Understanding roofing terminology can be challenging for homeowners when discussing their roofing project. At DG Roofing & Construction, we believe in educating our customers about every aspect of their roofing system. This comprehensive glossary will help you better understand the terms your Austin roofing contractor might use during your next roof inspection, repair, or replacement.
A
Algae Resistance: Shingles manufactured with copper granules to prevent algae growth and black streaks on roofs.
Architectural Shingles: Also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, these premium asphalt shingles are made with multiple layers for added dimension, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Asphalt: A waterproofing material used in many roofing products, particularly shingles.
B
Ballast: Gravel, concrete pavers, or other heavy materials used on certain flat roofing systems to hold the roofing material in place.
Base Flashing: The portion of flashing attached to or resting on the roof deck to direct water flow away from the roof.
Built-Up Roof (BUR): A traditional flat roofing system consisting of multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabrics, creating a finished membrane.
C
Cap Sheet: The top layer of a built-up or modified bitumen roof system.
Collar: Pre-formed flashing used around vent pipes to seal the roof around them.
Counter Flashing: Metal flashing used to cover base flashing and prevent water penetration.
Cricket: A ridge structure designed to divert water around chimneys or other large roof penetrations.
D
Deck/Sheathing: The wooden substrate (typically plywood or OSB) that is attached to the roof rafters and serves as the base for roofing materials.
Dormer: A framed structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually containing a window.
Drip Edge: Metal flashing installed along eaves and rakes to allow water runoff to drip clear of underlying construction.
E
Eave: The lower edge of a roof that typically overhangs the exterior wall.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): A durable rubber roofing membrane used primarily on low-slope or flat roofs. The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) provides resources and research about this widely used single-ply roofing material.
F
Fascia: The exposed horizontal band at the edge of a roof that covers the ends of rafters.
Felt/Underlayment: Material installed between the roof deck and roofing material for additional protection.
Flashing: Sheet metal or other material installed at roof system joints and penetrations to prevent water entry.
G
Gable: The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a dual-pitched roof.
Gauge: The thickness of metal used in roofing applications (lower gauge numbers indicate thicker metal).
Granules: Crushed rock coated with ceramic coating and applied to the exposed surface of roofing products for color and protection.
Gutter: The trough attached to the fascia that collects and directs water runoff from the roof.
H
Hip: The external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping roof surfaces.
Hip Roof: A roof with slopes on all four sides that meet at the top at a ridge or point.
I
Ice Dam: A buildup of ice at the edge of a roof that prevents melting snow from draining.
Insulation: Material used to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building.
L
Laminated Shingles: See Architectural Shingles.
Leak Barrier: A self-adhering waterproofing membrane used in vulnerable areas to prevent water infiltration.
M
Mansard Roof: A roof with four sides, each with a double slope (steeper lower slope and flatter upper slope).
Metal Roofing: Roofing system using metal panels or shingles, known for durability and longevity. The Metal Construction Association (MCA) promotes the use of metal in construction and provides resources for metal roofing applications.
Modified Bitumen: An asphalt-based roofing material modified with polymers for enhanced performance on low-slope roofs. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) provides resources and information about asphalt-based roofing products.
N
NRCA: National Roofing Contractors Association, one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations founded in 1886, providing information, education, technology and advocacy for all segments of the roofing industry.
O
Open Valley: A valley with exposed metal flashing visible between roofing material on both sides.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board): An engineered wood panel used as roof decking.
Overhang: The portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building.
P
Penetration: Any object that pierces the roof surface, such as vents, pipes, chimneys, and skylights.
Pitch: The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run (e.g., 6:12).
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A single-ply roofing membrane known for its durability and resistance to chemical exposure. SPRI (Single Ply Roofing Industry) is the recognized technical and statistical authority for single-ply roofing systems, including PVC membranes.
R
R-Value: A measure of thermal resistance used to rate insulation effectiveness. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) establishes minimum R-value requirements for roof assemblies based on climate zone.
Rafters: The structural components that extend from the ridge to the eaves, supporting the roof deck.
Ridge: The horizontal line at the top of a roof where two sloping sides meet.
Ridge Vent: A type of roof ventilation installed at the peak of a sloped roof allowing hot air to escape.
Roll Roofing: Asphalt-based roofing material supplied in roll form, typically used on low-slope roofs.
S
Sealant: Material used to seal and prevent water and air leakage at joints and penetrations.
Shakes: Hand-split wooden shingles with a rustic appearance.
Shingles: Overlapping individual roof covering components, commonly made from asphalt, wood, slate, or metal.
Slope: The incline of a roof, sometimes expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.
Soffit: The underside of the eaves that connects the roof overhang to the side of the building.
Square: A roofing measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area.
T
Tab: The exposed portion of strip shingles.
Tear-Off: The process of removing existing roofing materials down to the deck before installing a new roof.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): A single-ply roofing membrane known for energy efficiency and durability. SPRI (Single Ply Roofing Industry) provides technical resources and educational materials on TPO and other single-ply roofing systems.
U
Underlayment: A layer of material installed between the roof deck and roofing material, providing additional protection against water infiltration.
V
Valley: The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Vapor Barrier: Material used to prevent moisture from passing into a building or its walls.
Ventilation: The process of air movement through a system to remove heat and moisture from the attic space.
W
Warranty: A written guarantee of the integrity of the roofing system issued by the contractor or manufacturer.
Waterproofing: Materials or methods used to prevent water penetration into a structure.
Additional Roofing Resources
For more information about roofing terminology, standards, and best practices, visit these authoritative industry resources:
- National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) – The leading authority for information, education, and technology in the roofing industry
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) – Trade association representing asphalt roofing manufacturers
- EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) – Information about EPDM single-ply roofing systems
- Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) – Technical resources for single-ply roofing systems
- International Building Code (IBC) – Building code requirements for roofing systems
- ASTM International – Standards for roofing materials and testing
Need Professional Roofing Help in Austin?
Now that you’re familiar with common roofing terminology, you can communicate more effectively with your roofing contractor. At DG Roofing & Construction, we’re committed to transparency and education throughout your roofing project.
Whether you need a roof inspection, roof repair, or complete roof replacement, our experienced team is ready to provide top-quality roofing solutions for your Austin home or business.
Contact us today for a free estimate and experience the DG Roofing & Construction difference.