Roofing Glossary
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