Glossary of Roofing Terms

Counterflashing

The flashing which is imbedded at its top in a wall or other vertical structure and is lapped down over shingle flashing.


Decking / Sheathing

The boards or sheet materials fastened to the roof rafters to cover the house.


Drainage

The features of the roof's design such as slope, shape and layout that determine its ability to shed water.


Drip Edge

The strip of metal extending out beyond the eaves or rakes to prevent rainwater from rolling around the shingles back onto the wooden portion of the house.


Eaves

The lower edge of a roof (usually overhanging beyond the edge of the house).


Fascia

Trimboard behind the gutter and eaves.


Flashing

Sheet metal (in most cases) laid into the various joists and valleys of a roof system to prevent water leaks and allow water to flow.


Gable

The triangular upper part of a wall closing the end of a ridged roof


Joist .

In a flat roof, a horizontal structural member over which sheathing is nailed.


One Square

One hundred square feet of roof, or the amount of roofing material needed to cover 100 square feet when properly applied.


Rafter

A structural member (usually slanted) to which sheathing is nailed.


Rake

The slanting edge of a gabled roof extending beyond the end wall of the house.


Ridge

The horizontal line at the top edge of two sloping roof planes.


Roof Covering

Shingles, tiles, etc., that protect the decking from weather. This is the visible layer of protection on your roof decking.


Roof Type

What kind of roofing system you need or can obtain will depend largely on the type of roof currently on your home.


Roofing Pitch

Also known as "slope", pitch is the measure of how "steep" a roof is. For example, if a roof is "4 in 12", the roof rises 4 inches for every horizontal run of 12 inches. The pitch of the roof is a big factor in determining the kinds of materials that can be used and the longevity of the roof. Usually, a steeper roof (higher pitch) will last longer due to its better drainage capabilities.


Shingle Flashing

Flashing that is laid in strips under each shingle and bent up the edge of a chimney or wall.


Soffit

The boards that enclose the underside of that portion of the roof which extends out beyond the sidewalls of the house.


Structure

The rafters and trusses of your home that support the decking.


The Hip

The external angle at the junction of two sides of a roof whose supporting walls adjoin.


Underlayment

Sheets of paper asphalt-saturated material or Synthetic underlayment. Used as a second layer of protection for the roof decking.


Valley

The less-than 180-degree angle where two sloping roof sections come together.


Valley Flashing

The flashing in valleys, extending in under to shingles on both sides.


General Inquiries

Address: Immel Street, Abbotsford, B.C.
Phone: 604-783-1345
Email: marc@peakmasters.ca
Web: roofingabbotsford.com

Mon - Fri:  7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Saturday:  7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Sunday:    7:00 AM to 7:30 PM


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