Glossary of Roofing Terms
This operational glossary contains critical intel to help you understand the battlefield. If you have specific questions, join the largest Facebook group about roofing for non-roofers that we run. It's a no-Brainer!
3
3-Tab Shingle
A basic type of asphalt shingle made from a single layer with three distinct tabs, generally less durable than modern architectural shingles.
A
AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction. The official governing body that sets and enforces building codes in your specific area, such as a city, town, or county building department.
Architectural Shingles
Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, these are the modern standard for high-quality asphalt roofing, constructed with multiple layers for durability and a textured appearance.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials. An international organization that develops technical standards used to certify the wind resistance, fire resistance, and durability of roofing materials.
Attic Insulation
Material in an attic that resists heat flow, working with ventilation to lower energy bills and prevent ice dams.
B
Battens
Strips of wood, metal, or synthetic material fastened to the roof deck to which roofing materials like tile or metal are attached.
Bird-Stop Flashing
Metal flashing installed at roof edges to prevent birds, insects, and wind-driven rain from getting under the roof system.
Box Vent
A static exhaust vent installed on the roof deck to allow hot air and moisture to escape the attic.
Bruised Shingles
Damage on a shingle caused by hail, where granules are dislodged, exposing the asphalt mat and leading to premature failure.
BUR
Built-Up Roofing. A durable roofing system for flat or low-slope roofs made of multiple layers of reinforcing fabric and a waterproofing agent like hot asphalt.
C
Cap Nails
Fasteners with a large plastic or metal washer used to secure underlayment, providing a stronger hold and a better seal than staples.
Coating
A liquid roofing system (silicone or acrylic) that is applied to a roof surface and cures into a seamless, waterproof membrane.
Concrete Tile
A premium steep-slope roofing material known for its extreme durability, fire resistance, and longevity.
Corrugated Metal Panels
A utilitarian roofing system made of metal sheets shaped into a wavy pattern for strength, often used on agricultural or rustic-style buildings.
D
Deductible
The amount a policyholder is responsible for paying on an insurance claim. In Colorado and Kansas, it is illegal for a contractor to waive a homeowner's deductible.
Delaminated Decking
A condition in plywood decking where layers of wood veneer have separated due to mechanical stress. This compromises the decking's ability to hold new fasteners.
Depreciation
The reduction in a property's value due to age. Insurance often pays ACV first, followed by Recoverable Cash Value (RCV) after repairs are complete.
Detach and Reset
The process of removing an existing solar panel array, storing it during a roof replacement, and then reinstalling it.
Downspout
The vertical pipe that channels water from the gutter down to the ground and away from the foundation.
Drip Edge
Metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters.
E
Eaves
The bottom, horizontal edges of a sloped roof that overhang the walls, where gutters are typically installed.
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. A highly durable synthetic rubber membrane used for flat and low-slope roofing.
Exposure
The portion of a roofing shingle that is left exposed to the elements after installation.
F
Fascia
The long, straight board that runs along the roof's edges, supporting the edge of the roof and serving as the attachment point for gutters.
Fire Rating
A roof's ability to resist fire from an external source. Class A is the highest rating available.
Flashing
Pieces of metal used to prevent water intrusion at joints or intersections on a roof, such as where it meets a wall or chimney.
Flat Roof
A roof with a minimal slope (typically less than 2:12 pitch) that requires a continuous, waterproof membrane system.
Full Tear-Off
The process of completely removing all old roofing materials down to the structural sheathing before installing a new system.
G
Gutter Guards
A protective covering installed over gutters to prevent leaves and debris from causing clogs.
H
Hip
The external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Hip & Ridge Cap Shingles
Specialized, thicker shingles designed to cover the hips and ridges of a roof for protection and a finished look.
I
ICC General Roofing Contractor
A certification from the International Code Council (ICC) indicating a contractor has passed a national exam on roofing practices and codes.
Ice and Water Shield
A self-adhering, waterproof membrane installed under shingles in vulnerable areas to prevent leaks from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Ice Dam
A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining properly and causing water to back up and leak into the home.
Impact Resistance Rating
A classification (Class 1-4) indicating a shingle's ability to withstand hail impact. Class 4 is the highest rating.
Insurance Adjuster
The representative of an insurance company responsible for determining liability for a loss.
IRC
International Residential Code. A comprehensive set of rules that sets the minimum standards for one- and two-family dwellings.
K
Kick-Out Flashing
A special piece of flashing installed where an eave meets a wall to divert water away from the wall and into the gutter.
L
Layers
Building codes typically limit a roof to a single layer or system to prevent excess weight, meaning new shingles cannot be installed over old ones.
Licensed Roofer
A roofing contractor who has met the legal requirements of a governing body to perform roofing work.
Lifetime Warranty
A warranty covering the installation and craftsmanship of a roof for the 'lifetime' of the roofing materials themselves.
Lumanail
A technologically superior fastener with a fluorescent orange head for quality control and a ring-shanked shaft for holding power.
M
Mid-Roof Inspection
An inspection performed by a building inspector during the installation process to verify that critical components are installed correctly.
Modified Bitumen
An asphalt-based roofing material for flat roofs that is modified with polymers to increase flexibility and durability.
N
Net Metering
A billing process that allows solar system owners to send excess electricity back to the utility grid for credit.
P
Penetration
Anything that passes through the roof surface, such as a vent pipe or chimney, requiring proper sealing with flashing.
Pipe Boot
A type of flashing used to seal around plumbing vent pipes.
Pitch
The slope or angle of a roof, expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run (e.g., 4:12).
Post-Storm Recon
The No Zombies Roofing term for our elite roof inspection service, an intelligence-gathering operation to identify all storm damage.
Project Manager
The individual responsible for the planning, execution, and closing of a roofing project, acting as the main point of contact.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride. A single-ply roofing membrane for flat roofs known for its strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and fire.
R
Rakes
The sloped or angled edges of a roof that run from the eave up to the peak.
Ridge
The highest horizontal point on a roof where two sloping roof planes meet.
Ridge Vent
An exhaust vent that runs the entire length of a roof's ridge, providing efficient and even attic ventilation.
Ring Shank
A type of nail with ridges or grooves along its shank that provide superior grip and withdrawal resistance.
S
Scupper
An opening in the side of a wall on a flat roof that allows water to drain off the edge.
Sheathing
The wood panels (OSB or plywood) that form the structural foundation of the roof.
Soffit
The underside of the roof's overhang, which often contains intake vents for attic ventilation.
Soft Metals
Lightweight metal components on a home's exterior, such as window wrapping and fascia cladding, that are susceptible to hail damage.
Solar Panel
The primary component of a solar energy system that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
A premium roofing system of vertical metal panels joined by raised, interlocking seams with concealed fasteners.
Starter Shingle
The first course of shingles installed at the eaves, providing a wind-resistant edge with a continuous line of sealant.
Steep Slope Roof
A roof with a pitch of 2:12 or greater, designed to shed water quickly.
Step Flashing
Rectangular pieces of metal installed in an overlapping pattern where a roof meets a vertical wall.
Stone-Coated Steel Tiles
A premium roofing system of interlocking steel panels coated with stone granules to mimic the look of slate or tile.
Storm Chaser
An out-of-town contractor who travels to areas hit by severe weather, often performing substandard work and disappearing afterward.
Storm Collar
A piece of flashing that fits around a pipe above a pipe boot to create a second seal against water.
Stronghold
Our tactical term for your home or commercial property. It is your fortified position against the elements and the horde.
Supplementary Claim
A request to an insurance company for additional funds when hidden damage is discovered during repairs.
Synthetic Felt
A modern underlayment made from woven polypropylene that is more tear-resistant and water-resistant than traditional felt paper.
Synthetic Slate Roofing
A high-end roofing material made from engineered polymers or recycled materials to mimic the look of natural slate but with less weight.
T
Tail Light Warranty
A cynical industry term for a worthless guarantee from a 'zombie roofer' that is only good for as long as you can see their truck's tail lights.
TPO
Thermoplastic Olefin. A popular single-ply membrane for flat roofs, known for its energy efficiency and heat-welded seams.
Turbine Vent
An exhaust vent that uses spinning vanes to actively pull hot air and moisture out of the attic.
U
UL
Underwriters Laboratories. A global safety certification company that tests and certifies roofing products for safety and performance standards.
Underlayment
The layer of material placed between the roof sheathing and the shingles that serves as a secondary barrier against water.
V
Valley
The internal angle or channel where two sloping roof planes meet, a critical area that requires extra protection against leaks.
Ventilation
The system that allows air to circulate in the attic, balancing temperature and reducing moisture.
W
Wind Rating
A classification indicating a shingle's ability to resist blowing off in high winds, as certified by ASTM tests.
Wood Rot
Decay of the roof's wooden sheathing caused by moisture. Rotted sections must be replaced before a new roof can be installed.
Wood Shake
A type of roofing made from split logs, typically cedar, that provides a natural, rustic aesthetic but requires regular maintenance.
Workmanship Warranty
A guarantee provided by the roofing contractor that covers the quality of the installation and labor, separate from the manufacturer's warranty.
Z
Zombie Roofer
Our term for a contractor who is a symptom of a broken system, typically involving an uninformed salesperson and an unlicensed crew, resulting in a subpar roof.