Roof Replacement or repairs can be significant investments you can make for your property. When receiving an estimate from a roof contractor, you will find yourself reading documents with confusing industry terms. Understanding these terms is important. It helps you as a homeowner and business owner to make informed decisions about materials and processes that protect your home or business.
Knowing the terms can help you ask the correct questions and better understand the proposed scope of work. We will help you understand the basics of a roof and the terms that are utilized daily within the roofing industry.
We have spent over 25 years in the roofing industry, providing top tier service to residential and commercial clients across Austin, Bryan, Houston, McKinney, and San Antonio. As a GAF Master Elite® Contractor, an honorable designation earned by less than 2% of roofing contractors, we believe in clear communication. We have compiled this guide to the most common roofing terms to help you as a homeowner navigate your next roof repair or replacement with confidence.
Essential Roofing Anatomy
Roofs are complex. They’re designed to keep out moisture and regulate the temperatures within a home/business. Here are some of the elements of a roof that you should recognize.
Decking (Sheathing)
Think of decking as the foundation of your roof. Typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The decking is the flat surface attached directly to the structural trusses or rafters of your home/building. Roofing materials such as the underlayment to the outer shingles are fastened to the base. If your roof suffers water damage, there is a chance the decking will rot and require replacement before a new roof is installed.
Underlayment
The underlayment is your waterproof, water-resistant barrier that’s installed directly over the decking. The underlayment serves as an additional layer of protection against weather. Modern underlayment is mostly made from synthetic materials that help provide durability when compared to traditional asphalt saturated felt underlayment.
Flashing
Flashing is the thin pieces of metal that’s installed at critical intersections of the roof to help prevent water seepage. You will find flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, and the valleys where two roof slopes join. Proper installation of flashing is important to prevent leaks.
Fascia and Soffit
Fascia and Soffit are the finishing edge connected to the end of the rafters. Fascia is the vertical board that runs along the roofline. Gutters are typically mounted directly to the fascia board. Soffit is the exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave. Soffits have small vents that allow air to circulate into the attic, which is vital for ventilation to work.
Structural and Design Terms
Pitch
The pitch of your roof refers to the steepness or slope. The pitch is is calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. A roof is a “6/12 pitch” rises 6 inches for every foot of horizontal distance. Pitch determines what type of materials can be safely installed. Steep slope roofs are common in residential architecture, while commercial properties typically feature low slope or flat roofs.
Eaves and Valleys
Eaves refer to the lower edges of the roof that hang over the exterior walls of the building. They help direct water away from the siding and foundation. Valleys refer to the V shaped depression created where two sloping roof sections meet. Water naturally travels to these areas, so valleys experience heavy runoff and require careful reinforcement with durable flashing.
Square
When roofing contractors measure your roof, they don’t usually quote the size in square feet. Instead, contractors use a unit of measurement called a “square.” A single roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof area. If your home has a 2000 sq ft roof, your contractor will calculate the materials needed for 20 squares.
Roofing Materials for Residential & Commercial Properties
The materials used for a roof depend heavily on the type of building, the budget, and the local climate.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential roofing material. The reason for their commonality among homeowners is for their cost saving, durability, and selection of a variety of colors and styles.
TPO and EPDM
Commercial roofing differentiates from the traditional shingles used on residential homes. Commercial roofing relies on single ply membranes such as TPO and EPDM. TPO is a reflective white membrane that offers energy efficiency by reflecting UV rays. It is highly resistant to chemical exposure and punctures. EPDM is a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane widely used in flat roof commercial buildings. This material is known for its longevity and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
FAQ about Roof Replacements
What is a tear-off?
Tear-off is the process of removing the old existing roof materials down to the wooden decking. While some local building codes allow a new layer of shingles to be installed over an old one (layover), a ter-off is the only way to inspect the decking for rot or structural damage.
What does it mean to be a GAF Master Elite® Contractor?
This status is an honorary title to showcase a roofing contractors quality and reliability. To qualify, a contractor must be properly licensed, insured, proven reputation, and be committed to ongoing professional training. Choosing a Master Elite® Contractor means you are eligible for the strongest warranties in the industry, protecting your investment for decades to come.
Secure Your Property with Us
Navigating roof replacements doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. By familiarizing yourself with these basic terms, you can communicate clearly with your contractor and feel confident in the work being performed.
We are trusted by thousands of customers in Austin, Bryan, McKinney, Houston, etc. Don’t leave the protection of your property to chance. Learn more about our services and let us provide you with a free quote today. Contact Us and experience the peace of mind that comes from working with industry leading professionals.
