Talking to people in roofing, sometimes, feels like learning a new language. From flashing to fascia, there are things we know to mean something else (or expect to mean something else) – which actually mean something very normal for roofers. But as folks who have “graduated,” so to speak, we can vouch for the fact that once you know these key terms, what they mean, and the context they’re typically used in, it will be very useful for you.
How, exactly? Well, for once, you can communicate much better, especially when it comes to roof repair projects. As we said, it’s kind of like a different language. But more importantly, homeowners can make more informed decisions about their home’s protective layer – the roof.
That’s why we wanted to create a roofing glossary for our readers. Let’s get right to it!
The Basic Building Blocks
Some terms are more basic and essential than others. It’s only natural we begin with them. In fact, there’s bound to be some stuff that you already have a good idea about. We’re just here to help you brush up your knowledge and let you on a secret or two!
- Shingle: The shingle is the most visible part of your roof. It provides protection as well as aesthetic appeal to your roof. This is what people see from afar, even if your walls and exterior are covered from sight due to landscaping. As such, the style and color are extremely important.
- Decking: No, it’s got nothing to do with cards. This is the foundation – but not of the entire home. More precisely, it’s the wooden base that supports the shingles and other roofing materials.
- Underlayment: Usually, roofers install a waterproof layer or barrier just beneath the shingles. If you don’t know already, water leakage is one of the biggest issues with roofs. The sole purpose of the underlayment is to avoid that, or at least postpone it until the time when you have enough money for a roof replacement.
- Flashing: Flashing is the collective term used by roofers to denote the metal strips that are used to seal joints. These joints are typically between two different types of materials on the roof. If the materials are different, it’s super important to seal their edges, or insulation won’t work, energy bills will spike, and again, water will leak in. You will find flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Where wood meets concrete, for example, is the perfect recipe to add some flashing in the middle.
Roof Anatomy
The basics are over now, so let’s talk about the anatomy of your roof. More specifically, the key components and what their functions are.
- Ridge: The ridge is the peak or the highest point of your roof. This is where the two slopes meet.
- Valley: Quite intuitively, the valley is the V-shaped intersection where the two slopes meet. This channels water run-off so there’s no puddle of water on your roof, leading to leakage.
- Eaves: The lower edges of the roof are called the eaves. These are the edges that are found overhanging the walls.
- Rake: Instead of being a term related to trains, the rake the is the sloping edge of a gable roof (assuming you know what those are). This generally extends from the eaves to the ridge. So, the ridge on top, the eaves on the bottom edge, and everything in between is the rake.
- Fascia: This is the board that supports the gutters. Naturally, it runs along the roof’s edges.
Decoding the Jargon
And with that, you have the lowdown on the most common roofer terms used by, well, roofers. See, it’s no big deal to try understanding roofing and the various terms surrounding it. But once you do that, you can suddenly understand more and communicate better – all of which leads to making better decisions about your home’s roof.
The industry jargon can get complex. But residential roofing is all about a typical homeowner’s roof. It’s not rocket science. It doesn’t concern itself with things that us, mere mortals, don’t need to know about. Yes, the words and phrases they use might sound alien at first, but they are all talking about things that we all know about or can see, at least.
As such, all it needs is a humble, “what does it mean?”
A question to your roofer will troubleshoot all your queries and concerns. But remember that roofing is a specialized trade. It has a unique language for a reason. It’s needed so they can communicate faster among themselves. And though it might leave homeowners scratching their heads in confusion, it’s for our collective benefit.
Let’s cover a few more common terms before we wrap up, shall we?
- Leaks: This one’s pretty straightforward. A leak is simply water getting where it shouldn’t be – inside your home. It can be caused by a variety of issues, such as damaged shingles, cracked flashing or even a poorly sealed chimney. Think of it like a hole in your boat – it lets the water in, and that’s never a good thing.
- Ponding Water: Now, this one’s a bit trickier. Ponding water refers to standing water on a flat roof. It’s like a miniature lake forming on top of your house. And just like a real lake, it can attract all sorts of unwanted visitors, like mosquitoes and algae. Plus, it puts extra weight on your roof and can lead to leaks if not addressed.
- Ice Dams: These icy villains are common in colder climates. They form when snow melts on your roof and refreezes at the eaves (we learned this one!), creating a dam that prevents proper water runoff. It’s like a traffic jam on your roof, causing water to back up and potentially seep under your shingles. Not cool, literally.
- Moss and Algae: These green invaders might look harmless, but they can actually cause damage to your roof over time. They trap moisture, which can lead to rot and decay. Plus, they can make your roof look unsightly, like a fuzzy green carpet you didn’t ask for.
