Roofing Terms Glossary

We created this glossary (and will continue to update it) to make the process of understanding your roof as easy as possible:

Asphalt Shingles: The most common type of residential roofing material in North America (not as common in Australia. Made from fiberglass matting or organic materials (cellulose) that are saturated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.

Batten: A strip of wood or other material used to secure and support roofing materials, such as tiles or shingles.

Belly: A low spot or depression in a roof.

Blister: A raised area on a roof caused by trapped air or moisture.

Blind Nail: A nail driven in a concealed location, where only the nail head is visible.

Chimney Flashing: Metal material used to prevent water from penetrating the area where the chimney meets the roof.

Coating: A layer or film spread over a surface for protection or decoration.

Colorbond: A pre-painted steel material used commonly in roofs across Australia.

Counter Flashing: A metal or masonry material installed over the base flashing to provide additional protection against water penetration.

Deck: The structural material, usually made of wood or composite, that serves as the base for the roofing materials.

Dormer: A vertical extension of a roof that projects out from the slope of the main roof and usually contains a window.

Downpipes: Vertical pipes that are installed on the exterior of a building to collect and redirect rainwater from the roof to the ground or a drainage system.

Drip Edge: A metal strip installed along the eaves and rakes of a roof to control the flow of water and prevent it from penetrating under the roofing materials.

Eaves: The lower edge of a roof that projects beyond the side of a building.

Flashing: A thin, waterproof material used to prevent water from penetrating the roof where roofing materials meet roof projections, such as chimneys, skylights, or roof valleys.

Gable: The vertical triangular end of a building between the two sloping sides of a roof.

Gutter: A channel along the edge of a roof that collects and carries rainwater away from the building.

Ice Dam: A ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof, causing water to back up and potentially penetrate under the roofing materials.

Insulation: Material that is used to stop heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering.

Mansard Roof: A roof with two sloping sides on each of four sides of a building, providing additional living space within the roof.

Parapet: A low wall that is built along the edge of a roof to provide a barrier.

Pitch: The angle of a roof, usually expressed as the rise (height) of the roof for every foot of its run (horizontal distance).

Rebedding: The process of removing and replacing the mortar bedding that supports the ridge caps on a roof.

Repointing: The process of removing and replacing the mortar joints between the ridge caps on a roof. This is performed on top of the mortar bedding.

Ridge: The highest point on a roof, formed by the intersection of two sloping roof sides.

Ridge Cap: The material used to cover and protect the ridge line of a roof, typically made of metal, asphalt, or tile.

Ridge Vent: An exhaust vent installed at the ridge of a roof to provide ventilation and help prevent the buildup of heat and moisture.

Roof Jack: A device used to support roofing material during installation and repair.

Roof Sheathing: The structural material, usually made of wood or composite, that is attached to the roof rafters and serves as the base for the roofing materials.

Roof Valley: The area formed by the intersection of two sloping roof sides, often a source of potential water penetration.

Sarking: An additional layer within a roof that insulates or reflects heat.

Shingle Tab: The exposed portion of an individual asphalt shingle, usually about 5-7 inches wide and 12-18 inches long.

Skylight: A transparent panel installed in a roof to admit natural light into a building.

Soffit: The underside of an eave or overhang on a roof.

Truss: A structural component made up of triangles that provide support for the roof.

Underlayment: A layer of waterproof material, such as asphalt-saturated felt, installed under the roofing materials to provide additional protection against water penetration.