Sometimes roofers will use confusing, specialized terms. It’s a good idea for the consumer to have at least a basic understanding of those terms, so that you can not only understand a prospective roofer, but you can interview them and ensure they know what they are talking about.
Here are some terms to know when you talk to your roofer:
Algae Discoloration: A type of roof discoloration caused by algae, also called fungus growth.
Blisters: Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.
Asphalt Shingle: a shingle manufactured by coating a reinforcing material (felt or fibrous glass mat) with asphalt and having mineral granules on the side exposed to the weather.
Caulk: To fill a joint in order to prevent leaks.
Counter Flashing: That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
Deck or Decking: The structural “skin” of a roof over which roofing in applied. Most new homes have decking made of plywood.
Flashing: Pieces of metal or roll roofing used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.
Gable Roof: A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. A gable roof typically contains a gable at each end.
Granules: Ceramic-coated colored crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products.
Gutter: The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.
Overhang: That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.
Parapet: A low protective wall that extends above the roofline or balcony for support.
Pitch: Also known as “slope”, pitch is the measure of how “steep” a roof is.
Re-roofing: Installing a new roof system on a building that is not new.
Shading: Slight differences in shingle color that may occur as a result of normal manufacturing operations.
Step flashing: Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.
Valley: The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes to provide water runoff.
Vent: Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.
Here’s to informed decisions about your home.