If you’ve ever spoken with roofers and felt like they were speaking another language, you are not alone. Like most industries, roofing has its own set of terms. Understanding the language of roofing can help you make more informed decisions about repairs, replacements, material selection, and maintenance. Here’s our glossary of the most critical roofing terms every homeowner should know.
Decking
Decking, also frequently called sheathing, is the foundation of your roof. It is made of wooden boards or sheets, usually plywood or OSB. The decking provides structural support for the rest of the roof materials. You can think of decking as the floor of the roof.
Drip Edge
A drip edge is a metal strip installed along the roof’s edges to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters. This small but essential feature helps prevent water damage and extends the life of your roof.
Eaves
Eaves are the edges of the roof extending past your house’s walls. These overhanging sections direct rainwater away from the walls and foundation of your home, preventing water damage. They also provide shade, improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Fascia
A fascia is the vertical edge of a roof where the gutters are attached. It helps support the roof’s lower section and gives your home a finished look. Keeping the fascia in good condition is essential for proper gutter function and curb appeal.
Flashing
Your roof’s flashing is the thin pieces of metal installed at joints, edges, seams, and other vulnerable areas. Flashing prevents water infiltration in areas where shingles may not be sufficient.
Common areas for flashing include around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys where two places of your roofline meet.
Gable
Where the roof forms a triangle, the vertical wall area inside that triangle is the gable. Most residential roofs have one or more gables.
Hip Roof
No, this isn’t a statement about how cool or trendy your roof is. A hip roof is a shape with slopes on four sides rather than two. Picture a pyramid sitting on top of a square home. That’s a hip roof. This design is exceptionally stable and wind resistant, making it popular in hurricane-prone areas.
Even though hurricanes aren’t a threat in our area, roofing companies in Utah still see some hip roofs in areas with high winds or because a homeowner or architect prefers this look.
Ice and Water Shield
An ice and water shield is a specialized waterproof membrane that roofing contractors apply to areas prone to water infiltration. In valleys, at roof edges, and in other sensitive spots, an ice and water shield provides an extra layer of protection against heavy rain, intense run-off, or ice dams.
Ridge
The ridge is the highest point of your roof, where two slopes meet. If a child draws a simple home with a square for the house and a triangle for the roof, the ridge is the top point of the triangle.
Ridge Vent
A ridge vent is installed along this peak to allow hot air to escape from the attic, improving ventilation and reducing moisture buildup.
Roof Boots
Roof boots, or pipe boots, are protective coverings placed around vent pipes to prevent leaks. They are typically made of rubber or metal and help keep water out of small roof penetrations.
Roof Pitch
Roof pitch refers to the angle or steepness of your roof. Pitch is usually expressed in a ratio of the vertical and horizontal distance. For example, a 6:12 roof pitch rises six inches in height across each 12-inch horizontal distance.
A steeper pitch sheds water and snow more effectively but can require more maintenance. Performing work on a higher pitched roof can be more difficult and expensive.
Shingles
Shingles are the most visible part of your roof. They are the outermost layer and come in various materials. Shingle materials include asphalt, slate, wood, and metal. Asphalt shingles are the most common because they are cost-effective, durable, and less complicated to install than many other options.
Soffit
You’ll find soffits underneath the roof overhang. These are the surfaces that are parallel to the ground. They play a crucial role in ventilating an attic. Soffits regulate temperature and moisture levels by providing a way for your home to release hot, wet air. It helps prevent issues like mold growth and ice.
Underlayment
Beneath the shingles of your roof lies the underlayment, a protective layer that provides an extra barrier against moisture. Underlayment is usually made of synthetic materials or felt. It helps prevent leaks by preventing any moisture that makes it under the shingles from reaching your roof’s support structures.
Talking the Talk
While this certainly isn’t every term an expert residential roofer knows and uses, it should give a good start in understanding your roof system and what your roofing contractor might say about it.
If you are talking to a roofer and they use a term you don’t know, ask them to explain. A respected, quality roofer will be happy to make sure you understand your roof project and their plans for your roof work. If they seem impatient or unwilling to answer your questions, that’s when you should start thinking, “I need to find roof experts near me who value customer service and education.”