As a homeowner you have to juggle a lot of home maintenance projects and other home upkeep responsibilities. Some of the every day tasks change as the seasons roll by, as you go from lawn and garden care in the summer to leaf pickup in the fall and snow shoveling in the winter. You’ll also have to tackle significant tasks, like getting the interior or exterior of your home repainted. Plumbing, electrical and heating and air conditioning systems may also occasionally need your attention.

Before embarking on a major project like roof replacement, it's important to familiarize yourself with common roofing terms. This knowledge not only makes the process smoother but also underscores why hiring a professional roofing contractor is important for ensuring your roof is installed with the expertise and care it deserves.

Roof Shingles

Shingles are the outer layer of your roof, the layer that is visible as you view the roof. Asphalt shingles are a common roofing option, and come in both three-tab and architectural forms. The three-tab ones have a very flat, uniform appearance while architectural shingles have a dimensional look and are thicker.

You’ll also find wood shingles, which are crafted from different types of wood, such as cedar. They are durable, but require more upkeep over time. If you are looking for a natural stone alternative, slate shingles are a good, but more costly, choice. If you’re considering the right shingles for your roof, local roofing contractors can guide you in selecting the best materials for your style and budget.

Roof Sheathing (or Decking)

Other roofing terms to know include roof sheathing, or decking. Roof decking supports both the shingles, and the underlayment of the roof. It’s usually made either from plywood, or from OSB (oriented strand board).

Before you install a new roof, your contractor should inspect your existing decking and determine if it needs to be replaced. If there is any damage or rot to the existing sheathing, then it should be removed and completely new decking installed.

Underlayment

If you are looking for more roofing terminology, contractor terms explained the next one to know is underlayment. Your roofer will install underlayment as a protective layer between the roof decking and the shingles above.

The underlayment functions as a barrier against moisture, and gives the roof another layer of protection from leaks or heavy rains. Synthetic materials or an asphalt-saturated felt is typically used in this layer.

Flashing

Flashing serves a critical function on a roof, helping direct water away from places that are vulnerable. It helps protect areas like skylights, chimneys, vents or the valleys of a roof. Usually, flashing is made from a metal such as galvanized steel or aluminum.

On a properly installed roof, you will find flashing installed where your roofing connects with vertical structures like vents or chimneys. It’s also found where sections of the roof meet. Flashing is an essential component if you want to prevent water damage and leaks.

Roof Valleys

When two of the sloping sections of a roof meet, it forms a V-shaped valley that will channel the falling rain or snow buildup to your gutters. Because they funnel large quantities of water, these roof valleys can be especially vulnerable to leaks. A skilled roofing contractor may reinforce these valleys in different ways. They might use a closed-cut or woven valley method, or choose to install special flashing.

For effective solutions to address roof valley leaks, our team of experts in residential roofing in Pewaukee is ready to assess and reinforce these vital areas. Additionally, if you're nearby, our trusted roofing services in Cudahy offer specialized care to ensure your roof remains durable and well-maintained.

Soffit and Fascia

Another couple of terms you should know before your roofing consultation are soffit and fascia. Basically, the soffit is the underside of the eaves of your home, where you find the roof’s edge connecting to the outside wall of the house.

Fascia, on the other hand, is the board that runs horizontally along the roof’s edge. It provides support for both your gutter system and for the very edge of your shingles. Both of these are critical to ventilation and to helping protect your home from the elements. If you're unsure about the condition of your soffit or fascia, our Greenfield roofing services team can provide expert advice and solutions to ensure your roof stays in top shape.

Ridge and the Ridge Vent

On your roof the highest spot where your two roof slopes meet is known as the ridge. To help the hot, moist air escape from your attic, ridge vents are usually installed along the ridge.

These vents are critical if you want to keep moisture from building up, and causing a reduction of energy efficiency, wood rot or mold. Your contractor may combine ridge vents with soffit ventilation to assure that your attic space venting is properly balanced and attic air flows well.

Before you schedule an appointment with a top-rated roofing contractor such as Four Leaf Roofing & Windows , it’s helpful to learn about key terms associated with roofing. Then, when you meet with your contractor, you’ll be able to have a valuable and productive conversation.

Call us to get an estimate on a new roof to protect your home.