Roofing Terms: Expert Guide to Roof Terminology

When you’re in the process of planning a roofing project at your home or commercial property, there is a lot to take into account. You’re surely thinking about the design of the roof itself, from the material and style to the color profile. Your budget is bound to be another consideration throughout the process. And, of course, you’ll need to find the right team to work with for the project. So, it’s fair to say there’s a lot going on, right? That’s the case even without a roofing professional throwing confusing roofing terminology your way. When you add that to the mix, everything can feel a little overwhelming.

That’s why Alpha Omega Construction Group, Inc. is here to help. Not only are we a company that makes the entire roofing process easier for the property owners we work with, but we’ve also put together an expert guide to roof terminology so that you can get familiar with different roofing terms that you may be unclear on.

Components of a Roof: Terms to Know

You might think of your roof as one big structure, but there are different parts of it that you should understand before investing in a big, costly project. A roofing system consists of:

• Decking (or sheathing) – This is the flat surface that forms the base layer of your roof.
• Trusses – These are prefabricated, triangular wood frameworks used during modern construction.
• Rafters – These are traditional, sloped framing members that are built on site to support your roof.
• Eaves – This is the part of the roof that extends outward, projecting over the walls of your home or business building.
• Fascia – The fascia is the vertical edge that connects to the end of the rafters or trusses. This is typically where gutters are attached.
• Underlayment – The underlayment is a protective barrier laid over the decking and beneath the roof itself.
• Shingles – This is the outermost layer of the roof. In other words, this is what defines your roof’s aesthetic, whether you choose asphalt, slate, metal, or composite shingles.
• Flashing – These thin pieces of metal are installed to prevent water leaks at the joints of your roof.
• Drip edge – This metal flashing is installed along your roof’s edges to direct water into your gutters.

Terminology Associated With Your Roof’s Drainage & Ventilation

There’s more to your roof than its aesthetic, of course, which is why it’s important to understand the way your system performs, especially when it comes to drainage and ventilation. On that front, you’ll want to know the following terms:

• Downspouts – The part of your gutter system that pushes water out and away from your property’s foundation.
• Roof valley – This is the internal angle where two sloping planes of your roof meet.
• Ridge vent – This runs along the peak of your roof to allow warm air to escape your attic to create ventilation.
• Soffit – This is the underside of the eaves. It often contains vents to promote proper airflow into your attic.

Roofing Terms to Know When Choosing Your Roofing System

When you’re deciding on the right roof for your property, you’ll first want to understand that roofs are measured in squares. A square is equal to 100 square feet of roof surface. Beyond that, here are some more terms to understand when choosing your preferred roofing system:

• Pitch/slope – Expressed as a ratio, this is used to define the steepness of your roof.
• R-value – A key energy efficiency measurement, R-value measures insulation’s resistance to heat flow.
• Fire ratings – These are used to classify the fire resistance of different roofing materials, with Class A being the highest possible class.

Understanding Different Roofing Types

While your chosen roofing contractor can certainly answer any questions you have about the different roofing types available to you and further explain the benefits of each, it would be smart to familiarize yourself with the common types you may be considering for your property, such as:

• Asphalt shingle roofing – Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for residential properties. Made from fiberglass or organic felt mat that is coated with asphalt and topped with granules, these roofing systems are exceptionally visually appealing.
• Metal roofing – Known for its durability and energy efficiency, metal roofing is another popular choice among homeowners and commercial property owners alike. Metal roofs are available in panels or shingles.
• Tile roofing – Typically made from clay or concrete, tile roofing is known to provide outstanding longevity and a unique aesthetic.
• Flat roofing – These roofs are common for commercial properties, and there are different types to consider, including TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), and modified bitumen.

Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust for a Project at Your Property

As much as it helps to understand the basics of roofing terminology, the right roofing contractor will be happy to answer any questions you may have and further explain any terms you may not fully understand. For property owners in the southeastern U.S., that “right roofing contractor” is Alpha Omega Construction Group, Inc., as we have the expertise and customer care that you should be looking for when planning your project.

Not to mention, we offer a wide array of residential and commercial roofing options, so no matter what you’re looking to have installed on your property, you’ll be able to find it when you turn to us. Between our premium roofing materials, first-class workmanship, and five-star customer care, it’s no wonder why we’ve become the name to know for so many homeowners and business owners throughout the southeast.

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to start planning a project at your property in the Southeast U.S. and you want to make us your go-to roofing contractor, contact Alpha Omega Construction Group, Inc. today to get started with a free quote.