Know Your Roof

Roofing Terms Glossary, A to Z

Short, plain-English definitions of the roofing terms homeowners run into. Terms with a full guide link to it.

A

Actual Cash Value (ACV)
What the roof is worth today, after depreciation.
Adjuster
The insurance company's representative who inspects damage and sets the claim amount.
Air Sealing
Closing gaps between the living space and the attic so warm, moist air doesn't leak up.
Algae Stains
Dark streaks on shingles from algae. Mostly cosmetic, though they trap moisture.
Aluminum Gutters
The most common gutter material. Doesn't rust, and seamless gutters are normally aluminum.
Aluminum Soffit
Metal soffit panels that don't rot and take paint well.
Apron Flashing
Apron flashing is a long piece of bent metal that seals the joint where a roof slope runs up into a vertical surface, like the front of a chimney, a dormer face or a wall at the top of a slope. Read more about Apron Flashing
Architectural Shingle
A thicker, laminated shingle with a layered, dimensional look. Also called a dimensional shingle. Read more about Architectural Shingle
Architectural vs 3-Tab Shingles
Architectural shingles are thicker, laminated shingles with a layered, dimensional look. 3-tab shingles are flat, single-layer shingles cut into three tabs, a thinner and older style. Read more about Architectural vs 3-Tab Shingles
Asphalt Shingle
The most common residential roofing. A fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules.
Attic Baffles
Baffles, also called rafter vents, hold an air channel open above the attic insulation, so insulation pushed against the roof deck can't cover the soffit vents.
Attic Condensation
Moisture that forms on cold surfaces in the attic. Frost on nails in winter is a common sign.
Attic Insulation
Material on the attic floor that keeps conditioned air in the house. It works with ventilation, not instead of it.
Attic Mold
Mold growth on rafters or deck, often from condensation or a slow leak.
Attic Ventilation
The system that moves air through the attic to carry off heat and moisture. Read more about Attic Ventilation

B

Balanced Ventilation
Intake and exhaust that roughly match, so air actually flows through the attic.
Base Flashing
The layer of flashing that lies on the roof where it meets a chimney or wall. Counter flashing hangs from the wall and laps down over it.
Bathroom Exhaust Duct
The duct that should carry moist air outdoors. Venting into the attic adds moisture.
Blistering
Raised bubbles on the surface from trapped moisture or heat.
Board Decking
Individual boards with small gaps, found on older homes.
Box Vent
A low, hooded vent with no moving parts. Also called a static vent.
Buckling Shingles
Ridges or waves across shingles, often from deck movement or trapped moisture.
Built-Up Roof
A flat roof made of alternating layers of felt and asphalt, topped with gravel or a cap sheet.

C

Cap Flashing
Another name for counter flashing. Read more about Cap Flashing
Ceiling Water Stain
A brown ring on the ceiling, usually the first sign of a roof leak.
Certificate of Completion
A document confirming the job is finished.
Change Order
A written change to the scope or price once work has started, like extra decking replacement.
Chimney Crown
The concrete cap on top of a chimney that sheds water. Cracks in it let water into the masonry.
Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing is the set of metal pieces that seals the joint between a chimney and the roof. Read more about Chimney Flashing
Continuous Soffit Vent
A long slot along the overhang instead of separate round vents.
Coping
The metal or stone cap over the top of a parapet wall.
Copper Gutters
Metal gutters that weather to a green patina and last a long time.
Counter Flashing
Counter flashing is a second piece of flashing installed over the top edge of the base flashing, usually set into a wall or the mortar of a chimney. Read more about Counter Flashing
Cracked Shingles
Splits across the shingle from age, hail or cold.
Creased Shingle
A shingle folded by wind, leaving a horizontal line across it.
Cricket
A small peaked structure behind a chimney, also called a saddle, that diverts water around it. Building codes typically call for one on wide chimneys.
Cupola
A small decorative structure on top of the ridge, sometimes with vents.
Curling Shingles
Shingles whose edges or centers turn up or down. Usually age, heat or poor ventilation.

D

Date of Loss
The day the storm or damage happened. It affects whether a claim is covered and how long you have to file.
Decking Replacement
Swapping out damaged deck boards during a roof replacement. The amount is only known once the old roof is off.
Deductible
The amount you pay before insurance pays the rest.
Depreciation
The drop in value an insurer subtracts for the roof's age and wear.
Dormer
A framed structure that sticks out of a sloped roof, usually holding a window.
Dormer Flashing
The flashing around the sides and front of a dormer. It combines step, apron and counter flashing.
Downspout
A downspout is the vertical pipe that carries water from your gutter down the side of the house and away from the foundation. Read more about Downspout
Downspout Bracket
The strap that holds a downspout to the wall.
Downspout Elbow
An angled piece that jogs a downspout around the overhang or turns it out at the bottom.
Downspout Extension
A pipe or flexible tube that carries water farther from the foundation.
Downspout Size (2x3 vs 3x4)
The opening of the pipe in inches. The 3x4 size moves more water.
Drip Edge
Drip edge is a strip of L-shaped metal flashing along the edges of a roof. Read more about Drip Edge
Drop Outlet
The opening and fitting where the downspout connects to the gutter.
Dry-In
Getting underlayment on the deck so the roof is weather-tight until shingles go on.

E

Eave
The eave is the lower edge of a roof, where it overhangs the exterior wall. Read more about Eave
Emergency Tarp
A temporary cover that stops a leak until permanent repairs can be made.
End Cap
The piece that closes off the end of a gutter run.
EPDM
A synthetic rubber single-ply membrane, often called rubber roofing.
Exhaust Vent
A vent high on the roof, like a ridge vent, that lets warm air out.
Exposed Nails
Nail heads left uncovered, which can rust and let water in.
Exposed-Fastener Metal Roof
Metal panels screwed through the face with gasketed screws.

F

Fallen Tree Damage
Punctures or structural damage from a tree or limb hitting the roof.
Fascia Board
A fascia board is the long, straight board that runs along the edge of your roof. Read more about Fascia Board
Fascia Board Replacement
Fascia board replacement means taking off the damaged fascia and putting up new boards along the roof edge. Read more about Fascia Board Replacement
Fascia Wrap
Thin aluminum bent over the fascia board so rain and sun don't reach the wood. Also called fascia capping.
Felt Underlayment
Asphalt-saturated paper or fiberglass. The traditional choice, also called tar paper.
Fiber Cement Soffit
Cement-based soffit boards that hold up to moisture and pests.
Final Walkthrough
The check at the end of the job to confirm the work matches the scope.
Flashing Failure
Flashing that has rusted, cracked, lifted or come unsealed.
Flashing Metals
Aluminum, galvanized steel and copper are the common choices. Mixing metals that touch can cause corrosion.
Flat Roof
A roof that looks level. It still has a slight slope so water can drain.
Frieze Board
The trim board at the top of the wall, right under the soffit.

G

Gable End
The triangular wall at the end of a gable roof.
Gable Roof
Two slopes meeting at a ridge, with a triangular wall at each end.
Gable Vent
A louvered vent in the gable end wall.
Galvanized Steel Gutters
Stronger metal gutters that can rust where the coating gets scratched.
Gambrel Roof
A barn-style roof with two slopes per side, steeper on the lower one.
Granule Loss
Bare asphalt where granules have worn off. Often shows up as grit in the gutters.
Granules
The mineral surface on a shingle. They shield the asphalt from sun, and loose ones in your gutters are a sign of aging.
Gutter Apron
A gutter apron is a strip of metal flashing along the roof edge that guides water off the shingles and into the gutter, so it doesn't run down behind it onto the fascia. Read more about Gutter Apron
Gutter Cleaning
Removing leaves and debris so water reaches the downspouts.
Gutter Guard
A cover or screen that keeps leaves out while letting water in. Also called a leaf guard.
Gutter Hanger
The bracket that holds a gutter to the fascia. Hidden hangers clip inside the trough.
Gutter Overflow
Water spilling over the front edge, usually from clogs, a bad pitch or too few downspouts.
Gutter Pitch
The slight slope toward the downspout that keeps water draining instead of standing.
Gutter Sealant
Waterproof compound used at joints, end caps and outlets.
Gutter Size (5-inch vs 6-Inch)
The width of the trough. The 6-inch size holds and moves more water.

H

Hail Bruise
A soft spot where hail broke the mat under the granules, even if the surface looks intact.
Hail Damage
Dents, cracks or bruises in the roof surface from hail strikes.
Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters look like a pipe cut in half lengthwise, a smooth curved trough. Read more about Half-Round Gutters
Hip
The sloped line where two roof planes meet at an outside corner.
Hip Roof
A roof that slopes down on all four sides.

I

Ice and Water Barrier
A self-adhering waterproof membrane along the roof edge. A lot of roofers put it at the eaves because ice dams push water up under the shingles there.
Ice Dam
An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the cold roof edge. Winter freeze and thaw lets snowmelt refreeze at the overhang, and the ice pushes meltwater up under the shingles. Read more about Ice Dam
Inside and Outside Corners
The pieces that join two gutter runs where the roof edge turns.
Insurance Claim
Your request to your insurance company to pay for covered damage.
Intake Vent
A vent low on the roof, usually in the soffit, that lets outside air in.

J

J-Channel
A trim channel that holds the ends of soffit panels at the wall and the fascia.

K

K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters have a flat back and a front shaped like stair steps or crown molding, so the end looks like the letter K. Read more about K-Style Gutters
Kickout Flashing
A small angled piece at the bottom of a wall-to-roof joint, also called a diverter. It kicks water out into the gutter so it can't pour down behind the siding.

L

Leak Barrier
Another name for self-adhered membrane used at eaves, valleys and around penetrations.
Lookout
A horizontal framing piece running from the wall out to the rafter tail. It supports the soffit panels.
Low-Slope Roof
A roof with a shallow pitch, generally covered with membrane instead of regular shingles.

M

Magnetic Sweep
Running a magnet over the yard and driveway to pick up stray nails.
Mansard Roof
A four-sided roof with a steep lower slope on every side.
Manufacturer Warranty
Coverage from the shingle maker for product defects.
Membrane Seam
The joint where two sheets of membrane meet. Seams are the first place a flat roof tends to fail.
Missing Shingles
Bare spots where shingles blew off, leaving the underlayment exposed.
Modified Bitumen
Layered asphalt-based roofing on rolls, applied by torch or peel-and-stick.
Moss Growth
Moss on a roof holds moisture and can lift shingle edges.

N

Nail Pop
A nail backing out and pushing up the shingle above it.
Net Free Area
The real open area of a vent after screens and louvers, measured in square inches. Vents are rated by it.

O

OSB Decking
A roof deck made from compressed wood strands. Common, and it swells if it stays wet.
Overhang
The part of the roof that extends past the exterior wall.

P

Parapet Wall
A short wall that rises above the roof along its edge, common on flat and commercial roofs.
Penetration
Anything that passes through the roof, like a vent pipe, chimney or skylight. Each one needs flashing.
Pipe Boot
A pipe boot is the flashing around a pipe or vent that comes through the roof. Read more about Pipe Boot
Plumbing Vent Stack
The pipe that vents your plumbing through the roof. It's sealed with a pipe boot.
Plywood Decking
Layered wood sheets used as a roof deck.
Ponding Water
Water that stays on a flat roof long after the rain stops.
Power Attic Vent
An electric or solar fan that pulls air out. It can draw air up from the house if the attic lacks intake.
Prorated Coverage
Warranty coverage that shrinks over time, so you pay a growing share of a claim.
PVC Roofing
A single-ply membrane with welded seams and strong resistance to chemicals and grease.

R

Rafter
A sloped framing piece running from the ridge down to the wall.
Rafter Tail
The end of a rafter that sticks out past the wall to form the overhang.
Rain Chain
A decorative chain or cup set that guides water down in place of a downspout.
Rake Board
The trim board that finishes the rake edge of a roof. In some areas it's called a barge board.
Rake Edge
The rake edge is the sloped edge of a roof that runs from the eave up to the ridge, usually on the gable end of a house. Read more about Rake Edge
Reglet
A slot cut into a mortar joint so counter flashing can be set into the masonry and sealed.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
What it costs to replace the roof with new materials, with no deduction for age.
Ridge
The horizontal line at the top where two slopes meet.
Ridge Board
The board at the peak that the rafters attach to.
Ridge Cap Shingle
The pieces bent over the ridge and hips to finish the peaks.
Ridge Vent
A ridge vent is the exhaust vent along the peak of the roof. Air comes in low at the soffit, rises as it warms, and leaves through the ridge vent, so it only works if air can get in at the bottom. Read more about Ridge Vent
Rise and Run
The vertical and horizontal measurements that make up pitch.
Roof Cement
Asphalt-based patching material. Fine for a temporary seal, not a lasting fix for failed flashing.
Roof Certification
A written statement of a roof's condition, often requested during a home sale.
Roof Coating
A liquid layer rolled or sprayed over an existing roof to seal it and extend its life.
Roof Curb
A raised frame a skylight or rooftop unit sits on.
Roof Deck
The plywood or OSB boards nailed over the rafters that the roof is built on. Also called sheathing or decking.
Roof Estimate
A written price for the work based on roof size, materials and conditions.
Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is thin metal, sometimes rubber, installed wherever a roof meets something else: a chimney, a wall, a vent, a valley. Read more about Roof Flashing
Roof Inspection
A check of the roof surface, edges, flashing, vents and attic for damage and wear.
Roof Jack
Roofer slang for the flashed base of a vent pipe, similar to a pipe boot. Read more about Roof Jack
Roof Leak
Water getting through the roof into the attic or living space. The drip is often far from the entry point.
Roof Pitch
How steep the roof is, written as rise over 12 inches of run. A 6:12 roof rises 6 inches for every foot across.
Roof Repair
Fixing a specific problem, like a leak or damaged flashing, without replacing the whole roof.
Roof Replacement
Removing the old roofing and installing a new roof system.
Roof Restoration
Cleaning, repairing and coating an existing roof instead of replacing it.
Roof Slope
One flat section of the roof.
Roofing Nail
A galvanized nail with a wide head, made to hold shingles without tearing through.
Roofing Permit
Approval from the local building department to do the work.
Roofing Sealant
Flexible caulk-like material used at flashing edges and fasteners.
Roofing Square
100 square feet of roof. It's how roofers measure and price a roof.
Rotted Decking
Soft or spongy deck boards from long-term moisture. They have to be replaced before new roofing goes on.
Rotted Fascia
Rotted fascia is wood fascia that has broken down after water has been reaching it for a long time. Read more about Rotted Fascia

S

Sagging Gutter
A gutter pulling away from the fascia, often from loose hangers, rotted fascia or weight from debris.
Sagging Roof
A dip along the ridge or across a slope, often from deck rot or structural damage.
Sagging Soffit
Panels hanging down, usually from trapped moisture, rot behind them or loose fasteners.
Scope of Work
The written list of exactly what will be done and which materials will be used.
Scupper
An opening in a parapet wall that lets water drain off a flat roof.
Seamless Gutters
Gutters formed on site from one roll of metal, so there are no seams along the straight runs. Fewer joints, fewer places to leak.
Self-Adhered Underlayment
A peel-and-stick waterproof membrane. Ice and water barrier is one type.
Shed Roof
A single sloped plane, common on additions and porches.
Shingle Bundle
One package of shingles. Most shingles ship three bundles to a square.
Shingle Exposure
The part of each shingle left uncovered by the row above.
Sidewall Flashing
Flashing where a roof runs alongside a wall, usually built from step flashing.
Single-Ply Membrane
A large rolled sheet of rubber or plastic used on flat and low-slope roofs.
Skylight
A window set into the roof. A common leak spot if the flashing fails.
Skylight Flashing
The kit or custom metal that seals a skylight to the roof on all four sides.
Soffit
A soffit is the finished panel on the underside of your roof overhang, running from the exterior wall out to the fascia. Read more about Soffit
Soffit Animal Entry
Gaps or damaged panels that let squirrels, birds, raccoons and wasps into the attic.
Soffit Replacement
Removing damaged soffit panels and installing new ones, often done along with new fascia or gutters.
Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are openings in the underside of your roof overhang that let cool outside air into the attic. Read more about Soffit Vents
Soffit vs Fascia
Fascia is the board along the edge of your roof, and your gutters hang on it. Read more about Soffit vs Fascia
Solid Soffit
Soffit with no openings. The attic then needs intake air from somewhere else.
Spike and Ferrule
An older mounting method with a long nail through a tube inside the gutter. It can work loose over time.
Splash Block
A block at the foot of a downspout that carries water away from the foundation, like a downspout extension.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Metal panels with raised, interlocking seams and hidden fasteners.
Starter Shingles
The first row of roofing at the eave, where the roof meets the fascia, soffit and drip edge.
Step Flashing
Step flashing is a series of small L-shaped metal pieces installed in a stair-step pattern where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall, like a dormer or the side of a chimney. Read more about Step Flashing
Storm Collar
A metal ring that fits around a vent pipe or flue above the flashing and keeps water from running down it.
Storm Damage
Damage to the roof from hail, wind, falling limbs or debris.
Sub-Fascia
The structural board behind the visible fascia. Gutters are often fastened into it.
Supplement
A request for additional payment when the true cost of repairs is higher than the first estimate.
Surface-Mounted Counter Flashing
Counter flashing screwed to the face of a wall and sealed, instead of set into the masonry.
Synthetic Underlayment
A polymer sheet that resists tearing and doesn't soak up water.

T

Tear-Off
Removing the existing roofing down to the deck.
Termination Bar
A metal strip that fastens the top edge of membrane flashing to a wall.
3-Tab Shingle
A flat, single-layer shingle cut into three tabs. Thinner and an older style. Read more about 3-Tab Shingle
Through-Wall Flashing
Flashing built into a masonry wall that sends moisture back out through weep holes.
TPO
A single-ply membrane, usually white, with heat-welded seams.
Transferable Warranty
A warranty that can pass to the next owner of the home.
Truss
A prebuilt triangular frame that replaces individual rafters and ceiling joists.
Turbine Vent
A wind-spun vent that pulls air out. Often called a whirlybird.

U

Underground Drain Line
A buried pipe that carries downspout water out to the yard or street.
Underlayment
Underlayment is the water-resistant layer between the deck and the shingles. It's the backup if water gets past the shingles. Read more about Underlayment
Unsealed Shingle
A shingle whose sealant strip let go, so it can lift in the wind.

V

Valley Flashing
A roof valley is the inside angle where two roof slopes meet. A lot of the roof's runoff ends up there, so it's lined with valley flashing, which is metal or waterproof membrane under the shingles. Read more about Valley Flashing
Vapor Retarder
A layer that slows moisture moving from the living space into the attic.
Vented Soffit
Soffit with holes or slots that let outside air into the attic.
Vinyl Gutters
Snap-together plastic gutters that can turn brittle in cold weather.
Vinyl Soffit
Snap-in plastic soffit panels. Common and low maintenance.

W

W-Valley Flashing
Valley metal with a raised center rib that keeps water from crossing to the opposite slope.
Water Intrusion
Water entering the home through the roof or walls, including slow leaks that don't drip.
Weep Hole
A small opening that lets water drain out of a wall or flashing system.
Wind Damage
Shingles that are creased, lifted, torn or missing after high wind.
Workmanship Warranty
The contractor's coverage for installation mistakes.

Z

Z-Flashing
A Z-shaped piece that sheds water over horizontal trim or between sections of siding.

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