Glossary of Roofing Terms
If you’re getting any kind of roofing work done in Rochester or Buffalo, NY your contractor may have provided you with a lot of new information. Oaks Construction has put together a glossary of common roofing terms to help you understand your roofing project. Call Oaks Construction at 585.247.OAKS with any questions.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural asphalt shingles have an additional layer of asphalt, which gives them more dimension and a bulkier look, similar to wood or slate roofs. Also referred to as laminated shingles.
Asphalt Shingles
The most commonly used roofing material in our area. They are used to protect your roof and to accent the look of your home. Asphalt shingles are made of a combination of fiberglass or cellulose mat, asphalt, and mineral granules.Â
Asphalt Roofing Cement
An asphalt-based cement used in bonding roofing materials. It is also called mastic or flashing cement.
Base Flashing
The part of the flashing that rests on the roof deck to direct the flow of water downwards.
Blind Nailing
Nails driven so that the heads are concealed by overlapping layers of roofing materials.
Blisters
Bubbles on the surface of asphalt shingles caused by intense heat, trapped moisture, or poor roof ventilation.
Cap Flashing
Flashing that covers the upper edges of the base flashing. Prevents water from entering from the exposed upturned base flashing edges.
Cedar Shake
Wooden shingles made from split logs. Thickness and length of each shingle can vary. Shakes are thicker than regular shingles.
Deck/Decking
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or plywood installed over the house framing on which shingles are placed.
Downspout
Attached to gutters, they drain water away from the home’s foundation.
Drip Edge
Metal flashing used to direct water away from the roof and into the gutters. It protects the underlying layers of your roof.
Eaves
The horizontal edge of a sloped roof, often overhanging the edge of the house.
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a synthetic material used on flat, commercial roofs. Available in black or white in a variety of widths. Can be fully adhered, ballasted, or mechanically attached.
Fasteners
Fasteners attach roofing components to the roof deck. Roofing nails or staples are the fasteners typically used for asphalt shingles.
Flashing
Flashing consists of thin sheets of metal — usually galvanized steel. It is used wherever a roof meets a vertical surface or roof component such as a wall, chimney, dormer, or skylight. Flashing keeps water from getting under your shingles.
Gable
The A-shaped walls of the home that form the peak.
Gutters
Troughs that take water away from the edge of a roof.
Hip
The location where two roof faces connect and project outward. The hipped end of a roof is a sloped roof face between two roof hips.
Ice Dams
An ice dam is an accumulation of ice in the gutter system and roof edge that prevents drainage of melting snow from the roof. Ice dams can cause leaking, structural damage, mold in the attic, and roof damage.
Ice & Water Barrier
An ice and water barrier is a roof underlayment used to protect areas vulnerable to damage from ice dams and water from wind-driven rain.
Lap
To cover the surface of one shingle with another.
Metal Roofing
An alternative to asphalt shingle roofs. Very flexible in terms of color and style. Withstands severe weather, but may dent if hit by large hailstones.
Overhang
The section of roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of the structure.
Pitch
The steepness of the roof. It tells you how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches in depth.
Ridge
The highest point (peak) on the roof where two planes of the roof intersect. The ridge runs the length of the roof.
Ridge Cap
Ridge cap shingles are pre-bent shingles that are applied to the ridges on a roof. They tend to be thicker to shed water more efficiently.
Ridge Vent
A ridge vent is a vent placed at the peak of a roof. It is designed to allow warm, moist air to escape the attic. A properly installed ridge vent increases your home’s energy efficiency.
Sheathing
See Deck/Decking.
Soffit
The finished underside of the eave of the roof.
Slope
See pitch.
Starter Shingles
Starter shingles or strips prevent shingle blow-off, provide a straight line for orienting each new row of shingles, and protect the eaves from water damage.
Three-Tab Shingles
An asphalt shingle with three uniform cutouts (tabs) along the lower edge. These are the most popular shingles we use.
Underlayment
The underlayment is a layer of waterproofing barrier material that is placed directly onto the roof deck. It offers an extra layer of protection from the elements.
Valley
Where two roof slopes intersect.
Vent
An outlet for air. It projects through the roof deck and looks like a pipe. Its purpose is providing ventilation for the underside of the roof deck.
Are you looking for a roofer? Oaks Construction has nearly 20 years experience and is well-known in the area.
Call 585.247.6257 to schedule a free estimate today!