If you’ve never had a roof replaced before, or have no industry knowledge of it or how it works, then it’s only natural for you to want to understand the terms that are used throughout your roof installation. Regardless of the type of roof you’re having replaced or newly installed, there are a few terms that you need to be aware of so as to understand the process from start to finish. In this article, we’re presenting you with a basic glossary of key roofing terms, from rafters and trusses to fascias and soffits, and everything in between. Let’s get into it, shall we?
This is referred to as the foundation of a roof. It’s typically made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). It can also be made from treated timbers. This is what all other roofing materials are installed on top of. It allows for a smooth and even finish once the roof installation has been completed.
These are the structural supports that are designed to hold up your roof. Rafters are individual beams, whereas trusses are pre-built frameworks that are designed for strength and efficiency.
The steepness of the roof is otherwise known as the pitch or slope. It’s usually expressed as a ratio (i.e. 6:12). This example means that the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches horizontally.
This is a barrier installed between the roof deck and the outer roofing material that is both water-resistant and durable. It adds an additional layer of protection against leaks.
This refers to thin layers of metal that are installed around things like joints, chimneys, vents, valleys and other areas to prevent water ingress.
This is a specialist waterproof membrane that’s used in vulnerable areas to protect against damage from ice, frost, hail, snow and heavy rain, for instance.
This is the most common roofing material, especially asphalt shingles. They’re designed to overlap in order to create a protective barrier, preventing water ingress, for instance.
Often made from concrete, clay or slate, roof tiles are durable and used for a more traditional look.
Metal roofing usually comes in the form of panels or shingles. They’re typically made from steel or aluminium and are known for their durability and energy efficiency.
Also known as EDPM, rubber roofing is covered in asphalt, bitumen or felt and is commonly used to roof garages, extensions and dormer windows. It’s cost-effective, lightweight and normally used for domestic applications.
Felt roofing is normally made from bitumen, synthetic materials or fibrous materials. It acts as a waterproof barrier for many buildings, both commercial and domestic.
Fibreglass roofing is made of several layers of glass fibre matting and a strong resin. It’s topped with a protective layer to prevent UV and weather damage. It can be used for a wide range of applications, both commercial and domestic.
This is the highest point of the roof where the two slopes meet. It’s also referred to as a ridge line. Typically, the two slopes are joined together with ridge tiles that are half-round. They act as a protective layer to prevent water ingress as well as provide some level of kerb appeal.
This is the internal angle formed where the two roof slopes meet. These areas in particular are responsible for the majority of roof water run-off.
Eaves are the edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls of the house. They’re often covered with soffits or another decorative form of protection and ventilation.
These protect the underside of the eaves. They’re well-ventilated but also prevent animals and insects from entering your loft space.
This is the vertical board that runs along the edge of the roof. The gutters are typically attached here and they’re usually made from PVC, like the soffits and gutters.
This is a vent installed along the ridge that allows warm, moist air to escape from the loft area of the home, or from another high point on a commercial building.
This is located under the eaves of the property. They’re designed to allow air to enter the loft space, but nothing else (such as insects, birds or rodents). Its sole purpose is to ensure adequate loft ventilation, preventing condensation, damp and mould.
This is a blanched system of intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge or roof vents) that helps to regulate temperature and moisture. Together, it mitigates the chances of damp and mould from forming in the loft or another high point on a commercial property.
These are plastic channels that are either round or square in shape and come in a range of colours. They’re designed to collect water from the roof and direct it away from your property into a nearby drain onsite.
Vertical pipes that are either square or round in shape. They also come in a range of colours. They’re normally designed to match the gutters. This downpipe is what directs water from the roof straight into the drain in the ground.
This is a metal strip that’s installed along the edges of the roof. This is what helps to guide water into the gutters and off the roof. It’s done to protect the deck.
This is the process of installing new shingles over existing ones (if conditions allow). It can also refer to the complete removal and replacement of roofing materials to give you a new roof made from a material recommended to you by a professional in the field.
Tear-off describes the removal of original roofing materials before a new one is installed.
This involves the replacement, repair or installation of a protective additional layer that’s usually applied between the roof and any other adjoining materials, usually brickwork. It’s lined where the roof meets the house, chimney or other openings and is normally silver or grey in colour.
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Amber Flat Roofing is pleased to provide domestic and commercial clients alike with professional roofing installation services, including the installation of garage roofs, flat roofs, felt roofs, rubber roofs and fibreglass roofs. If you’d like further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.