When we talk about the roof, we refer to a complete structure of materials that works together to protect your home from the top. While many still think about the roof as the piece of shingles that cover the entire top of the building, the roof goes further to accommodate other items that make it more complex.
Due to the complexities inherent in the roofing system, some experts take their time to study the roof and, in the process, develop some terminologies to help the average homeowner understand the roofing system.
So, our roofing professionals at The Construction Group have compiled a list of roofing terms you might not have heard before. Let’s check these roofing terms out below.
1. Underlayment
The underlayment is the material that lies between the sheathing and the shingles. It’s often made of plywood and installed directly on the deck to provide an extra layer of protection to the roof.
In addition, the underlayment also provides a waterproof barrier between the sheathing and other outward-facing roofing materials.
2. Sheathing
This is the board installed to sit on the roof skeleton to give a solid base to the shingles. Sometimes, the sheathing is also referred to as the roof decking, but not all roof decking is sheathing.
3. Surface Materials
Surface material could include metal, asphalt shingles, plastics, slate, etc., that determine how your roof will look on the outside.
4. Pitch
The pitch is the slope created by the rafter. The pitch determines what roofing materials would work best for your structure and otherwise.
5. Ridge Vents
We can refer to the ridge vent as an exhaust vent installed on the roof’s peak to let hot air out and enhance attic ventilation.
6. Eaves
The eaves are designed to help water deflect away from the walls. They can also offer shading to the house to help regulate the temperature.
While some may see the eaves as part of an architectural design to make your roof outstanding, it’s still an important aspect of the roof that provides secondary-level protection.
7. Flashing
Roof flashing is designed to deflect water away from crucial portions of the roof. It’s usually a thin galvanized steel sheet placed in delicate parts of your roof such as vents, chimneys, and skylights.
8. Rafters
The rafter is the supporting frame to which a roof deck is attached. On a sloped roof, these are the angled timbers on the underside.
9. Fire Rating
The fire rating is a system for classifying the ability of some materials to resist fire. For example, some roofing materials have the fire rating of A, B, C, with A having the highest resistance level, in that order.
10. Fascia
The vertical boards that run through the roof edges to the roof planes are referred to as the fascia. The fascia is usually the part of the roof your gutter is attached to.
11. Asphalt Roof Cement
A bituminous waterproofing material applied to roofing materials during manufacture.
12. Cricket
A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to prevent accumulation of snow and ice deflecting water around the chimney.
13. Gutter
The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.
14. Ice Dam
Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the process of thawing and refreezing of melted snow on the overhang forcing ponded water up and under shingles, causing leaks.
15. Rake and Ridge
The sloped edge of a roof over a wall is the rake. The ridge is the peak where two sloped roof sections meet.
A ridge board, which is part of a roof’s frame, runs horizontally along the peak of a sloped roof, similarly like a spine. The ridge board is sandwiched between the meeting ends of the roof rafters.
16. Slope
A roof’s slope – the degree of roof incline – is the number of inches it rises for every 12 inches of horizontal “run.” A roof with a “4-in-12 slope” rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
17. Square
A measurement of roof area that equals 100 square feet (an area 10 feet by 10 feet).
18. Starter Strip
Asphalt roofing applied at the eave which provides protection by an additional layer of material under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles.
Your Local Roofing Pros in Woodbury, MN
At The Construction Group, we have a team of home remodeling experts that can meet all your home remodeling needs, whether interior or exterior. From roof installation, replacement, and repair to windows and insulation services, we have what it takes to assist you.
We offer fast installation of cedar, asphalt and flat roof systems, including high-end, energy-efficient roofs.Have an ice dam? We offer professional ice dam removal as a part of our comprehensive roofing services.
Place your trust in us: Get a free quote today!