Roofing Glossary

Asphalt – organic bituminous compound used in the manufacturing of composition shingles.

Asphalt Roofing Cement – used to bond roofing materials

Base Flashing – the piece  of the flashing which is attached to the roof deck

Blend– mixtures of various colored granules on the surface of shingles

Blind Nailing – nails hammered so that their heads are hidden by succeeding layers of roofing materials.

Blisters – bubbles that form on the surface of asphalt roofing.

Bridging – a method of reroofing where newly placed shingles follow the contour of the old roofing

Built-Up Roofing – a flat or low sloped roof that is made up of layers of asphalt and ply sheets

Butt – the portion of the shingle that is exposed to the weather, also called the “tab”

Cant Strip – a 45 degree beveled wood, fiberboard, or metal strips at the junction of the roof and a vertical surface used to break up a right angle

Cap Flashing – flashing on a vertical surface to prevent the flow of water from getting behind the base flashing. The cap flashing overlaps the base flashing.  This flashing (AKA counter flashing) is generally not changed in a reroofing job.

Caulk – a substance used to fill a joint or void

Cement – a substance that binds surfaces together

Class “A” – the highest fire resistance rating for roofing.  Shingle with this rating should withstand severe exposure to fire from sources originating outside the building

Closed Valley – when roofing materials cover the entire valley

Coating – a layer of viscous asphalt applied to shingles in which granules are embedded

Collars – pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe. There are two types, lead jacks and rubber boots

Course –  a horizontal unit of roofing running the length of the roof

Cricket – a small peaked saddle constructed on the top of the basic roof and behind the chimney

Cupola – a structure rising above the main roof. It is usually ornamental, but may be used for ventilation

Dead Level – a roof or section of roof without any pitch

Deck – the material installed over the framing of a structure on which shingles are installed

Double Coverage – a method of applying roof shingles so that two complete layers of material are provided

Dormer – a window unit jutting through the sloping plane of the roof

Drip Edge – usually metal strip used on eves and rakes to allow for water run-off without damaging underlying materials

Drip Course – the first course of shingles that slightly overhangs the edge

Eave – the horizontal edge of a roof that projects over the outside wall

Exposure – the portion of the shingle that is exposed to the weather

Lap – the overlap of surface of one roofing material to another

Laminated Shingles – shingles containing more than one layer of tabs creating extra thickness

Lock Shingles – a shingles with a mechanical locking feature

Low Slope Application – method of applying shingles on slopes between 2 and four inches per foot

Mansard Roof – a vertical part of roofing.

Normal Slope Application – method of installing shingles between 4 and 21 inches per foot

Open Valley – valley in which metal is used and roofing material does not cover entire valley area as in a Closed Valley

Saturant – asphalt used to impregnate felt for waterproofing and strength

Seal Down – a factory applied asphalt strip used to bond a shingle to the one above. This is used to provide wind resistance

Sheathing – exterior grade boards used as a roof deck

Side Lap – a horizontal lap

Slope – the degree of incline of a roof plane

Soffit – the  underside of an eave

Soffit Vent – An under eve opening needed for intake of outside air

Soil Stack – a vent pipe that penetrates the roof

Span – the horizontal measurement from eave to eave

Spire – a tower of roof tapering up to a single point

Square – a unit of roof measurement covering 100 square feet

Square Butt Shingles – generally three tab 20 year shingles

Step Flashing – flashing along a roof slope against a wall or chimney using succeeding courses of flashing material placed, together with layers or courses of roofing materials. Step Flashing is generally in 4 by 4 by 8 inch pieces.

Tab – portion of strip shingles defined by cut outs or slots so when installed, material appears to be individually applied

Underlayment – an asphalt saturated felt applied over the roof deck and under the roofing material

Valley – the intersection of two roof slopes

Vent – an outlet for air

Weathering – changes in color, texture or efficiency brought about by exposure to outside elements