Roofing Terms for Homeowners
A glossary to help you understand your roofing project.
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We believe in empowering homeowners. Use this glossary to familiarize yourself with common roofing terminology so you can make informed decisions about your home's protection.
Common Roofing Terms
Shingles
Individual overlapping elements that cover the roof, typically made of asphalt, wood, slate, or other materials.
Flashing
Thin pieces of metal or other material installed to prevent water from penetrating joints in the roof, such as around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Underlayment
A water-resistant or waterproof barrier material installed directly onto the roof deck before shingles are applied.
Decking (Sheathing)
The wooden boards or plywood sheets that form the foundation of the roof, attached to the rafters.
Ridge
The highest point of the roof where two sloping roof planes meet.
Eave
The lower edge of the roof that overhangs the exterior walls of the house.
Soffit
The underside of the roof overhang, often containing vents for attic ventilation.
Fascia
The vertical board that runs along the edge of the roof, typically where gutters are attached.
Valley
The internal angle formed where two sloping roof planes meet, channeling water toward the gutters.
Pitch
The steepness or slope of a roof, expressed as a ratio of rise to run.
Square
A unit of measurement for roofing materials equal to 100 square feet.
Ice Dam
A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining properly.
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