We’ve put together a list of the most common roofing vocabulary and terminology you are likely to pick up on when meeting with a roofing contractor.
Crickets: A peaked water diverter installed behind chimneys or other roof projections that effectively diverts water.
Deck: Plywood, wood boards, or planks over which roofing is applied.
Drip Edge: An installed lip that keeps shingles up off the deck at edges, and extends shingles out over eaves and gutters, and prevents water from backing up under shingles.
Eaves: The first three feet across a roof.
Exposure: The area on any roofing material that is left exposed to the elements.
Fasteners: Nails or staples used to secure roofing to the deck.
Flashing: Materials used to waterproof a roof around any projections.
Rake Edge: The vertical edge of gable style roof planes.
Rigid Vent: Hard plastic ridge vent material.
Soffit Ventilation: Intake ventilation installed under the eaves, or at the roof edge.
Starter Strip: The first course of roofing installed which is usually trimmed from main roof material.
Underlayments: Asphalt-based rolled materials designed to be installed under main roofing material to serve as added protection.
Valleys: Area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “V” shaped depression.
You’ll know what your roofing contractor is talking about with this handy roofing vocabulary list! Be sure to give us a call when you’re ready to replace your roof!
