Roofing Terminology: Your Guide To Common Roofing Terms

If you have to replace or repair your roof, you will hear your roofing contractor in Vista, CA use industry-specific words.

Before you decide to hire roofing contractors, it can be helpful to learn some of these terminologies so that when the company mentions these words, you will know what they are talking about.

  • Asphalt Roof

Asphalt shingles are still the most preferred roofing material for residential homes. The price has remained competitive and cost-effective which is probably why asphalt roofs are still in style.

  • Cedar and Wood Shake

Wood shingles are also competitive in pricing, but the main advantage of these products is their aesthetic value. This means these shingles look more pleasing when compared to conventional asphalt roofs, due to their natural and rustic appearances.

  • Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are the preferred option to resist all types of weather throughout the year. Metal is highly resilient and also resistant to extreme weather. The composition of the material can include zinc, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.

  • Slate And Tile

Slate and tile are the ideal choices for DIY and customized roofs since they are versatile and available in a range of colors. Unlike metal and asphalt, slate and tile roofing materials are lightweight enough for handymen or DIY enthusiasts to install.

  • Rubber Roof

Roofs made from rubber materials are designed to mimic or resemble asphalt shingles. It is one of the newer materials which has caused quite an interest due to its durability and competitive price.

In addition to the roof types, there are a few other roofing terms you might want to know about:

  • Decking

The decking of a roof is a sheet of material that is usually made out of plywood. The decking acts as the host or foundation for other types of roofing materials such as underlayment and shingles.

  • Drip Edge

The drip edge is an L-shaped strip of metal installed along the roof’s edges. It allows water from rain to drip preventing water from building up in the decking, siding, and eaves.

  • Fascia

The boards that are exposed on the overhang’s front edge of the roof eaves are known as fascia. These boards are usually made from aluminum, vinyl, or wood.

  • Roof Flashing

These are sheets of metal materials that stop water from seeping through the intersections and projections in the roofing system. Flashing is installed to protect the valleys, chimneys, vent pipes, joints, and any other part of a roof where water can find a way through.

  • Gutter

Gutters are types of troughs that are embedded into the fascia boards. Guttering is essential to collect run-off water from your roof. The gutters lead to the ground and the downspouts.

  • Roof Valley

The valley on a roof is the space where the 2 adjoining-sloped planes meet. This is an easy area to locate since the valley creates a “V-shaped” depression on your roof.

Knowing some of these common terms can be useful when you are about to embark on an installation, replacement, or roof repair project working with your local Vista, Ca roofing company.

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