Plain-English definitions for the terms contractors use — so you know exactly what's being quoted.
Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance rating under UL 2218 testing standards, indicating a shing…
Drip edge is a metal flashing strip installed along the roof's eaves and rakes that directs water a…
The eave is the lower edge of a roof that overhangs the exterior wall, directing water away from th…
Fascia is the vertical board running along the edge of the roofline, typically where gutters are mo…
Flashing is thin sheet metal installed at roof joints and penetrations to redirect water away from …
A gable roof has two sloping sides meeting at a ridge, with triangular vertical wall sections (gabl…
A hip roof slopes on all four sides with no vertical gable ends, generally offering better wind res…
Ice and water shield is a self-adhered, waterproof underlayment installed at roof eaves and valleys…
Rafters are the sloped structural framing members that support the roof deck, running from the ridg…
A ridge vent is a ventilation component installed along the roof's peak that allows hot, moist atti…
Roof decking (or sheathing) is the structural wood layer — typically plywood or OSB — fastened to t…
Roof pitch is the steepness of a roof, expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run (e.g…
A roof truss is a pre-engineered, factory-built triangular structural framework that supports the r…
Underlayment is a water-resistant layer installed between the roof deck and the visible roofing mat…
A roof valley is the internal angle formed where two roof planes meet and slope toward each other, …
The soffit is the underside surface of a roof's eave overhang, typically ventilated to allow fresh …
Standing seam is a metal roofing style with raised, interlocking vertical seams and no exposed fast…
A vapor barrier is a material layer that limits moisture (water vapor) movement through the roof or…