A

Algae Discoloration:

A type of black roof discoloration caused by algae. Sometimes referred to as fungus growth.

Apron flashing:

A metal flashing used at chimneys or dormer fronts.

Asphalt:

A bituminous waterproofing agent applied to roofing materials during manufacture.

 

B

Base Flashing:

That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering.

Blisters:

Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.

Bridging:

A method of re-roofing with larger-sized shingles.

Bundle:

A package of shingles.

Butt Edge:

The lower edge of the shingle tabs.

 

C

Caulk:

To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt cement to prevent leaks.

Chalk Line:

A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.

Closed Cut Valley:

A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley while shingles from the other side are trimmed 50 mm (2″) from the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Coating:

A layer of viscous asphalt applied to the base material into which granules or other surfacing is embedded.

Collar:

Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.

Cool Roof:

A roof system that uses products with a top surface of highly reflective and emissive material.

Counter Flashing:

That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Course:

A row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof.

Cricket:

A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice, and to deflect water around the chimney.

 

D

Deck:

The wooden surface, installed over the supporting framing members, to which the roofing is applied.

Dormer:

A framed window unit projecting through the sloping plane of a roof

Downspout:

A pipe for draining water from roof gutters. Also called a leader.

Drip Edge:

A non-corrosive, non-staining material used along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.

 

E

Eaves:

The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.

Eaves Flashing:

Additional layer of roofing material applied at the eaves to help prevent damage from water back-up.

Edging Strips:

Boards nailed along eaves and rakes to provide secure edges for re-roofing with asphalt shingles.

Exposure:

That portion of the roofing exposed to the weather after installation.

 

F

Felt:

Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment or sheathing paper.

Fiberglass Mat:

An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers.

Flashing:

Pieces of metal or roll roofing used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers, and valleys. Galvanized metal flashing should be minimum 28-gauge.

 

G

Gable:

The upper portion of a sidewall that comes to a triangular point at the ridge of a sloping roof.

Gable Roof:

A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Contains a gable at each end.

Gambrel Roof:

A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different pitches on each side of the ridge. The lower plane has a steeper slope than the upper. Contains a gable at each end.

Granules:

Ceramic-coated colored crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products. Granules protect the asphalt coating from the sun’s rays, add color to the product and enhance fire resistance.

Gutter:

The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspout. Also known as an eavestrough.

 

H

Hip:

The inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. Runs from the ridge to the eaves.

Hip Roof:

A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each of four sides. Contains no gables.

Hip Shingles:

Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

 

I

Ice Dam:

Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the thawing and re-freezing of melted snow on the overhang. Can force water up and under shingles, causing leaks.

L

Laminated Shingles:

Strip shingles containing more than one layer of tabs to create extra thickness. Also called three-dimensional shingles or architectural shingles.

Low Slope Application:

Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes 2:12 (9.5°) – 4:12 (18.4°).

 

M

Mansard Roof:

A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different pitch on each of four sides. The lower plane has a much steeper pitch than the upper, often approaching vertical. Contains no gables.

Mineral-Surfaced Roofing:

Asphalt shingles and rolled roofing that are covered with granules.

Modified Bitumen:

Rolled roofing membrane with polymer modified asphalt with either polyester or fiberglass reinforcement.

 

N

Nail Pop:

When a nail backs out of the decking causing the overlaying laying shingle to raise and can result in breaking through the shingle.

 

O

OSB:

Oriented strand board, a decking made from oriented wood chips and laminate glues.

Open Valley:

Method of valley construction in which shingles on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley flashing is exposed.

 

P

Pipe Boot:

A flashing unit for flashing vent pipes or other rounded roof penetrations.

 

R

Rake:

The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall.

Ridge:

The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Rise:

The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge.

Run:

The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.

 

S

Self-Sealing Strip or Spot:

Factory-applied adhesive that bonds shingle courses together when exposed to the heat of the sun after application.

Shading:

Slight differences in shingle color that may occur as a result of normal manufacturing operations.

Slope:

The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise, in inches, to the run, in inches. (e.g. 18.5° (4:12) slope)

Soffit:

The finished underside of the eaves, which should contain holes or perforations to provide air intake for attic ventilation.

Starter Strip:

Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cut-outs and joints of the first course of shingles.

Step Flashing:

Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.

 

T

Tab:

The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cut-outs.

 

U

Underlayment:

Asphalt saturated felt, such as IKO’s AM 15 Asphalt Saturated Felt,  RoofGard-Cool Grey Synthetic Underlayment, used beneath roofing to provide additional protection for the deck.

 

V

Valley:

The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Vapor Barrier:

Layer of material used to slow or prevent the passage of water vapor.

Vent:

Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.

 

W

Woven Valley:

Method of valley construction in which shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied. The valley flashing is not exposed.