Glossary of roofing terms
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3-tab shingle– A basic asphalt shingle made of a single layer with three tabs.
A
Adhesive – A substance used to bond roofing materials together.
Air barrier – A material installed to prevent air leakage through the roof assembly.
Algae – A type of organism that can grow on roofs and cause discoloration and deterioration.
Alligatoring– A pattern of cracks on the surface of roofing materials that resembles alligator skin.
Aluminumcoating – A type of coating applied to roofing materials to provide added reflectivity and heat resistance.
Architectural shingle – A type of shingle with a three-dimensional appearance that mimics the look of traditional slate or cedar shingles.
Asphalt – A petroleum-based material commonly used for shingles and other roofing applications.
Asphalt emulsion– A type of liquid asphalt used for sealing roof surfaces.
Asphalt roll roofing – A type of roofing material made of asphalt and installed in large rolls for flat roofs.
Asphalt shingle– A type of shingle made of asphalt and fiberglass or organic materials.
Attic – The space between the roof and the ceiling of a building.
B
Back nailing– The practice of nailing shingles through their upper edge, behind the overlapping shingle above.
Bargeboard – A decorative board that covers the gable end of a roof.
Base flashing– The lowermost layer of flashing that directs water away from roof penetrations.
Battens – Thin strips of wood or metal used to create spacing between roofing materials.
Bitumen – A black, sticky substance used in roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and modified bitumen.
Blistering – Bubbles or bumps on the surface of roofing materials caused by moisture or gas trapped underneath.
Bond – The degree to which roofing materials adhere to one another.
Boot – A rubber or metal flashing used to seal around roof penetrations.
Box gutter – A gutter that is integrated into the roof system, often found on flat or low-slope roofs.
Built-up roof– A type of flat roof made of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing materials.
Butterfly roof– A type of roof with two opposing slopes that meet at a central valley.
Butyl tape – A type of adhesive tape used to seal around roof penetrations.
C
Cant strip – A sloping strip of material used to create a smooth transition between different roof elevations.
Cap sheet – The uppermost layer of a built-up roof, often made of granulated asphalt.
Cedar shake – A type of roofing material made of split logs.
Chimney – A vertical structure that extends above the roofline and houses a fireplace or stove.
Chimney cap – A protective covering installed on top of a chimney to prevent rain and debris from entering.
Class A fire rating – The highest rating for fire resistance in roofing materials.
Closed cut valley– A method of installing shingles in a valley with no exposed flashing.
Coating – A layer of material applied to roofing materials for added protection and durability.
Collar – A pre-formed ring used to seal around roof penetrations.
Collar tie – A horizontal member used to connect two opposing roof rafters.
Composite shingle– A type of shingle made of a combination of materials, such as asphalt and fiberglass, for added durability.
Condensation – The accumulation of moisture on the underside of a roof, often caused by improper ventilation.
Cool roof – A type of roof designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption for added energy efficiency.
Counter flashing– A type of flashing used to protect against water infiltration at the base of a chimney or other vertical surface.
Cricket – A small roof built on the uphill side of a chimney or other roof penetration to divert water.
Cricket saddle– A type of cricket designed for larger roof penetrations, such as chimneys or skylights.
Curb – A raised platform installed on the roof to support mechanical equipment or provide added protection around roof penetrations.
Cutout – The portion of a shingle that is exposed after installation.
D
Dead load – The weight of the roofing materials and other components of the roof.
Decking – The substrate or base layer of a roof system.
Dormer – A structure installed on the roof that projects out from the slope of the roof to provide additional living space or natural light.
Double coverage– The method of installing roofing materials with two layers of overlapping material for added protection against weather.
Downspout – A vertical pipe used to direct water from the gutter system to the ground.
Drip edge – The flashing installed along the edge of the roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter.
Drying time – The amount of time required for roofing materials to fully dry after installation.
E
Eave – The horizontal edge of the roof that overhangs the walls of the building.
Eave flashing – The flashing installed along the eave of the roof to provide added weather protection.
Edging – The process of installing metal or other materials along the perimeter of a roof.
End lap – The portion of a shingle that overlaps the end of the adjacent shingle.
EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a type of synthetic rubber commonly used in roofing systems for waterproofing and weather resistance.
Expansion joint– A joint designed to allow for expansion and contraction of roofing materials.
Exposed nail method – A method of shingle installation where nails are visible on the surface of the shingle.
F
Fascia – A horizontal board that covers the ends of the rafters at the eaves.
Fastener – A device used to attach roofing materials to the roof deck.
Felt – A type of paper or fabric used as an underlayment for roofing materials.
Fiberglass – A material commonly used in roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, for added strength and durability.
Fire rating– A measure of a material's ability to resist fire and prevent the spread of flames.
Flange – The raised portion of flashing that provides a surface for attachment to the roof.
Flash point– The temperature at which roofing materials become flammable.
Flashing – Metal or other materials used to prevent water from entering the roof system at penetrations or seams.
Flashing cement – A type of sealant used to secure flashing and provide added weather protection.
Flat roof– A roof with a very low slope, typically less than 2:12.
G
Gable – The triangular portion of a wall that is formed by the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.
Gable vent– A vent installed on the gable end of a roof to allow air circulation in the attic.
Galvanized – A type of metal coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion.
Gambrel roof– A type of roof with two slopes on each side, where the upper slope is steeper than the lower slope.
Granules – Small, colored particles embedded in the surface of asphalt shingles for added protection against weathering.
Gravel stop– A type of flashing installed along the edge of a flat roof to prevent gravel or debris from falling off the roof.
Green roof– A type of roof covered in vegetation for added energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
Gutter – A trough installed along the edge of the roof to collect and redirect rainwater.
H
Hail damage– Damage to roofing materials caused by hailstones.
Half hip– A roof with two sloping sides and two flat sides, where the sloping sides are shorter than the flat sides.
Heat island effect – The phenomenon of urban areas being hotter than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and retention of heat by roofing and other surfaces.
Heat welding– A method of sealing roofing materials using heat.
Hip – The sloping edge of a roof that runs from the ridge to the eave.
Hip roof– A type of roof with four sloping sides that meet at a central ridge.
Hip shingle– A type of shingle designed for use on hip roofs.
I
Ice and water shield – A type of underlayment installed along the eaves and valleys of a roof to provide added protection against ice damming and water infiltration.
Ice belt– The area of a roof where ice damming is most likely to occur, typically along the eaves and valleys.
Ice dam– A buildup of ice along the eaves of a roof that can cause water to back up under the shingles and into the attic.
Impact resistance – The ability of roofing materials to resist damage from impact, such as hailstones.
Infrared – A type of technology used to detect leaks in roofs.
Insulation – A material used to provide added energy efficiency and temperature regulation to the roof.
Interlocking shingle – A type of shingle with a special design that allows each shingle to interlock with the adjacent shingle.
J
Joist – A horizontal framing member used to support the roof deck.
K
Kickout flashing – A type of flashing used to divert water away from the wall at the lower end of a roof-to-wall intersection.
L
Laminated shingle – A type of shingle made of multiple layers of material for added durability and wind resistance.
Lap – The portion of roofing material that overlaps adjacent material for added protection against water infiltration.
Lathing – The process of installing a grid of thin strips of wood or metal to support roofing materials.
Low slope– A roof with a slope between 2:12 and 4:12.
M
Mansard roof– A type of roof with two slopes on each side, where the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope.
Manufacturer’s warranty – A guarantee provided by the manufacturer of roofing materials against defects and premature failure.
Membrane – A thin, flexible layer of material used in roofing systems for waterproofing and weather resistance.
Metal roof– A roof made of metal panels or shingles.
Modified bitumen – A type of roofing material made from asphalt and modified with rubber or plastic.
Monopitch roof – A roof with a single slope.
Moss – A type of plant that can grow on the surface of roofing materials, causing damage over time.
N
Nailer – A horizontal member used to attach roofing materials to the roof decking.
Nailing pattern – The specific pattern used to attach shingles or other roofing materials to the roof deck.
Net free area – The total area of a vent that allows air to flow through.
O
Open valley– A type of valley installation where shingles are not installed over the valley flashing.
Organic felt– A type of roofing felt made of organic materials, such as wood pulp.
Overhang – The portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls of the building.
P
Parapet – A low wall or barrier at the edge of a roof, typically used on flat roofs.
Penetration – An opening in the roof system for pipes, vents, or other equipment.
Pitch – The angle or slope of a roof.
Pitch pocket– A type of flashing used to seal around roof penetrations, such as vent pipes.
Puncture resistance – The ability of roofing materials to withstand punctures and tears.
PVC – A type of plastic commonly used in roofing applications.
R
R-value – The measure of a material's ability to resist heat transfer.
Rafter – The sloping framing member used to support the roof deck.
Rake – The sloping edge of a roof that runs from the eaves to the ridge.
Rake edge– The edge of the roof where the rake and eave meet.
Reflectivity– The ability of a roof to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
Ridge – The highest point of a roof where two sloping surfaces meet.
Ridge cap– The shingle or other material installed along the ridge of the roof for added weather protection.
Ridge vent– A type of roof vent installed along the ridge of the roof to allow for air circulation and ventilation.
Roll roofing– A type of roofing material made of asphalt and reinforced with fiberglass or polyester that comes in rolls and is used on low-slope roofs.
Roof deck– The structural base of the roof system, typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Roof deck– The surface of the roof that supports the roofing materials.
Roof jack– A flashing installed around roof penetrations, such as vents or chimneys, to provide added weather protection.
Roof pitch– The angle or slope of a roof, expressed as a ratio of rise to run.
Roof system– The complete roofing assembly, including all components and materials.
Roof truss– A prefabricated structural component used to support the roof deck.
Roof valley– The V-shaped channel formed where two sloping roof surfaces meet.
S
Saturated felt – Roofing felt that has been impregnated with asphalt for added water resistance.
Scupper – A drain installed on the edge of a roof to allow water to drain off the roof.
Sealant – A material used to fill gaps and joints in the roofing system for added weather protection.
Self-adhering membrane – A type of membrane that can be applied without the use of heat or adhesives.
Shading – The variation in color or shading of roofing materials due to differences in manufacturing or weather exposure.
Shake – A type of wooden shingle commonly used in roofing.
Sheathing – The layer of material between the roof deck and the finished roofing material.
Shingle – A roofing material made of various materials, including asphalt, wood, or metal.
Skylight – A window installed in the roof to provide natural light.
Slate – A type of roofing material made of natural slate stone.
Snow guard– A device installed on the roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding off and causing damage or injury.
Soffit – The underside of the overhang of a roof.
Soffit vent– A type of roof vent installed along the underside of the overhang to allow for air circulation and ventilation.
Solar reflectance – The ability of roofing materials to reflect solar radiation and reduce heat absorption.
Square – A unit of measurement used in roofing, equal to 100 square feet.
Standing seam– A type of metal roofing system with raised seams that interlock to provide added durability and weather resistance.
Starter strip– The first row of shingles installed along the eaves of the roof to provide a solid base for the rest of the roofing system.
Step flashing– A type of flashing used to protect the roof system at the intersection of a roof and a vertical surface.
Storm collar– A type of flashing used to seal the penetration of a chimney or vent pipe.
Substrate – The layer of material on which the finished roofing material is installed.
Synthetic – A type of roofing material made of synthetic materials, such as plastic or rubber.
T
T-lock shingle– A type of shingle with a special interlocking design.
Tab – The exposed portion of a shingle between the cutouts.
Tear-off– The process of removing old roofing materials before installing new materials.
Thermal shock– The stress caused by rapid changes in temperature that can cause roofing materials to crack or warp.
Thermal shock– The stress on roofing materials caused by rapid changes in temperature.
Three-tab shingle – A type of shingle with three evenly spaced cutouts.
TPO – A type of single-ply roofing material made of thermoplastic polyolefin.
Truss – A framework of wood or metal used to support the roof.
Turbine vent– A type of roof vent that uses wind power to create air circulation and ventilation.
U
U-value – A measure of thermal conductivity used to determine the energy efficiency of insulation.
Underlayment– A layer of material installed between the roof deck and the finished roofing material for added protection against water infiltration.
Uplift resistance – The ability of roofing materials to resist being lifted off the roof by wind.
V
Valley – The portion of the roof where two sloping roof surfaces meet at an angle.
Valley flashing – The metal flashing installed in the valley of a roof to protect against water infiltration.
Vapor barrier– A layer of material installed between the insulation and the roof deck to prevent moisture buildup.
Vent – An opening in the roof or attic that allows for air circulation and ventilation.
Vent pipe– A pipe installed through the roof to allow for ventilation of plumbing and other mechanical systems.
Ventilation – The process of allowing air to circulate through the roof and attic to prevent moisture buildup and improve energy efficiency.
W
Walkway pad– A protective pad installed on the roof to provide a safe walking surface for maintenance and repairs.
Warm roof– A type of roofing system in which the insulation is installed above the roof deck to prevent heat loss and condensation.
Water repellent – A type of coating applied to roofing materials to provide added protection against water infiltration.
Water shield– A type of roofing underlayment designed to provide added protection against water infiltration.
Weather-resistant barrier – A layer of material installed under the siding and over the sheathing to provide added protection against moisture and air infiltration.
Weathering – The process of roofing materials gradually breaking down and deteriorating due to exposure to the elements.
Weep hole– A small opening in a masonry wall or roof to allow moisture to escape.
Wind rating– A rating system used to measure a roof’s ability to withstand high winds.
Wind uplift– The force of wind pushing against a roof and attempting to lift it off the structure.
Wood shake– A type of roofing material made of split wooden shingles.
Wood shingle– A type of roofing material made of split wooden shakes.
Woven valley– A method of valley installation where shingles are woven together for added durability and weather protection.
Z
Z flashing – A type of flashing installed at the intersection of two roof planes to provide added weather protection.
Z-bar – The flashing installed at the bottom of a wall to provide a surface for attachment to the roofing material.
Zinc strip – A strip of zinc installed along the ridge of a roof to prevent algae and moss growth.
Zn-Al – A type of metal coating used to protect metal roofing materials from corrosion and weather damage.
Zoning – Local building codes and regulations that dictate the requirements for roofing materials and installation in a particular area.
Zoning – The process of dividing a roof into different areas for proper ventilation and drainage.