Asphalt Shingles: Roofing material made of asphalt that is commonly used for residential roofs.
Blistering: Bubbles or swelling in the roofing material caused by trapped moisture.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Roofing system composed of multiple layers of roofing felt and asphalt.
Dormer: A structure that projects from a sloped roof, typically containing a window.
Eaves: The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the wall.
Fascia: Trim board located along the roofline.
Flashing: Metal strips used to waterproof roof transitions and prevent leaks.
Gable: Triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches.
Gutter: Channel attached to the edge of the roof to collect and divert rainwater.
Hip Roof: Roof with all sides sloping downwards to the walls.
Ice Dam: Ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing proper drainage.
Joist: Horizontal structural member that supports the roof decking.
Laminated Shingles: Asphalt shingles composed of multiple layers for added durability.
Membrane Roofing: Roofing system consisting of sheets or rolls of material for waterproofing.
Pitch: The angle of a roof slope expressed as a ratio of rise to run.
Rafter: Sloping beam that supports the roof covering.
Ridge: The highest point where two roof slopes meet.
Soffit: Underside of the eaves that extends from the fascia to the wall.
Tar Paper: Heavy-duty paper used as an underlayment for roofing materials.
Underlayment: Material installed under the roofing material to provide additional protection.
Valley: Internal angle where two roof slopes meet.
Vent Pipe: Pipe that extends through the roof to allow for ventilation.
Woven Valley: Roofing technique where shingles from both sides of a valley overlap.
Asphalt Roofing: Roofing material made from asphalt and fiberglass or organic materials.
Bird’s Mouth: Notch cut into a rafter to fit over the wall plate.
Counterflashing: Metal installed over roof-wall intersections to prevent water ingress.
Drip Edge: Metal flashing along the edge of a roof to direct water away from the fascia.
EPDM: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a type of rubber roofing material.
Flange: Projecting rim or edge used for attaching roofing components.
Hip Ridge: Ridge formed at the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Lath: Thin strips of wood used to support roofing materials.
Mansard Roof: Roof with two slopes on all four sides, with the lower slope steeper than the upper.
Parapet: Low protective wall along the edge of a roof.
Rake: Sloped edge of a gable roof.
Saddle: Small roof section connecting two larger roof sections.
Tab: Exposed portion of a roofing material, such as a shingle.
Underlayment: Material installed under the primary roofing material for added protection.
Valley Flashing: Metal installed in valleys to direct water flow.
Weathering: Process of a roofing material deteriorating due to exposure to the elements.
Asphalt Roll Roofing: Roofing material made of asphalt-impregnated felt.
Barge Board: Decorative board covering the projecting edges of a gable roof.
Cricket: Small ridge structure designed to divert water from a roof area.
Dormer Window: Window set vertically in a small projection from a sloping roof.
Eaves Overhang: Extension of the roof beyond the walls of a structure.
Felt Underlayment: Asphalt-saturated felt used as an underlayment for roofing materials.
Gambrel Roof: Roof with two slopes on each side, the upper slope being shallower than the lower.
Ice and Water Shield: Self-adhering membrane used to prevent ice dam formation.
Lap: The portion of roofing material that overlaps another piece.
Pitch Pocket: Flashed penetration in a roof for accommodating pipes or other components.
Rafter Tails: Exposed ends of rafters beyond the exterior walls of a building.
Last Updated: 03/08/2024