Common Roofing Terms Homeowners Should Know
Understanding your roof’s structure and terminology is invaluable when it comes to maintaining your home’s integrity and safety. Whether you’re faced with repairs after a storm, considering a brand new roof installation, or simply performing routine upkeep, knowing the language of roofing professionals can empower you as a homeowner. This knowledge not only aids in clear communication with contractors but also helps you to understand exactly where your money is going. This article is your essential guide to the roofing terms that will give you the confidence and clarity you need when dealing with your home’s roofing needs. So before you step into a conversation with a roofer, let’s elevate your roofing vocabulary with these key terms.
Architectural Shingles: Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, these are high-quality asphalt shingles with a layered, textured look that mimics more expensive roofing materials like slate or wood shakes. They offer enhanced aesthetic appeal and are more durable than standard 3-tab asphalt shingles.
Asphalt Shingles: These are the most popular roofing materials in North America, and they are known for their affordability and durability. Made from fiberglass or organic materials saturated with asphalt, they are coated with mineral granules to resist weathering. Asphalt shingles come in various styles and colors, making them suitable for various home designs.
Claim: A formal request by a homeowner to their insurance company for coverage or compensation for a covered loss or policy event, such as roof damage due to a storm. The claim process involves documentation of damage, assessment by an adjuster, and determination of payout for repairs or replacement.
Composite Shingles: Roofing shingles are made from a mixture of materials, including fiberglass, recycled paper products, and asphalt. Composite shingles offer a durable, long-lasting, and often more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional asphalt shingles, with many mimicking the appearance of wood shake, slate, or other roofing materials.
Cool Roof: A roofing system designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof, made possible through the use of reflective shingles or coatings. Cool roofs can significantly reduce cooling costs and improve indoor comfort during warm weather.
Counterflashing: Metal or other material installed above the roof flashing to prevent water from getting behind the flashing. It’s often used around chimneys, parapet walls, and other roof penetrations. Counterflashing is critical in creating a watertight seal around structures penetrating the roof.
Cricket: A peaked construction at the back of a chimney or along a roof ridge designed to divert water around the chimney or other projections, preventing pooling and potential water damage. Crickets are especially important in regions with heavy rainfall or snow.
Drip Edge: A metal strip installed along the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and protect the underlying roofing components. The drip edge also helps prevent wind-driven rain from getting under the roofing material and supports shingles at the roof’s edge.
Eaves: Eaves are the parts of the roof that project beyond the exterior walls of a house, providing shade and protection from rain. They play a key role in directing water away from the home’s walls and foundation, reducing the risk of water damage.
Elastomeric Coating: A liquid coating that can be applied to roofs to form a durable, elastic barrier against moisture and weather damage. It’s particularly useful for flat or low-slope roofs, reflecting sunlight and reducing cooling costs.
Fascia: Fascia is a vertical finishing edge connected to the ends of the rafters, trusses, or the area where the gutter attaches to the roof. This architectural element is visible from the outside of the building and often supports the rain gutters. It also plays a crucial role in protecting the roof and the house’s interior from weather damage.
Flashing: Flashing consists of thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent water from penetrating the structure at critical points, such as around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where the roof meets a vertical surface. Proper flashing is crucial for preventing leaks and water damage inside the home.
Gable: A gable is the triangular wall section at the peak of a pitched roof, between the edges of intersecting roof slopes. Gables are not only architectural features but also protect the ends of the roof from weathering and provide ventilation for the attic space.
Granule Loss: This is the shedding of granules from the surface of asphalt shingles. Granules protect the shingle from UV rays and increase its fire resistance. Granule loss can occur due to aging, hail, or physical damage, and excessive loss can indicate that the shingles are nearing the end of their useful life.
Gutter System: A series of channels and downspouts attached to the edges of a roof designed to collect and divert rainwater away from the foundation of the house. Properly functioning gutter systems prevent soil erosion, basement flooding, and water damage to siding and foundation.
Hip Roof: A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, which are all equal in length and come together at the top to form a ridge. This design provides excellent stability and resistance to wind and snow, making it a popular choice in areas prone to severe weather.
Ice and Water Shield: A self-adhering waterproofing underlayment designed to protect vulnerable areas of the roof from ice dams and wind-driven rain. Installed at the eaves, valleys, around chimneys, and other critical areas, it provides superior leak protection compared to standard underlayment, especially in cold climates.
Mineral Surface Roll Roofing: This type of roofing material comes in rolls and is commonly used on low-slope roofs, such as sheds or porches. It consists of asphalt-based materials with mineral granules on the surface and is an economical option for areas not subject to heavy foot traffic.
Rake Edge: The inclined roof’s edge at the end of a gable. It’s where the roof’s slope meets the gable trim. To protect and enhance the roof’s appearance, the rake edge can be finished with various types of trim.
Ridge Vent: A type of ventilation system installed along the roof’s ridge line. Ridge vents allow hot, humid air to escape from the attic, promoting airflow and helping to reduce cooling costs and moisture buildup that can lead to mold growth and roof deterioration.
Roof Certification: This is a statement of opinion by a licensed roofer indicating the roof’s condition and predicting its remaining lifespan. Often required during the home selling process, a roof certification can provide potential buyers with assurance regarding the roof’s condition.
Roof Decking (Sheathing): The flat panels or boards attached to the roof trusses or rafters to create the structural surface of the roof. The decking supports all the roofing materials and must be in good condition to ensure the roof’s integrity. It is commonly made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Roof Pitch (Slope): This is the angle or incline of the roof, typically expressed as a ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run, such as 4:12, meaning the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. Roof pitch affects the choice of roofing materials and the roof system’s design.
Roof Trusses: The structural framework bridges the space above a room and provides roof support. Trusses are typically made from wood or metal and are a critical component of a building’s structural integrity, designed to evenly distribute the roof’s weight.
Roofing Square: A unit of measure used in roofing to describe 100 square feet of roof surface. Estimating the number of roofing squares is critical in calculating the amount of roofing material needed for a job.
Roofing Tiles: Made from materials like clay, concrete, or synthetic compositions, roofing tiles are durable, fire-resistant, and available in various shapes and colors. Tiles can offer a distinctive aesthetic appeal and are commonly used in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture styles. They provide excellent durability and longevity but can be more expensive and heavier than other roofing materials.
Slate Roofing: Made from natural slate tiles, this roofing material is known for its durability, longevity, and distinctive appearance. Slate roofs are heavy, requiring strong structural support, but can last over 100 years with proper maintenance.
Soffit: The soffit is the exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave. It can be ventilated to allow air to circulate through the attic, reducing moisture and heat buildup, which are critical for preventing rot and extending the roof’s life.
Soffit Vents: Vents located in the soffit (the underside of the roof’s overhang) that allow fresh air to enter the attic, contributing to a balanced ventilation system when paired with ridge vents or other roof vents. Proper attic ventilation is essential for controlling moisture and reducing heat buildup.
Step Flashing: Metal flashing pieces installed at the sides of walls or roof projections that intersect with the roof. Each piece of step flashing is layered with a course of shingles to ensure that water flows away from the wall or projection, preventing leaks into the structure.
Synthetic Underlayment: A modern alternative to traditional felt underlayment, made from polypropylene, fiberglass, polyethylene, or polyester. Synthetic underlayments are lighter, stronger, and more resistant to water and tearing, providing superior protection for the roof deck.
Underlayment: This is a protective layer installed between the roof deck (the structural surface beneath the roofing material) and the roofing material itself. Underlayment provides an additional barrier against water and ice penetration, which is especially important in climates with severe weather conditions. It can be made of felt, synthetic fabrics, or rubberized materials.
Valley: The valley is the internal angle formed by the intersection of two roof slopes. This area is particularly susceptible to water accumulation and requires careful installation of flashing and underlayment to prevent leaks. Properly designed valleys ensure efficient water runoff and reduce the risk of water penetration.
Vent Pipe Cover: Also known as a vent pipe flashing, it’s a waterproof seal that surrounds vent pipes protruding through the roof, preventing water from entering the home around the vent pipe. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to avoid leaks.
Wind Uplift: The force exerted by wind moving across the roof surface that can potentially lift roofing materials, such as shingles, off the roof. Proper installation techniques and materials are crucial to resist wind uplift, especially in high-wind areas.
Armed with these common roofing terms, you’re better equipped to engage with roofing professionals and take an active role in caring for your home’s roof. Remember, a well-maintained roof is critical to your home’s overall health and longevity. Whether discussing potential issues, planning repairs, or choosing the right materials for a replacement, your newfound understanding will serve you well. At Cincinnati Affordable Contracting, we believe informed homeowners make the best customers, and we’re here to provide the expert guidance and service your roof deserves. Keep this glossary handy, and you’ll be speaking the language of the pros in no time, ensuring your roof is in tip-top shape for years to come. Cincinnati Affordable Contracting is a “Preferred Contractor” with Owens Corning.
