What You Should Know
Many people rely on their roofing contractor to know what’s best for their roof. After all, they are the roofing professionals. However, too many roofing “professionals” take shortcuts in roof repairs or replacements. They don’t remove materials that have been compromised, and they just put shingles over the old ones in order to save money. They can get away with it because they know that homeowners are not roofing experts. After all, most homeowners don’t even know what a healthy roof looks like.
Roof Repair 101 Terms
Here is a list of Roof Repair 101 terms that homeowners should know as you review the terms of any insurance coverage or contract for roof repair. Be sure that you understand all the terms in your agreement before you sign so that you are fully informed regarding what’s included, and what won’t be included.
ASTM
The American Society for Testing and Materials; an organization that sets standards for a wide variety of materials, including roofing.
BARGE BOARD
A board that conceals roof timbers projecting over gables.
COUNTER FLASHING
That portion of the flashing is attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
CORNICE
The overhanging part of the roof (the part that sticks out past the walls).
CRICKET
The evaluation of a part of a roof surface as a means of promoting drainage of water from behind an obstacle such as the chimney.
CURB
A short wall or masonry built above the level of the roof; it provides a means of flashing the deck equipment.
DECK
The base surface to which a roof system is applied.
DORMER
A structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface; creates a usable space in the roof of a building by adding headroom and usually also by enabling the addition of windows.
DRIP EDGE
A device designed to prevent water from running back or under an overhang.
EDGE METAL
A term relating to brake or extruded metal around the perimeter of a roof.
EAVE
The part of a roof which projects out from the sidewall, or the lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall.
FASCIA
Any cover board at the edge or eaves of a flat, sloping, or overhanging roof, which is placed in a vertical position to protect the edge of the roof assembly.
FELT
A very general term used to describe the composition of roofing ply sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers unsaturated, impregnated with asphalt or coal tar pitch, or impregnated and coated with asphalt.
FLASHING
Connecting devices that seal membrane joints at expansion joints, walls, drains, gravel stops, and other places where the membrane is interrupted or terminated.
GABLE
Triangular roof.
GUTTER
A narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a roof system, which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof.
HIP ROOF
A roof that rises by inclining planes from all four sides of a building.
ICE DAM
Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the thawing and re-freezing of melted snow on the overhang. Can force water up and under shingles, causing leaks.
OSB
Oriented Strand Board; a decking made from wood chips and lamination glues.
PLUMBING VENT (SOIL PIPE VENT)
Consists of pipes leading from fixtures to the outdoors, usually via the roof. Vents provide for the relief of sewer gases, admission of oxygen for aerobic sewage digestion, and maintenance of the trap water seals which prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
PLYWOOD
Thin layers of boards that are glued, compressed, and laminated to create a thicker board; thin layers of wood placed together with the grain of each layer at right angles to the adjacent layer.
RAFTER
Parallel beams that support a roof (similar to how joists support floors and ceilings).
RAKE
The angle of slope of a roof rafter, or the inclined portion of a cornice.
RIDGE
The uppermost, horizontal external angle is formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
RIDGE VENT
A ridge vent runs the entire length of the roof peak, blending into the roofline for a more attractive home.
RIDGE SHINGLES
Shingles that are used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
ROOF DECK
A component in building construction, which forms a platform on which the remainder of the BURM components are placed.
SHEATHING
The boards of sheet-type material, plywood or asphalt saturated sheets, nailed to studding or roofing rafters as the base for the application of the roof covering.
SKYLIGHT
A flat or sloped window built into a roof structure for daylighting.
SLOPE
Incline or pitch of roof surface.
SOFFIT
The underside of a part or member of a building that extends out from the plane of the building walls.
SOFFIT VENTILATION
Intake ventilation installed under the eaves, or at the roof edge.
SQUARE
A term used by the roofing industry to indicate an amount of roof area equal to 100 square feet.
STEP FLASHING
The flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.
TEAR OFF
A term used to describe the complete removal of the built up roof membrane and insulation down to and exposing the roof deck.
TOP LAP
The portion of the roofing that is covered by the succeeding course after installation.
TRUSS
A framework of beams (like ribs) that support the roof (usually triangular).
VALLEY
A depressed angle formed by the meeting of two inclined slopes of a roof.
VENTING
A process of installing roof vents in a roof assembly to relieve vapor pressure; types of ventilation include ridge (attic), soffit, and plumbing.
Need Help?
If you or someone you love is facing a roof repair or replacement project, give us a call, and we’ll make certain that you get the appropriate information and a quote that includes all the necessary items to properly repair your home.
