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.