Roofing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

While it’s not necessary for you to be an experts on roofing terms, there are a few essential terms which are useful to know. At some point, every homeowner will need to have roofing work done on their property. When that happens, a baseline of knowledge of the jargon will help you to make the best choices for your roofing project.

Shingles

Your roof can be constructed using a variety of materials, shingles made from cedar wood, asphalt, wood shake replica or slate to name a few. Shingles are typically flat and rectangular, and when installed, the individual pieces are nailed together into an overlapping pattern to protect your roof’s inner components.

Vent Pipe

Have you ever noticed thin pipes sticking out from your roof? Without doubt these are an important part of a well constructed roof. They are vent pipes that allow for gases and odors to escape from your plumbing lines. They also help to regulate your home’s airflow and facilitate proper water drainage.

Decking

Decking is a good term to add to your baseline of knowledge of roofing jargon, decking refers to the flat pieces of wood beneath your roof’s shingles. Before installing shingles, it’s important to assess the overall condition of the decking. Make sure to check for any soft areas, sagging, or water damage. Above all be sure to replace damaged decking before applying any new shingles.

Truss

The truss of your roof is your roof’s frame. It’s constructed from multiple interlocking parts and provides a sturdy foundation for all the other roofing components. The most common building material for a truss is timber, but aluminum and steel are sometimes utilized. There are several truss styles to choose from including flat, inverted, dual pitch, and hip.

Flashing

Is there anything worse than a leaky, mold-covered roof? Probably not! Flashing, which is a piece of material applied on your roof to prevent water from seeping under your shingles, helps to prevent costly, inconvenient leaks. Flashing is constructed from rust-resistant metal that’s built to withstand the harsh elements and protect your home.

Underlayment

While shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against excess moisture, sun damage, insect infestations, etc., the underlayment provides an extra layer of security. Above all this is a waterproof barrier between your shingles and your roof deck. It’s most commonly crafted from rubberized asphalt and similar materials. At Glick’s we use CertainTeed’s DiamondDeck® which is an industry leading standard for lasting protection.

Contact Glick’s Exteriors today to discuss the best roofing option for you! Our team is ready to help you. Contact us at 610-810-1290 to schedule a free consultation.