This glossary covers terms you'll see across our roofing content, contractor quotes, manufacturer spec sheets, and incentive program documentation. Use it as a reference - we link key terms from across the site back to definitions here.
- Asphalt Shingle
- Most common residential roofing material. 3-tab or architectural styles, 15-50 year lifespan.
- Architectural Shingle
- Multi-layer dimensional asphalt shingle. Heavier, longer-warranted, and more wind-resistant than 3-tab.
- Metal Roofing
- Standing-seam or corrugated steel/aluminum/copper roofing. 40-70 year lifespan.
- Underlayment
- Synthetic or felt material installed between deck and shingles. Provides secondary water barrier.
- Ice and Water Shield
- Self-adhering rubberized underlayment used in eaves and valleys to prevent ice dam infiltration.
- Decking (Sheathing)
- Plywood or OSB layer that shingles attach to. Replaced if rotted during re-roof.
- Flashing
- Metal sheeting installed at roof penetrations (chimney, skylight, valleys) to direct water away.
- Drip Edge
- L-shaped metal at roof edges that directs water into gutters and prevents fascia rot.
- Valley
- Where two roof planes meet, forming a channel for water runoff. Most common leak location.
- Eave
- Lower edge of a roof, typically with gutters attached.
- Soffit
- Underside of the roof overhang. Often vented for attic intake airflow.
- Fascia
- Vertical trim board at the roof edge, often the gutter mounts to it.
- Ridge Vent
- Continuous vent along the roof peak, allowing hot air to exhaust from the attic.
- Pitch (Roof Slope)
- Vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run. 4:12 is moderate, 8:12 is steep.
- Square (Roofing)
- 100 square feet of roof area. Roofers quote in 'squares' (a typical home roof is 20-30 squares).
- Tear-Off
- Removing existing roofing down to the deck before re-roofing. Required if there are 2+ existing layers.
- Overlay (Layover)
- Installing new shingles directly over old. Cheaper but reduces lifespan and is code-prohibited in some areas.
- Wind Rating
- Wind speed (MPH) the roof system is rated to resist. Class H is highest (150 MPH).
- Fire Rating (Class A/B/C)
- Roof's resistance to external fire. Class A is highest. Required in California WUI/FHSZ zones.
- Storm Damage
- Wind, hail, or impact damage. Usually covered by homeowners insurance.
- Roof Inspection
- Visual or drone-based assessment of roof condition. Standard before purchase, after storms, or every 3-5 years.
- Manufacturer Warranty
- Covers material defects. Typically 25-50 years on asphalt, 40+ on metal.
- Workmanship Warranty
- Covers installation defects. Typically 2-10 years from the contractor.
- HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone)
- Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. Specific roofing code requirements for hurricane resistance.
- Cool Roof
- Roofing material with high solar reflectance. Required for re-roofs in California under Title 24.