Roofing Glossary
Roofing Terms, Explained in Plain English
Roofing comes with a lot of jargon, and most of it shows up right when you are making an expensive decision or reading an insurance estimate. Here is a plain language glossary of the roofing, siding, and claim terms Columbus homeowners run into most, from the crew that uses them every day.
Roof Anatomy
The Parts of Your Roof
Decking (Sheathing)
The wood panels, usually plywood or OSB, nailed to the rafters. It is the structural surface everything else is fastened to. Soft or rotted decking has to be replaced before new roofing goes on.
Underlayment
A water resistant layer rolled over the decking before the shingles. It is the second line of defense that keeps wind driven rain off the wood.
Ice and Water Shield
A self sealing membrane applied at the eaves, valleys, and other leak prone areas. In Ohio it is what protects against ice dams that back water up under the shingles.
Flashing
Metal pieces that seal the joints where the roof meets a wall, chimney, or vent. Most leaks start at failed flashing, not in the open field of shingles.
Drip Edge
A metal strip along the eaves and rakes that directs runoff into the gutter and keeps water off the fascia and decking edge.
Valley
The V shaped channel where two roof slopes meet. It carries a lot of water, so it needs careful flashing and is a common failure point.
Ridge and Ridge Vent
The ridge is the peak where two slopes meet. A ridge vent is an opening along that peak that lets hot, moist attic air escape, which protects the decking and helps shingles last.
Fascia and Soffit
The fascia is the board behind the gutter at the roof edge. The soffit is the underside panel that ventilates the attic. Both are common places rot appears when water is not managed.
Materials
Roofing and Siding Materials
Asphalt Shingle
The most common residential roofing material. Affordable, widely available, and the standard on most Columbus homes.
Architectural (Dimensional) Shingle
A thicker, layered asphalt shingle that looks like wood shake, resists wind better, and carries longer warranties than the flat three tab style.
Three Tab Shingle
An older, flat, single layer asphalt shingle. Cheaper up front but shorter lived and less wind resistant than architectural shingles.
Fiber Cement Siding
A siding made of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber that resists fire, rot, and pests and holds paint well. James Hardie is the best known brand.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
A metal roof of vertical panels joined by raised, concealed seams. Long lived, low maintenance, and highly wind resistant.
Square
The roofing unit of measure. One square equals one hundred square feet of roof area. Estimates and material orders are counted in squares.
Starter Strip
The first course of shingles at the eave that seals the edge and gives the field shingles something to bond to. Skipping proper starter is a shortcut that leads to edge failures.
Storm and Insurance
Storm Damage and Claim Terms
Hail Damage
Bruising or fracturing of shingles from hail impact. It knocks off the protective granules and shortens roof life, and it is often not visible from the ground.
Granule Loss
The wearing away of the mineral granules that shield asphalt shingles from the sun. Heavy granule loss, common after hail, exposes the asphalt and speeds failure.
Wind Damage
Lifted, creased, or missing shingles caused by high wind. Even shingles that lay back down can be creased and no longer sealed.
Adjuster
The insurance company representative who inspects the damage and decides what the claim will pay. Having your contractor present for the inspection helps make sure nothing is missed.
ACV (Actual Cash Value)
What your damaged roof is worth today, after depreciation for age and wear. The first insurance payment on many claims is based on ACV.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
What it costs to replace the roof with new material of like kind and quality. On a replacement cost policy, the depreciation is released once the work is completed and documented.
Deductible
The amount you are responsible for before insurance pays. On a covered claim it is typically the only out of pocket cost to the homeowner.
Supplement
An addition to an approved claim for items the first estimate missed, such as code required upgrades or hidden damage found during the tear off.
Installation and Warranty
Install and Warranty Terms
Tear Off
Removing the old roofing down to the decking before installing new. It lets the crew inspect and replace bad wood and is the right way to reroof in almost every case.
Balanced Ventilation
Matched intake at the soffit and exhaust at the ridge so air moves through the attic. Proper ventilation protects the decking and helps the roof reach its rated life.
Manufacturer Warranty
Coverage from the shingle or siding maker on the product itself, and on the full system when a certified contractor installs it to spec.
Workmanship Warranty
The contractor’s own guarantee on the quality of the installation, separate from the material warranty. A roof needs both to be fully protected.
Certified Installer
A contractor the manufacturer has vetted and trained, and through whom enhanced system warranties are available. We are Owens Corning Preferred and James Hardie certified.
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