A

Absorption: The process by which roofing materials take in moisture, impacting longevity and performance.

Air Barrier: A material that prevents airflow through the roof assembly, improving energy efficiency.

Aluminum Roofing: A lightweight, corrosion-resistant roofing material ideal for coastal areas.

Apex: The highest point of a roof where two slopes meet.

Applique: A decorative or protective layer added to roofing materials.

Arched Roof: A curved roof design that enhances structural strength and aesthetics.

Asphalt Shingles: Popular roofing materials known for their durability and variety.

Attic Ventilation: The process of allowing air to circulate in the attic to prevent moisture buildup.

B

Backwater Valve: A valve that prevents sewage from flowing back into the house.

Ballast: A layer of gravel or stones used on flat roofs to hold down membranes.

Barrel Roof: A rounded roof style resembling a barrel, often used for architectural interest.

Batten: A strip of material used to secure roofing, preventing wind uplift.

Beam: A structural component that supports the roof and distributes weight.

Birdsmouth Cut: A notch cut into a rafter to provide a secure fit.

Blistering: Bubbles in roofing materials due to trapped moisture or heat.

Bonding: The process of adhering roofing materials together to prevent leaks.

C

Cap Sheet: The top layer in a built-up roofing system.

Ceiling Joists: Structural elements that support the ceiling and roof.

Chimney Flashing: Material installed around the base of a chimney to prevent leaks.

Cleat: A metal strip used to hold down roofing materials.

Composite Roofing: Roofing made from a blend of materials mimicking wood or slate.

Counter Flashing: A type of flashing that covers base flashing for added protection.

Cricket: A small structure built behind a chimney to direct water away.

Decking: The structural layer of a roof to which materials are attached.

Drip Cap: Flashing at the top of a window or door to direct water away.

D

Drip Edge: A metal flashing that directs water away from the roof’s edge.

Double-Lap Shingle: A shingle installation method for added waterproofing.

E

Eaves: The lower edges of a roof that overhang the walls.

Eave Trough: Another term for the eaves, directing rainwater.

Exposure: The portion of the roofing material that is visible once installed.

F

Fire Rating: A classification indicating how well roofing materials resist fire.

Flashing: Material used at joints to prevent water infiltration.

Flute: Grooves in some roofing materials that enhance drainage.

G

Gable End: The triangular end of a building formed by sloping roof sections.

Gable Roof: A roof style with two sloping sides meeting at a peak.

Granules: Colored stones embedded in asphalt shingles for UV protection.

H

Header: A structural beam above doorways or openings.

Hip Roof: A roof style where all sides slope down toward the walls.

I

Ice Dam: A ridge of ice blocking water from draining off the roof.

Interlocking Shingles: Shingles designed to fit together securely to reduce wind uplift.

K

K-Style: A common shape for gutters often mentioned in discussions of roof drainage.

L

Lap: The overlap of roofing materials to ensure a watertight seal.

Low-Slope Roof: A roof with a pitch of less than 3:12.

M

Mansard Roof: A four-sided roof providing extra living space in the attic.

Modified Bitumen: A roofing membrane that enhances asphalt roof durability.

N

Nailing Strip: A strip on which shingles are fastened for secure attachment.

Nail Gun: A tool used to quickly drive nails into roofing materials.

O

Overlay: Installing new roofing over existing materials without removal.

P

Parapet: A low wall at the edge of a roof for aesthetics and protection.

Pitch: The steepness of a roof, expressed as a ratio.

Pitch Pocket: A space filled with sealant around pipe penetrations to prevent water intrusion.

R

Rafter: A structural member that supports the roof.

Ridge Board: A board at the peak of the roof to which rafters are attached.

Ridge Vent: A vent installed along the roof peak for ventilation.

Rooftop Unit (RTU): An air conditioning system located on the roof of a building.

S

Soffit: The material covering the underside of eaves.

Skylight: A window installed in the roof for natural light.

Snow Guard: Devices installed to prevent snow and ice from sliding off the roof.

T

Tar and Gravel: A traditional flat roofing system for durability.

Tapered Insulation: Sloped insulation on flat roofs for drainage.

Tile Roofing: A durable roofing material made from clay or concrete.

V

Valley: The angle formed by the intersection of two roof slopes, directing water flow.

Vent Pipe: A pipe that allows air to enter the plumbing system, preventing vacuum.

W

Waterproofing: The process of making a roof resistant to water intrusion.

Wind Uplift: The force of wind attempting to lift roofing materials off a structure.

Z

Z-Bar Flashing: A type of flashing that provides a continuous seal against water intrusion.