Roofing Terminology: 101

When it comes to the terminology involved with replacing the roof on your Charlotte home, it can be quite confusing. We've compiled a list of the most common terms that a roofing contractor in Charlotte may use when they come to your home for a free estimate or consultation.

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Roofing Terminology Diagram CHIMNEY BASE FLASHING:   A corrosion-resistant sheet metal installed at the base of a chimney to prevent leaks. EAVES:   The lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall. FASCIA:  The vertical board at the eaves, oftentimes covered with vinyl or aluminum. HORIZONTAL SIDING:  Provides style and functionality.  Available in various materials, colors, textures and designs. HOUSE WRAP:  Material designed to allow moisture to escape and to prevent air from coming in. LOOKOUT:  A horizontally positioned board used to brace the trusses of a roof (see 13.) RAKE:  The outer edge of a roof from the eave to the ridge. RIDGE BEAM:   The top support beam between opposite slopes or sides of a roof. RIDGE SHINGLES:  Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. DRIP EDGE:  A narrow strip of non-corrosive, non-staining, finishing material installed along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.  On eaves where gutters are present, this material is commonly called gutter apron. ROOF SHEATHING (boards):  The structural base of a roof.  Also called the roof deck, or decking. ROOF SHEATHING (plywood):  The structural base of a roof.  Also called the roof deck, or decking. ROOF TRUSS (rafters):  The framework that supports a roof. SHINGLE SIDING:   A siding option typically manufactured from red cedar, which weathers to a silvery gray or medium brown, depending on local climate; and white cedar, which weathers to a silvery gray. SHINGLES:  The outermost covering of a roof.  Composition shingles are manufactured from materials "composed" of fiberglass, modified asphalt and mineral granules.  Wood shingles and shakes (shakes are split rather than sawn) are made from western red cedar.  Other roofing options include clay and concrete tiles, slate, metal, mineral roll roofing, and tar and gravel. SOFFIT:  The finished underside of the eaves.  Soffit panels are available in wood, vinyl and aluminum. STEP FLASHING:  A corrosion-resistant sheet metal used to waterproof the angle between a chimney, skylight, dormer, etc. and a sloping roof. UNDERLAYMENT:  An asphalt-impregnated felt laid under most roofing materials as a secondary water barrier.  Felt is classified by weight per "square," (100 sq. ft.) usually 15 or 30-pound.  Underlayment is also called tar paper or felt. VALLEY:  The intersection of two sloping roofs joining at an angle to provide water runoff. VALLEY FLASHING:  Made from aluminum or galvanized steel, this additional water barrier is installed after the roof and valley have been covered with underlayment. VENT FLASHING:  A flat piece of pre-cut sheet metal installed on top of the underlayment to prevent leaks from occurring where roof vents are present. VERTICAL PANEL SIDING:  Plain, patterned, or grooved panels of plywood or hardboard that provide style and functionality. WALL SHEATHING:  The first covering of boards on the outside wall of a frame house. WALL STUD:  An upright piece of wood used to frame a house and support the walls of the structure.

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