Glossary of Common Terms in Roofing

Roof Turbines

Roof turbines, also known as roof vents, are an effective and efficient way to improve air circulation and ventilation in your building. These spinning fans are installed on the roof to create a natural airflow that helps remove heat, moisture, and stale air from the building.

Roof turbines work by harnessing the power of wind to create a suction effect, drawing air out of the building, and replacing it with fresh air from the outside. This process helps to regulate the temperature and remove any condensation that could lead to moisture damage and mold growth.

Slipped Tile

A slipped tile on your roof can cause a range of issues, including leaks, drafts, and potential damage to the underlying roofing structure. It’s crucial to address the slipped tile as soon as possible to prevent further damage and protect your property.

Broken Tile

Inspect the broken tile and surrounding area to assess the extent of the damage. Determine if the tile can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced entirely.

Mortar Packs

Roof mortar packs are essential for maintaining the longevity and durability of your roof. These mortar packs contain a specialized blend of cement, sand, and additives that are specifically designed for repairing and sealing gaps, cracks, and joints on your roof.

Storm Collars

Roof storm collars, also known as flashing collars or pipe boots, are components of a roof that provide a weatherproof seal around vent pipes and other protrusions through the roof. They are essential for preventing water leaks and protecting the roofing system from water damage during storms.

Regular inspection and maintenance of roof storm collars are essential to ensure their effectiveness over time. Over time, the rubber components may degrade or become worn, and the metal components may corrode. It’s important to check for any signs of damage, cracks, or separation and replace the storm collar if needed.

Headwall Flashings

Headwall flashings are an essential component of a roofing system. They are installed along the intersection of a roof and a vertical surface, such as a wall or chimney, to provide a watertight seal and protect against water infiltration.

The primary function of a headwall flashing is to prevent water from seeping into the structure at the point where the roof meets a vertical surface. They create a barrier that channels water away from this vulnerable joint, keeping the interior of the building dry.

Chimney Flashings

Chimney flashings are crucial components of a roofing system that seal the gap between the chimney and the roof. They provide a watertight barrier and prevent water from seeping into your home through the chimney.

The primary function of roof chimney flashings is to prevent water penetration around the chimney. They create a waterproof barrier that directs water away from the chimney and protects the roof from water damage.

Shingle Replacement

Roof shingle replacement is the process of replacing damaged or worn-out shingles on a roof. Shingles can become damaged over time due to weathering, age, or impact from debris such as branches or hail. When shingles are damaged, it can lead to leaks and further damage to the underlying roof structure if not addressed.

Roof Vents

Roof vents, also known as roof exhaust vents, are devices installed on the roof of a building to provide ventilation and improve air circulation in the attic or roof space. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient indoor environment by allowing hot air and moisture to escape from the attic, preventing issues such as mold growth, damage to insulation, and excessive heat buildup.

Roof Flashings

Roof flashing refers to the materials used to waterproof and seal the joints and intersections of a roof. It is typically made of metal, such as aluminum or galvanized steel, and is installed to prevent water penetration and leakage.

Step flashing: Step flashing is used along the edges of vertical obstacles, such as chimneys, walls, or dormers, where they intersect with the roof. Each piece of step flashing is installed and overlapped in a step-like fashion to create a watertight barrier.

Valley flashing: Valley flashing is used in the valleys or low points where two roof slopes meet. It is often made of metal or rubber and is installed in a “V” shape to direct water away from the joint and prevent pooling.

Drip edge flashing: Drip edge flashing is installed along the edges of the roof to protect the underlying structure from water damage. It helps to direct water away from the fascia board and into the gutters, preventing rot and other issues.

Vent pipe flashing: Vent pipe flashing is used around roof penetrations such as plumbing vents or exhaust pipes. It is designed to fit tightly around the pipe to prevent water from entering the roof through the joint.

Ponding Water

Ponding water on a flat roof is a common issue that can cause damage if not addressed promptly. It occurs when water accumulates and does not drain properly, often due to a lack of slope or poorly functioning drainage systems.

Expansions Cracks

There could be several potential causes for roof expansion cracks, including:

When the temperature rises and falls, materials expand and contract. Over time, this constant movement can lead to the development of cracks in the roof.

Poor ventilation: Inadequate airflow in the attic can cause heat and moisture to build up, leading to an increase in humidity. This can result in the roof membrane expanding and cracking.

Inadequate support: If the roof structure is not properly designed or built to support the weight of the roof materials, it can cause the roof to expand and crack.

Improper installation: If the roof materials were not installed correctly, such as being nailed too tightly or with improper spacing, it can cause stress on the roof and lead to cracks.

Age and deterioration: Over time, roofs can become worn and deteriorated, making them more prone to expansion cracks.

It is important to address roof expansion cracks promptly to prevent further damage and potential water leaks.

A/C Flashing

Roof A/C sealing involves ensuring that your roof A/C unit is properly sealed to prevent air leaks/water leaks and to maintain efficient cooling.

Check for any cracks, gaps, or damage in the sealant or gaskets around the A/C unit. Also, look for any signs of water damage or leaks.

Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Elastomeric coatings create a seamless and waterproof barrier that helps prevent water leaks and damage to the underlying roof structure.

Energy efficiency: Elastomeric coatings are reflective, meaning they can bounce back a significant amount of the sun’s heat and UV rays, reducing the amount of heat transfer into the building. This can result in lower cooling costs and increased energy efficiency.

UV protection: Elastomeric coatings contain UV-resistant properties that help protect the roof surface from UV damage, extending the lifespan of the roofing material.

Exposed Nails

Exposed nails on a roof can be a sign of potential damage or improper installation. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage or leaks.

Fascia Boards

The fascia board is a horizontal board located on the edge of the roof, typically where the roof meets the outer walls of a building. It serves as a finishing touch to the roof structure and provides support for the lower edge of the roof, as well as the gutters.

The main function of the fascia board is to protect the roof and the underlying structure from weather damage. It helps to prevent moisture from entering the roof and causing rot or other structural damage. Additionally, the fascia board can also enhance the aesthetic appearance of a building by creating a seamless transition between the roof and the walls.

Trim Boards

The roof trim board helps to protect the underlying roof structure from moisture damage by covering the exposed edges of the roof decking. It also helps to divert water away from the roof and into the gutters, preventing water from seeping into the walls or foundation of the house.

Roof Sheathing

Roof sheathing, also known as roof decking, is the layer of material that provides the structural support for the roof covering, such as shingles or metal roofing. It is typically made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).

The purpose of roof sheathing is to distribute the weight of the roof covering evenly and transfer it to the roof framing, such as rafters or trusses. It helps to strengthen the roof structure and provide a solid, even surface for the roof covering to be installed on.