We value clear and effective communication, so in this post we’ll share some of the more common roofing terms we use in our business.
Shingles — Everyone knows that shingles are what's used to cover your roof to protect your home from the elements. But what you may not know is that shingles can be made from many materials, including slate, metal, plastic, wood or asphalt. Check out this post on roofing shingles for a more detailed explanation.
Decking/sheathing — Is the foundation of your roof system and provides the surface on which the shingles are installed. It is typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) and should be a minimum thickness of ½ inch.
Underlayment — This is a layer of material that is installed between the roof deck and the shingles. Its purpose is to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and to improve the durability of the roof. Underlayment can be made from rubberized asphalt, asphalt-saturated felt, or synthetic material.
Ridge — The ridge is the highest point on a roof where two slopes meet. It is typically covered by a ridge cap, which helps to protect the roof from wind and rain.
Pitch — This refers to the slope of the roof. The pitch is expressed as a ratio of rise to run, with higher numbers indicating a steeper slope.
Roof Valleys — The area where two sections of your roof meet is called a valley. Roof valleys allow water to flow down your roof properly, and can be open or closed. It’s important to use the right type of materials to prevent leaks.
Flashing — Flashing is a thin strip of metal, typically made of aluminum or steel, that is installed around roof openings such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing helps prevent water from entering the roof through these openings and causing damage.
Eave — The part of the roof that extends past the exterior walls of your home are called the eave. This directs water away from your home and often funnels it through a gutter system.
Soffit — This refers to any material that covers the underside of the roof overhang (eave). Typically these are made of wood, vinyl, or aluminum and they are often vented to provide airflow to your attic. Proper ventilation is essential for preventing moisture buildup and extending the life of the roof.
Fascia — The fascia is the board that runs along the edge of the roofline. Like the soffit, the fascia is part of the eave and is used to protect the gutter system on the roof’s edge. Fascias are typically made of wood, vinyl, or aluminum.
Gutters — Gutters are the channels that run along the edge of the roofline and collect rain water. They are typically made of aluminum or vinyl and are essential for guiding water toward the downspouts, preventing damage to the home's foundation.
Downspout — The downspout is the vertical “pipe” that is attached to the gutter. Its primary function is to funnel rainwater away from your home’s foundation.
Square — A Square is the unit of measurement roofers use to calculate the size of a roof, with one square being equivalent to 100 square feet.
Rating — Roof materials are rated for their ability to withstand a number of environmental factors, including fire, wind and impact. In the area we service — from Hamilton to the Niagara Peninsula — wind is by far the biggest threat to your roof.
Testing for wind measures a shingle's ability to withstand fan-induced wind speeds. 3-tab shingles, for example, generally have a class A rating and can only withstand winds of up to 60 mph, while shingles rated as Class H can resist uplifting at wind speeds up to 150 mph.
These are just a few of the most common roofing terms every homeowner should know — and many of them probably sound familiar. Understanding these terms can help you communicate with roofing professionals so you can make informed decisions when it’s time to repair or replace your roof.
If you’d like more specific information about the type of roofing material available or what might be right for your particular roof, give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss your roofing repairs or replacement requirements in detail, and will even provide you with a free estimate.
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