Jul 10, 2013

There are many different parts to your roof. The following lists of common roofing terms will help you understand how to communicate effectively with your roofing professional. At H&S Roofing & Gutter Company we have been installing and repairing all types of roofing and gutter systems since 1939.  H & S Roofing & Gutter Company is Charlotte, NC's top rated roofing and gutter installation company. When you need help with your roofing or gutter needs call at 704-334-99434 or click here for a FREE consultation.

Algae

 Rooftop fungus that can leave dark stains on roofing. 

Apron Flashing

Metal flashing used at dormer and chimney fronts.

Blistering

Bubbles or pimples in roofing materials. Usually moisture related. In shingles blisters are caused by either moisture under the material or moisture trapped inside the material.

Closed cut valley

A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley while shingles from the other side are trimmed two inches from the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Counter Flashing 

The metal flashing material that is installed over roof-top base flashing systems.

Dormer

 A framed window unit projecting through the sloping plane of a roof. 

Drip Edge

This extended strip of metal is added beyond the rakes and eaves so that rainwater doesn’t enter the wooden portion of the house. Instead, it goes straight over the shingles without curling around.

Eaves 

The roof edge from the fascia to the structure’s outside wall. In general terms, the first three feet across a roof is termed the eave.

EPDM(Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane which is more commonly used in roofs that are either flat or low-sloped.

Felt

Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment or sheathing paper.

Fascia

This is an extended decorative board that is added at the edge of roof along with a rake or an eave.

Flashing

Pieces of metal or roll roofing 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.

Hip shingles (Hip Cap)

Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Laminated shingles

Shingles made from two separate pieces that are laminated together. Also called dimensional or architectural shingles.

Open Valley

Method of valley construction in which shingles on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley flashing is exposed.

Overhang

That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Pitch or Slope

The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise, in inches, to the run, in feet.

Rafter

The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate.

Rake

The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall from the eave to the ridge.

Ridge

The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Ridge shingles (Ridge Cap)

Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Sheathing

Sheathing is added either in the form of boards or sheets over the rafters or roof trusses. Shingles and other roofing materials are secured to this sheathing.

Soffit

A soffit is added to the underside area of portions of the roof that extend beyond the walls of a house.

Square

A unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet. 

Starter strip

Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles.

Step flashing

Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.

Three-tab shingle

The most popular type of asphalt shingle usually 12" x 36" in size with three tabs.

Underlayment

A layer of asphalt saturated which is laid down on a bare deck before shingles are installed to provide additional protection for the deck, roofing felt is used as underlayment.

Valley

The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes to provide water runoff.

Valley Flashing

This is a sheet of metal or fabric that is added under the shingles on the valley of a roof. It is usually visible from below the shingles.

Water Resistant Underlayment (Ice & Water Shield)

This is a three-foot wide rubber membrane that is added to the sheathing of the eaves, rakes and valleys of roof. It protects your house from water and ice during extreme weathers.

Woven Valley

Method of valley construction in which shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied. The valley flashing is not exposed.

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