Roofing Glossary
A
Algae Growth
The development of moss, algae, or fungi on shingles, often appearing as dark streaks. Common in humid climates and can accelerate roof aging.
Architectural Shingles
High-quality roofing shingles with a layered, dimensional look. They are thicker and more durable than traditional 3-tab shingles.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common residential roofing material in the U.S., made from a fiberglass base coated with asphalt and mineral granules.
B
Blistering
Bubbles or pimples on the surface of asphalt shingles caused by trapped moisture or excessive heat.
Buckling
Visible distortions or waves in shingles or the roof deck, often due to moisture or poor installation.
C
Class 4 Shingles
Shingles that have passed the UL 2218 Impact Test with the highest rating, indicating superior resistance to hail and impacts.
Cricket
A peaked saddle installed on the high side of a chimney or skylight to divert water around it.
Curling
When shingle edges turn upward or downward, usually due to aging, poor ventilation, or improper installation.
D
Decking (Sheathing)
The structural base for the roof, usually made of wood boards or plywood, onto which roofing materials are applied.
Dormer
A vertical window projecting from a sloped roof, adding space and light to the attic area.
Drip Edge
Metal flashing installed along roof edges to direct water into the gutters and prevent it from seeping under the roofing materials.
E
Eaves
The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the building's exterior walls.
EPDM Roofing
A durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) used primarily in low-slope roofing applications.
F
Fascia
A vertical board attached at the ends of rafters, often where gutters are mounted.
Flashing
Pieces of metal or other waterproof materials installed to prevent water seepage around intersections or projections on a roof (e.g., chimneys, vent pipes).
G
Gable
The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a dual-pitched roof.
Granules
Crushed minerals applied to the top of asphalt shingles to protect them from UV rays and provide color.
Gutters
Channels installed along the eaves to collect and divert rainwater away from the building's foundation.
H
Hail Damage
Dents, cracks, or punctures in roofing materials caused by hailstones, which can lead to leaks and reduced roof life.
Hip
The external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes, running from the ridge to the eaves.
I
Ice Dam
A buildup of ice along the eaves of a roof, which can trap melting snow and cause water to back up under shingles.
Ice and Water Shield
A self-adhesive waterproofing membrane applied to roof decks to prevent leaks caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams.
L
Laminated Shingles
See Architectural Shingles.
M
Metal Roofing
Roofing material made from metal pieces or tiles, known for its longevity, durability, and energy efficiency.
O
Overlay
Installing a new layer of shingles over an existing layer without removing the old roofing material.
P
Pitch
The steepness of a roof, expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run (e.g., 4/12 pitch means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance).
PVC Roofing
A single-ply roofing membrane made from polyvinyl chloride, used in commercial and flat roofing applications.
R
Rafter
A structural component running from the ridge to the wall plate, supporting the roof deck and covering.
Ridge
The highest point on a roof, where two opposing roof planes meet.
Ridge Vent
A ventilation system installed at the roof's ridge, allowing warm, humid air to escape from the attic.
Roof Decking
See Decking (Sheathing).
Roof Inspection
A thorough examination of the roof's condition, identifying any issues like leaks, damage, or wear.
Roof Leaks
Water penetration through the roof, often due to damaged shingles, flashing failures, or deteriorated sealants.
Roof Warranty
A guarantee provided by manufacturers or contractors covering defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period.
S
Sheathing
See Decking (Sheathing).
Shingle
A roofing unit made of various materials like asphalt, wood, slate, or metal, installed in overlapping rows to shed water.
Soffit
The underside of the roof overhang or eave, often ventilated to allow airflow into the attic.
Solar Shingles
Roofing shingles with built-in photovoltaic cells that generate electricity from sunlight.
Square
A roofing measurement unit equal to 100 square feet of roof area.
T
Tear-Off
The process of removing existing roofing materials down to the deck before installing new roofing.
Tile Roofing
Roofing made from clay or concrete tiles, known for durability and resistance to fire and rot.
Truss
A pre-fabricated triangular wood structure used to support the roof deck and covering.
TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic Olefin roofing membrane, valued for its durability and energy efficiency in flat roofing applications.
U
Underlayment
A protective layer placed between the roof deck and shingles, providing additional water resistance (e.g., roofing felt or synthetic underlayment).
V
Valley
The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes, where water runoff is concentrated.
Vent Pipe
A vertical pipe allowing gases to escape from the building's plumbing system, penetrating through the roof.
W
Wind Damage
Harm to roofing materials caused by high winds, which can lift, crease, or remove shingles entirely.
Oklahoma-Specific Roofing Terms
Impact-Resistant Shingles (Class 4 Shingles)
Definition: Shingles designed to withstand hail and high winds, essential for Oklahoma's severe weather conditions.
Importance: Reduces the likelihood of roof damage during storms, potentially lowering insurance premiums.
Oklahoma Roofing Regulations
Definition: State-specific codes and licensing requirements for roofing contractors.
Key Points:
- Contractors must be registered with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
- Compliance with local building codes is mandatory for all roofing projects.
Weather Accommodations
Definition: Roofing practices tailored to withstand Oklahoma's climate, including extreme temperatures, hail, and tornadoes.
Considerations:
- Use of high-quality underlayment to prevent ice damming.
- Enhanced attic ventilation to combat heat and humidity.
Insurance Practices in Oklahoma
Definition: Understanding how roofing claims are handled by insurers in the state.
Key Points:
- Homeowners should review policies for hail and wind damage coverage.
- Some insurers offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing materials.
Hail Damage Inspection
Definition: Assessing a roof for damage following hailstorms, common in Oklahoma.
Signs of Damage:
- Dents or pockmarks on shingles.
- Granule loss exposing the asphalt layer.
- Cracks or splits in roofing materials.
Roofing Process Overview
Inspection and Assessment
Purpose: Determine the roof's condition and identify necessary repairs or replacement.
Steps:
- Exterior inspection of shingles, flashing, and gutters.
- Interior inspection for leaks or water stains.
Tear-Off and Preparation
Process: Removing old roofing materials down to the deck.
Preparation:
- Inspect and repair the roof deck.
- Install drip edges and underlayment to prevent leaks.
Installing the New Roof
Materials: Selection of shingles (asphalt, metal, tile, etc.) based on durability and aesthetics.
Application:
- Start with a starter strip at the eaves.
- Lay shingles in overlapping rows.
- Install flashing around roof penetrations.
Ventilation and Insulation
Importance: Proper ventilation extends roof life and improves energy efficiency.
Types:
- Ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic fans.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Inspections: Bi-annual checks for damage or wear.
- Cleaning: Remove debris from roof and gutters.
- Repairs: Promptly fix minor issues to prevent larger problems.