Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing
Does your roof leak? Do you have visible damage? Has your area been struck by a hailstorm, a wind storm, or other severe weather? Chances are, you may be looking at a roof repair or possibly an entire re-roof in the very near future.
If you are starting a roofing project, performing research, or discussing the project with a roofing contractor, you will be exposed to unfamiliar terms. It’s important, as a consumer, that you understand common terms and phrases so you can communicate intelligently with your contractor.
We’ve created a glossary of common residential roofing terms to help you better understand the process and parts involved in a roofing project. We want to be sure you are knowledgeable and can intelligently discuss your roofing project. At Southeastern Roofing, we are committed to educating homeowners like you.
For more details on these terms, schedule your free roof inspection today and we’ll be happy to explain the terms in great detail.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Caulk | A flexible material used to seal gaps and joints in the roof, such as around vents or flashing. |
| Dormer | A small roofed structure that projects from a sloping roof, usually containing a window or other opening. |
| Drip Edge | A metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters. |
| Eave | The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the wall. |
| Fascia | A horizontal board or band that covers the exposed ends of the roof rafters or trusses, usually installed behind the gutters. |
| Gable | The triangular portion of a wall that sits between two sloping roof surfaces. |
| Ice and Water Shield | A waterproofing membrane installed under the roofing material in areas susceptible to ice dams or water infiltration, such as along the eaves and valleys. |
| Joist | A horizontal support beam that runs parallel to the ground and helps support the roof structure. |
| Non-Prorated | Warranty coverage in which the manufacturer provides full replacement or repair costs for a certain period, without deducting any depreciation or usage. |
| Pitch | The slope or angle of the roof surface, usually expressed as the ratio of the rise (vertical distance) to the run (horizontal distance). |
| Prorated | Warranty coverage in which the manufacturer deducts a certain amount for depreciation or usage before providing replacement or repair costs. |
| Rakes and Eaves | The sloping edges of the roof, with the rake being the inclined edge along the gable end and the eave being the horizontal edge along the perimeter of the roof. |
| Ridge | The highest point of a sloping roof, where two roof surfaces meet. |
| Roof Cricket | A small peaked roof structure installed at the back of a chimney or other vertical projection to divert water around it and prevent pooling. |
| Roof Decking (Sheathing) | The wooden or metal surface onto which the roofing material is installed. |
| Roof Facets | The individual planes or surfaces of a multi-sided or complex roof. |
| Roof Flashing | A strip of metal or other material used to seal and protect the joints and edges of a roof, such as where the roof meets a wall or chimney. |
| Roof Underlayment | A layer of water-resistant material (such as felt or synthetic membrane) installed between the decking and the roofing material to provide an additional layer of protection against water infiltration. |
| Roof Valleys and Hips | The internal angles or grooves where two sloping roof surfaces meet, often lined with flashing to prevent water from pooling or leaking into the roof system. Hips are the external angles where two roof surfaces meet, while valleys are the internal angles or grooves where two sloping roof surfaces meet. |
| Roofing Square | A unit of measure used in roofing, equal to 100 square feet of roof surface. |
| Soffit | The underside of the eave or overhang, often vented to allow air circulation in the attic space. |
Southeastern Roofing is a GAF Master Elite Certified Contractor
The Master Elite® Certification is GAF’s factory certification program that provides ongoing training to roofing contractors and assurance to you, the homeowner, that the roof will be completed well and professionally. This is a highly prestigious award because only 2% of all roofing contractors in the country have qualified as Master Elite®.
What does this mean for you as a homeowner?
Choosing a GAF Master Elite® contractor is your assurance that you will be dealing with a quality, dependable and professional contractor. In order for a roofing contractor to qualify for the certification, they must meet the following standards:
- A+ BBB rating
- Licensed in the state where they operate
- Be current with distributor partners in receivables
- In business for at least 3 years
- Consistently show ethical contracting in their service area
- Be adequately insured
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional training
