Roofing Glossary: Common Roofing Terms You Need to Know in 2024

If talking to a roofing contractor leaves you more confused than clear, you’re not alone. Use this roofing glossary from the experts to break through the jargon and get the clarity you need to protect your investment in your home. 

The first time new homeowners face a roofing project or repair, many realize there’s far more to their rooftop than what meets the eye. 

And when contractors start throwing words and jargon around you don’t understand, it can be hard to make the decisions that suit your needs, budget, and long-term goals. 

That’s why our experts built this glossary of essential roofing terms to know - we want you to feel empowered through negotiations and make well-informed decisions that are right for your home. 

Read through the glossary of common roof terms, new roof terminology, and roof anatomy, then bookmark it for reference later!

21 Roofing Terms to Know in 2024

What are Parts of Roofs Called?

Deck

The roof deck is the plywood or board that sits on your home and provides the foundation for shingles and other roofing materials. It provides the stability needed to build a roof strong enough to withstand the elements without caving in or tearing away. 

Dormer

This element sticks up from a downward-sloping roof and often contains a window. 

Downspouts

All the water in a gutter must go somewhere, and downspouts provide the perfect drainage. These vertical pipes take water collected in the gutters to a safe spot on the ground or into a drainage system. 

Drip Edge

This L-shaped strip is a special type of flashing that overhangs to direct water away from your roof.

Eaves

Eaves are the bottom edge of a roof’s overhang that sits adjacent to a wall. To keep water away from those walls as it rolls down the roof, eaves push run-off away from the home.

Fascia

Roof and fascia are both integral to the stability of the gutters. Gutters are often attached directly to the fascia boards as horizontal bands running along roof edges. The roof fascia also adds an aesthetic finish to the roof, improving curb appeal and making your roof look much nicer.

Flashing

These thin strips of weather-resistant material, often metal, direct water away from key high-traffic areas on your roof like vents, valleys, chimneys, and walls. Most flashing falls into three different categories: counter, apron and step flashing. 

Gutters

Think of a gutter at the bowling alley that directs balls down the lane. Similarly, roof gutters and fascia work together to collect and then channel rainwater and melted snow away from your home’s foundation. 

Ice and Water Shield

This waterproof membrane protects your home from rain, ice, snow, and any other moisture that threatens to infiltrate your home. An ice and water shield can be granular, high-heat, or smooth and is typically installed in high-risk areas like valleys and low slopes.

Ridge

The ridge is the highest peak of your roof - the point at which the highest slopes meet. Many homes have ridge vents, which provide healthy ventilation for your attic and home. 

Saddle / Cricket

This small structure sits between the back of a chimney and other vertical projections to divert water around it. 

Shingles

These strips form the outer layer of your roof to protect it from moisture, heat, wind, and other harsh elements. Most often, they’re made of asphalt, though there are plenty of wood, slate, and metal options, too. 

Soffit

The soffit is the surface underneath your roof created by its overhang. These are covered with finished materials and typically include small perforations or holes for drainage and attic venting. 

Starter Strip

This is the first line of asphalt shingles applied directly at the eaves. This strip fills the spaces between joints and provides a strong foundation for the next layer of shingles. 

Underlayment

Between the roof deck and the shingles lies the underlayment, a protective membrane that provides waterproofing and an additional barrier from moisture and weather. It may be felt, adhesive, or synthetic materials like asphalt and fibreglass. 

Valley

The valley is the opposite of the ridge as the low point where two slopes meet each other. Since gravity causes water, ice, and moisture to run down these valleys, extra care is needed to ensure they’re kept dry and secure. 

What Are the Terms for Roof Measurement?

Roofing Square

The roofing square is a 10’ x 10’ area of your roof equivalent to 100 square feet. Roofers use this measurement to calculate the materials necessary and provide you with an accurate cost estimate before they begin their work. 

Roof Pitch / Roof Slope

The roof pitch is the steepness of your rooftop that’s typically expressed as a “slope ratio,” or the span of your roof compared to its height. The roof pitch and roof slope aren’t measured in exactly the same way, but they both refer to the steepness of your roof. 

What Is a Row of Shingles Called?

Course

A row of shingles running the length of your roof, which may also be roll roofing.

Coverage

The number of layers sitting between the roofing and the roof deck. Most asphalt roofs are double coverage, in which the shingles overlap each other by a bit more than half so that every area has coverage at least 2-shingles deep. 

What is a Bundle of Shingles Called?

Bundle of Shingles

A package of shingles is a bundle typically containing 15 to 29 shingles. Manufacturers tend to create packs of three bundles that equal 100 square feet, or one “roofing square.” 

SameDay Roofing: Trusted Roofers in Hamilton

With a complete understanding of roofing terms and definitions, you’re ready to face your next project with confidence in your knowledge!

If you’re ready for a roof repair or replacement, our team is ready to walk you through ouprocess. We’re happy to chat, answer your questions, and start a free roofing estimate - call (905) 544-4667 today.