywood or OSB.

Dormer -

A structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface, often containing a window.

Downspout -

A vertical pipe for carrying rainwater from the roof gutter to the ground level.

Drip Edge -

Metal flashing installed at roof edges to direct water runoff away from the fascia.

Eave -

The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the wall, aiding in water management.

Emergency Roof Repair -

refers to the immediate actions taken to address critical roof damage that threatens the structural integrity of a building or poses immediate risks like water leakage, which could lead to further damage if not addressed promptly.

Fascia -

The board mounted at the point where the roof meets the outer walls, often where gutters are attached.

Flashing -

Material used to prevent water seepage at roof intersections and projections.

Flat Roof -

A roof with minimal slope, often used on commercial buildings, utilizing materials like EPDM or TPO.

Gable -

The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a dual-pitched roof.

Gambrel Roof -

A type of roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper.

Gutter -

Channels installed at the edge of a roof to collect and direct rainwater.

Hail Damage -

The physical harm caused to structures, which are solid balls or irregular lumps of ice that form in thunderstorm clouds and fall from the sky.

Hip Roof -

A roof type where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a gentle slope.

Ice Dam -

A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, potentially causing water to back up under shingles.

Joist -

Horizontal structural members used in framing to support floors and ceilings, which can also support roof decking.

Mansard Roof -

A four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides.

Parapet -

A low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a roof, balcony, or terrace.

Pitch -

The steepness of a roof, expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal span.

Rafter -

The structural components of a roof, running from the ridge or hip to the wall plate.

Ridge -

The peak where two sloped roof sections meet.

Ridge Vent -

A type of vent installed at the peak of a sloped roof, allowing for attic ventilation.

Roof Assessment -

A roof assessment goes beyond mere inspection by evaluating the overall health, lifespan, and functionality of the roof.

Roof Damage Repair -

the process of fixing or restoring a roof that has sustained damage from various causes.

Roof Inspection -

a detailed examination of a roof’s condition, typically conducted to identify any existing or potential issues such as leaks, damage from weather, wear and tear, or structural problems.

Roof Insurance Claim -

the process by which a homeowner requests compensation from their insurance company for damages or necessary repairs to their roof, as covered under their homeowners insurance policy.

Roof Leak Repair -

the specific process of identifying, addressing, and fixing areas on a roof where water is penetrating through to the interior of the building.

Roof Quote -

a detailed document or estimate provided by a roofing contractor or company, outlining the costs, materials, labor, and scope of work for a roofing project.

Roof Replacement -

the process of completely removing an existing roof and installing a new one.

Roof Vent -

A type of vent installed at the peak of a sloped roof, allowing for attic ventilation.

Sheathing -

Boards or sheet material fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.

Shingle Starter Strip -

An initial course of shingles or specialized strip at the roof’s edge for a solid base.

Soffit -

The exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave.

Square -

A unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet.

Synthetic Underlayment -

A modern alternative to felt paper, offering better water resistance and durability.

Tile Roofing -

Roofing material made of clay or concrete tiles, known for longevity and style.

Underlayment -

A layer of protection beneath roofing materials, typically felt or synthetic material.

Valley -

The angle formed at the internal intersection of two roof slopes, where water is channeled.

Vapor Barrier -

Material used to prevent moisture from passing through walls or floors, often used in roofing to control condensation.

Whitaker Roofing Company offers expert residential and commercial roofing services in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Specializing in roof inspections, repairs, and replacements, we ensure your roof’s durability and protection.

Trust our experienced team for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Contact us today to secure your roof’s longevity.

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