Common Roofing Terms to Know

Every homeowner and commercial property owner would benefit from knowing at least a little about roofing. Understanding the common terms and components of a roof can enable you to have a clear conversation with roofing contractors, help you make informed decisions about roof maintenance, repairs, or replacement, and keep your roof in the best condition possible. 

Our team at Top Level Roofing excels at what we do. We’re passionate about roofing and we deeply value our clients, so now we’re here to spread some of that joy and share some of our knowledge! Come join us as we explore the wonderful world of roofing terms!

Everything You Need to Know About Roofing

Shingles: Your roof’s main protection, these are thin, flat, rectangular roofing layers typically made of asphalt, wood, metal, synthetics, or other materials. These comprise the outermost layer of your roof (the visible part).

Underlayment: Installed beneath the shingles, this layer of material provides an extra layer of protection against water penetration. Typically it is made of felt or synthetics.

Flashing: Flashing is made of thin pieces of metal, most often aluminum or galvanized steel, that are installed in vulnerable areas of the roof to prevent water leakage. Flashing may be placed around areas such as chimneys, skylights, roof vents, and so forth.

Eaves: You’ll probably recognize the eaves because of the gutters that are typically attached to them to channel rainwater away from the structure. They extend beyond the walls of the house and are designed to protect the roof and structure from water.

Ridge: This is the point at which the two slopes of the roof meet at the highest point. To ensure your roof has adequate ventilation, ridge vents or caps are often installed here.

Valley: Where the two sloping roof sections intersect, you’ll find the valley. Valleys are often covered with metal flashing to prevent leaks, as they are prone to leakage and water accumulation.

Soffit: Where the roof overhangs is where you’ll find the soffit. This provides ventilation to the attic and helps regulate temperature and humidity.

Fascia: Along the eaves of the roof, you’ll discover painted vertical finishing edges to hold the gutters and provide a clean, finished look. 

Gutters: These are channels that collect and redirect rainwater away from the roof and the foundation to prevent water damage.

Drip Edge: Along the edges of the roof are pieces of metal that are installed to direct water away from the roof’s structure and into the gutters.

Rafters: These are typically wooden structural components or beams that provide foundational support for the roof deck and provide the framework for the roof.

Decking: This is the base layer of a roof, constructed of OSB or plywood most often. The rest of the roofing materials are attached and built upon this foundation. 

Pitch: The slope or angle of the roof. Most often, the pitch is described as a ratio (e.g., 4:12) to indicate the number of inches the roof rises vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal distance.

Vents: To regulate temperature and moisture levels, openings in the roof, or vents, are constructed.

Ice Dam: Depending on the climate, ice dams may form which is the accumulation of ice on the eaves, which can prevent proper drainage and potentially lead to water damage.

Dormer: This is the structural element of a roof which contains a window for an attic or for ventilation that projects vertically from the sloping plane of the roof. 

Solar Panel: Many areas utilize roofing solar panels which are photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to generate electricity from sunlight.

Roof Warranty: Your roofing manufacturer or contractor will provide a written guarantee that specifies the terms and duration of coverage for the roof’s materials and workmanship. If something goes wrong during that time period, the warranty will cover any associated costs.

Roof Inspection: To determine if your roof is sound, if it needs repair, to assess damage, to assess overall health, or to contemplate replacement, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough roofing inspection. 

Hip: A high point where two roof sections meet.

Abutment: This is where a wall, chimney, or other vertical area meets the roof.

Gable Wall: These are the triangular parts of a home that extend from the eaves to the peak of the roof.

Best Roofing Contractor Near Me

Now that you’ve got the terms firmly under your belt, give us a call! We can inspect, repair, or replace your roof and get your home or commercial building safe and sound in no time! The best part is that we’ll fight with your insurance company for your claim. That’s right, we’ll take on your claim with the insurance company and the number of our winning claims speak for themselves! Call now!