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Roofing Glossary
Here are some words and phrases you might hear during your roof replacement process.
Allow us to explain them for you!
Algae Discoloration
A type of roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly described incorrectly as fungus growth.
Blisters
Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.
Decking
The surface, installed over the supporting framing members, to which the roofing material is applied.
Drip Edge
A corrosion-resistant, non-staining material used along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.
Eave
The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.
Felt
Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment or sheathing paper.
Flashing
Pieces of metal used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.
Gable
The upper triangular portion of a sidewall that comes to a point at the ridge of a double sloping roof.
Hip
The inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. Runs from the ridge to the eaves.
Rake
The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall.
Ridge
The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Run
The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge.
Slope
The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise, in inches, to the run, in inches. For example, a roof slope of 4/12 has a 4 inch rise every 12 inches.
Square
A unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet
Step Flashing
Base flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.
Tab
The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.
Underlayment
Asphalt saturated felt or specially engineered synthetic material used beneath roofing to provide additional protection for the decking.
Valley
The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Vent
Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.
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