Anchor
A secure point or device used to fasten roofing components, such as shingles or underlayment, to ensure they stay in place. Anchors are also critical for safety harnesses when roofers are working at height.
Chimney Cricket
A small, peaked structure built behind a chimney to divert water and debris away from the base. This prevents pooling and water damage.
Dormer
A roofed structure that projects vertically from the main roof, often containing a window. Dormers add natural light and extra space to an attic or upper floor.
Eave
The lower edge of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls. Eaves provide shade, direct water away from the house, and are often fitted with gutters.
Fascia
The vertical board that runs along the roof’s lower edge, typically where gutters are attached. Fascia protects the edge of the roof and gives it a finished appearance.
Flashing
Thin metal pieces placed around roof features such as chimneys, vents, and skylights to seal gaps and prevent water from leaking into the structure. Flashing is a small but critical part of a weatherproof roof.
Flashing Tape
A self-adhesive tape used for sealing seams and joints in roofing, especially around vents, chimneys, and skylights, to prevent water infiltration.
Gable
The triangular portion of a wall that sits beneath the roof’s sloping sides. Gables are not only a key design element but also help shed water and snow, making them practical for areas with heavy rainfall.
Granules
The small, coarse particles embedded on the surface of asphalt shingles. Granules protect the shingles from UV rays and provide added durability.
Hip
The external angle formed where two sloping roof sections meet. A hip roof has slopes on all sides, providing extra stability and wind resistance
Ice Dam
A ridge of ice that forms along the roof edge during freezing weather, trapping melted snow behind it. Ice dams can lead to leaks and water damage if not addressed.
Pitch
The steepness or angle of a roof, usually expressed as a ratio (e.g., 6:12 means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance). The pitch affects how water and debris flow off the roof.
Rain Diverter
A small strip installed on the roof to channel rainwater away from doorways or other areas where water runoff might cause problems.
Ridge
The highest point of the roof where two sloping sides meet. Ridge caps are often installed here to seal the seam and provide extra protection from water and wind.
Roof Deck
The structural foundation of the roof, usually made of wood sheathing, that supports all the layers above it.
Roof Vent
A system of openings or fixtures that allow air to circulate in and out of the attic, helping regulate temperature and moisture levels. Common types include ridge vents, turbine vents, and box vents.
Sheathing
The layer of flat boards or panels, usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), that’s installed over the roof trusses or rafters. Sheathing provides a sturdy foundation for roofing materials and helps maintain the roof’s structural integrity.
Shingle
A roofing material made of asphalt, wood, slate, or other materials that is laid in overlapping rows to create a weather-resistant barrier. Asphalt shingles are the most common in residential roofing due to their affordability and durability.
Skylight
A window set into the roof to bring in natural light. Proper flashing is essential to prevent leaks around skylights.
Soffit
The underside of the roof’s overhang that connects to the exterior wall of the house. Soffits are often ventilated to help with attic airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Tear-Off
The process of removing the old roofing materials down to the roof deck before installing a new roof. A tear-off is necessary for a complete roof replacement.
Underlayment
A protective layer installed between the roof deck (sheathing) and the outer roofing material. It acts as a secondary barrier to prevent water infiltration in case the outer layer is damaged. Common materials include felt and synthetic underlayment.
Valley
The V-shaped area where two sloping sections of a roof meet. Valleys are designed to direct water to the gutters, but they require proper flashing to prevent leaks.
Vent Pipe
A pipe that extends through the roof to ventilate plumbing or exhaust systems. Proper flashing around vent pipes is essential to prevent leaks.