Glossary of Roofing Definitions
At Arry’s Roofing, we want to ensure that our customers are educated on everything that goes into a roof. To get an understanding of some of the roofing terms you’ll find on this website, please see this helpful list of definitions below. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us today!
Parts of the Roof
- Eave – the bottom edge of the roof that hangs off the home
- Gable – the side edge of the roof that runs from the ridge down to the eave
- Pitch – the slope of the roof plane, measured by the height of rise over the length of the roof; some roofing systems may be better suited for low- and high-pitched roofs
- Ridge – the top of the roof where the two slopes meet
- Valley – the internal area where the bottom of two slopes meet; the valley is generally used for water runoff
Roofing Materials
- Shingles – individual components that make up the entire roof; asphalt shingles are the most popular, but metal shingles are also available for improved durability
- Tiles – a roofing material made of clay or concrete for a Mediterranean or tropical look
- TPO – a single-ply membrane typically used for flat and low-slope roofs
- Vertical seams – aluminum and steel sheets that comprise a metal roof
Roofing Components
- Coating – an add-on feature that can provide different benefits, such as color-fade resistance and heat reflection for better energy efficiency
- Fasteners – the nails that are used to hold roofing shingles together
- Flashing – waterproofing components used around protrusions from the roof, such as a chimney
- Sealant – a chemical solution used to waterproof joints, cracks, and other areas of the roof
- Underlayment – a synthetic sheet that is placed below the roof for structural integrity, waterproofing, and insulation
