12060 Old Frederick RdWhether you’re looking into roof replacement or roof repairs, knowing the parts of a roof and terminologies can prepare you for the project. This knowledge will help you in communicating with your roofing contractor.
Contact the roofing experts at Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing to help complete your next roofing project successfully.
Parts of a roof
Algae discoloration: It’s the black or dark streaks that appear on shingles and are caused by the growth of airborne algae.
Asphalt: A waterproofing agent manufacturers apply to roofing materials during their manufacture.
Asphalt primer: This is a bitumen coating applied to the roofing surface before installing the roof to absorb dust and improve adhesion.
Back surfacing: Granular material that’s applied on shingles to prevent them from sticking to each other during packaging and storage.
Base flashing: The part of flashing resting on the roof decking to direct water flow to the roof’s covering.
Blisters: Bubbles that might form on the asphalt roof surface after installation, typically caused by moisture or air trapped beneath the material.
Bridging: A method of reroofing where new asphalt shingles are installed over old shingles, creating a bridge or layer over the existing roof.
Built-up roof: A low-slope or flat roof with multiple layers of asphalt and ply sheets.
Cornice: The decorative horizontal molding or projected roof overhang at the top of a building’s wall.
Counterflashing: The flashing that is installed above the base flashing to prevent water from entering behind the base flashing.
Courses: Horizontal rows of tile or shingles on a roof.
Deck: Roof decking is the structural surface of the roof that’s directly beneath the shingles, usually made of wood, plywood, or oriented strand board (OSB).
Dormer: A structure that projects from the plane of a sloping roof surface, often containing a window and adding space to the attic or upper floor.
Double coverage: Roofing application method where the second layer of roofing material covers the joints of the first layer, providing an extra layer of protection against roof leaks.
Downspout: A pipe carrying rainwater from a roof’s gutter to the ground or a drain.
Drip: A metal or plastic strip installed on the roof edges to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters.
Eaves: The lower roof border that overhangs the wall.
Fascia: A vertical finishing edge connected to the ends of the rafters, trusses, or the area where the gutter is attached to the roof.
Flashing: Pieces of metal or other material installed on the roof to keep water from seeping into the construction from a joint or as part of a weather-resistant barrier system.
Felt: A flexible sheet saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment or sheathing paper in roofing.
Frieze board: A board at the peak of the home’s exterior wall finish, which is often found at the eaves, where the soffit meets the wall.
Gable: The triangular sidewall section that stands between the sloping roof ends above the body of the building.
Granules: Small, often colored, particles of crushed stone or minerals applied to shingles to protect against UV rays and weather.
Gutter: A channel installed along the roof’s edges designed to collect and divert rainwater away from the structure.
Hip: The external angle formed by the intersection of two sloped roof planes running from the ridge to the eaves.
Ice dam: The ice that forms at the roof’s edge and prevents melted snow from dripping off the roof, potentially leading to water damage.
Interlocking shingles: Shingles that are designed to mechanically fasten to each other to offer better wind resistance.
Joist: Horizontal structural members used to support the ceiling or floor or to tie together a structure’s sidewalls.
Mansard roof: A type of roof with four sides and a double slope on every side. Generally, the lower slope is steeper compared to the upper, creating additional living space.
Nesting: A method of installing a new layer of shingles over an existing layer in which the top edge of the new shingle fits into the bottom edge of the old shingle to achieve a flat surface.
Overhang: The portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a construction.
Ponding: The accumulation of water in low-lying areas on a roof, which can indicate inadequate drainage.
Rake: The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall from the eave to the ridge, often having a different design or trim from the rest of the roof.
Reroofing: The process of removing the existing roof coverings and installing a new roofing system.
Rise: The vertical distance from the top of a roof joist or rafter to the peak of the roof.
Sheathing: Boards or sheet material fastened to roof rafters, providing the foundational layer for the roofing system.
Shingle flashing: Material, typically metal, used to ensure water flows away from critical areas of the roof, such as around chimneys and at joints.
Slope: The angle of a roof, calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally.
Soffit: The exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave, often ventilated to allow airflow in the attic.
Square: A measurement in roofing that equals 100 square feet of roof surface area.
Underlayment: A layer of protection installed between the deck and the shingles, often made of water-resistant or waterproof material.
Valley: The internal angle at the intersection of two roof slopes, directing water towards the gutters.
Valley flashing: A specialized flashing that’s installed in the roof valley to channel water down the roof and into the gutter system.
Contact Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing
Maryland homeowners, don’t let a damaged or aging roof compromise the safety and beauty of your home! Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing is your trusted local expert, ready to tackle all your roofing needs with precision and care.
Whether you’re dealing with leaks, weather damage, or just looking for an upgrade, our team of skilled professional roofers are ready to deliver top-quality service and lasting results. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen – contact Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing today for a free consultation and see how we can transform your roof.
Contact us at (410) 575-3773 to learn more or schedule your appointment. Protect your home with the best in Maryland – choose Dunsmore Exteriors Roofing!
