Blog Post

Roofing Terms 

Jeff Brown • Jul 17, 2019

Glossary of roofing terms

ASTM The American Society for Testing and Materials; organization that sets standards for a wide variety of materials, including roofing.

BARGE BOARD A board that conceals roof timbers projecting over gables.

COUNTER FLASHING That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the step flashing.

CORNICE The overhanging part of the roof (the part that sticks out past the walls).

CRICKET The evaluation of a part of a roof surface as a means of promoting drainage of water from behind an obstacle such as the chimney.

CURB A short wall or masonry built above the level of the roof; it provides a means of flashing the deck equipment.

DECK The base surface to which a roof system is applied.

DORMER A structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface; creates a usable space in the roof of a building by adding headroom and usually also by enabling the addition of windows.

DRIP EDGE A device designed to prevent water from running back or under an overhang.

EDGE METAL A term relating to brake or extruded metal around the perimeter of a roof.

EAVE The part of a roof which projects out from the side wall, or the lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall.

FASCIA Any cover board at the edge or eaves of a flat, sloping, or overhanging roof, which is placed in a vertical position to protect the edge of the roof assembly.

FELT A very general term used to describe composition of roofing ply sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers unsaturated, impregnated with asphalt or coal tar pitch, or impregnated and coated with asphalt.

FLASHING Connecting devices that seal membrane joints at expansion joints, walls, drains, gravel stops, and other places where the membrane is interrupted or terminated.

GABLE Triangular roof (the part of a wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof).

GUTTER A narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a roof system, which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof.

HIP ROOF A roof which rises by inclining planes from all four sides of a building.

ICE DAM Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the thawing and re-freezing of melted snow on the overhang. Can force water up and under shingles, causing leaks.

OSB Oriented Strand Board A decking made from wood chips and lamination glues.

PLUMBING VENT (SOIL PIPE VENT) Consists of pipes leading from fixtures to the outdoors, usually via the roof. Vents provide for relief of sewer gases, admission of oxygen for aerobic sewage digestion, and maintenance of the trap water seals which prevent sewer gases from entering the home.

PLYWOOD Thin layers of boards that are glued, compressed and laminated to create a thicker board; thin layers of wood placed together with the grain of each layer at right angles to the adjacent layer.

RAFTER Parallel beams that support a roof (similar to how joists support floors and ceilings).

RAKE The angle of slope of a roof rafter, or the inclined portion of a cornice.

RIDGE The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

RIDGE VENT A ridge vent runs the entire length of the roof peak, blending into the roofline for a more attractive home.

RIDGE CAP Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

ROOF DECK A component in building construction, which forms a platform on which the remainder of the roof components are placed.


SHEETING The boards of sheet type material, plywood or asphalt saturated sheets, nailed to studding or roofing rafters as the base for application of the roof covering.

SKYLIGHT A flat or sloped window built into a roof structure for daylighting.

SLOPE Incline or pitch of roof surface.

SOFFIT The underside of a part or member of a building extending out from the plane of the building walls.

SOFFIT VENTILATION Intake ventilation installed under the eaves, or at the roof edge.

SQUARE A term used by the roof industry to indicate an amount of roof area equal to 100 square feet.

STEP FLASHING Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.

TEAR OFF A term used to describe the complete removal of the existing roofing system down to the sheeting.

TRUSS A framework of beams (like ribs) that support the roof (usually triangular).

VALLEY A depressed angle formed by the meeting of two inclined slopes of a roof.

VENTING A process of installing roof vents in a roof assembly to relieve vapor pressure; types of ventilation include ridge (attic), soffit, and plumbing

11 Dec, 2020
32 degrees is considered freezing, this morning is was 25 degrees outside. I think it's safe to say even without the snow winter is here. Winter isn't usually a time of year when you think about getting roof work done but sometimes you just don't have a choice. Below we will tell you some of those warning signs you just can't put off until spring.
24 Nov, 2020
Icicles hanging off the edge of a snow-covered roof have set the scene for every winter story since we were kids. In fact it’s such a desired look that they make lights that are shaped like icicles to hang around your house, turns out that's a way better option. What we didn’t know about icicles when we kids is that they are a telltale sign that you roof and home are not functioning properly. The same conditions that create icicles lead to a much bigger problem known as ice dams. Ice Dams can damage or even rip off gutters, damage shingles, and even cause water to backflow up under roofing shingles allowing water to leak into your home. Once that happens there is a whole new list of issues ranging from peeling paint to structural damage to floors, walls, and ceilings. Below we will show you quick fixes for ice damns, how to prevent ice dams, and how you can avoid them all together.
23 Sep, 2020
Do you enjoy fixing houses and making your community a better place? Experienced Roofers are needed for immediate hire. Depending on your experience you will have the opportunity to work year round on all different styles of houses, their different types of roofs, and each unique installation method. You’ll be in charge of smaller roofing and siding jobs/repairs start to finish. From taking the sales calls to making sure boots on ground have all they need! Contact us today if you have previous roofing experience and are ready to join our hardworking and successful team. ***Roofing and Framing Experience Is A Plus*** *** Room For Advancement *** Job Responsibilities Taking And Going To Sales Calls Small Roofing Jobs Small Roofing Repairs Siding Jobs (If applicable) Framing Jobs (If applicable) Job Qualifications Valid Drivers License At Least 18 Years Of Age Able To Work In The United States Reliable Transportation Previous Roofing Experience with siding and framing a plus Job Pay and benefits $15-$25/hr Depending On Experience Health Insurance Paid Holidays Paid Vacations 401K Profit Sharing
29 May, 2020
Your roof protects you from all sort of inclement weather including the harsh rays and temperatures from the sun. But what protects your roof? Not much, unless you live in in a wooded area or planted some trees for landscaping your roof takes a beating summer after summer. So here are some warming signs to lookout for to keep your roof summer ready!
By Jeff Brown 08 May, 2020
Winter in Michigan can be a magical time full of sledding, building a snowman, and warm cups of hot chocolate. It can also be a time of stress and sickness that takes a tole on our bodies. Your home also takes quite a beating from mother nature as well, and no part of your home experiences that like your roof. It battles all the elements and event has to put in hard work when you're sunbathing in the backyard. Today we are going to offer up some tips in our spring checklist that will keep your roof ready for whatever weather mother nature throws our way.
By Jeff Brown 08 Jul, 2019
That's right, we decided that it was time for this old van to get a little TLC with a tune-up and some new decal
By Jeff Brown 10 Jun, 2019
While some of us consider home improvements as a necessary part of home maintenance there is another side to the story. Naturally if your house needed a new driveway, a new roof, new siding or a fresh coat of paint and serious updates to the interior then your house will not sell for anywhere near the same house in the same neighborhood with that list up to date. So consider that new siding a home is one of those improvements that can add a significant amount of resale value to your property. In fact the National Association of Realtor’s reported that siding replacement is one of the best choices for improving home value. Whether the siding you chose is vinyl, fiber cement, or foam-backed vinyl, the decision to re-side a house has consistently increased resale value for homeowners. New siding definitely improves “curb” appeal. It also can save on energy costs. This makes for a smart investment now and in future. Vinyl Siding One of the most popular options which is reasonably priced, lightweight, and virtually maintenance-free while providing thermal protection to the home’s exterior is vinyl siding. It comes in a wide variety of colors and trim options. Fiber Cement Siding Fiber-cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or “hardie board”. This siding is resistant to moisture, fire, termites and rot. In addition, it doesn’t flex. It is installed much the same way as traditional lapboard or wood siding in that it is nailed directly to your home. This siding can be custom primed and painted at the factory. It also has a variety of trim options. Insulated Vinyl Siding Insulated vinyl siding is standard vinyl siding with a backing of solid rigid foam insulation. This means the siding will lay flat against the house. It also creates a solid foam barrier that is more energy efficient and less vulnerable to weather. Because it is significantly stiffer than standard vinyl it is much more resistant to warping and movement. Cost and Value Comparisons On average Vinyl siding is about 17% less expensive than Fiber Cement and about 24% less than Insulated Vinyl. The resale values for siding replacement also hold steady. Industry statistics indicate home-owners recoup between 70% to 80% of their investment cost.
By Jeff Brown 31 May, 2019
2019 Summer Discount
By Dexter Roof & Siding 08 Feb, 2018
Some of the team headed down to New Orleans this week to escape the winter weather and see what's new in the world of roofing for the 2018 International Roofing Expo . 3 full days of learning about new products, industry trends, and what the future of roofing has to offer. The guys also were pretty excited to meet one of their heroes while at the Expo!
By Dexter Roof & Siding 16 Aug, 2017
Swung by a jobsite to drop off materials for the guys and caught them hard are work!
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