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Glossary – Roofing Terms

Roofing – Commonly used Terms

Additional Layer of Shingles

A secondary layer of shingles added over an existing layer. Typically used to reduce labor costs for tear-off. This is not a recommended practice.

Asphalt Shingles (Laminated Shingles)

Composite roofing materials made of asphalt, fiberglass mat, and ceramic granules. Laminated shingles have an additional layer for durability and a dimensional appearance.

Attic Baffles

Spacers (typically foam, plastic or cardboard) installed between roof rafters to ensure air can flow unobstructed from soffit vents to ridge vents.

CertainTeed Landmark Shingles

These durable, dual-layer shingles enhance weather resistance and visual appeal. Installed with six nails per shingle, they qualify for enhanced wind warranties and ensure long-term performance.


CertainTeed 3-Star SureStart Warranty


This warranty provides non-prorated coverage for materials and labor during the first 20 years, ensuring comprehensive protection against manufacturing defects. Key features include a 10-year algae resistance warranty, 15-year wind warranty covering winds up to 130 mph with six nails per shingle, and SureStartTM protection during the initial coverage period.
Why This is Important: The 3-Star SureStart Warranty ensures the roof is protected against manufacturing defects for the first 20 years, offering full coverage for materials and labor during this critical period. The enhanced wind warranty of up to 130 mph provides additional durability and security, safeguarding the roof against high winds while maintaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.


CertainTeed 4-Star SureStart Plus Warranty (Gold)


This warranty provides non-prorated coverage for materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal for up to 50 years, ensuring comprehensive protection for your investment. Additional benefits include transferability within the first 12 years and inflation adjustments to maintain coverage value over time.
Why This is Important: The enhanced warranty ensures long-term protection against manufacturing defects, covering both materials and labor. Its transferability and inflation adjustment features add value and security to the investment, offering peace of mind and durability for decades.

CertainTeed 5-Star SureStart Plus Warranty (Platinum)

This warranty provides 50 years of non-prorated coverage for materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal due to manufacturing defects. It also includes 25 years of workmanship coverage when installed by a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMasterTM contractor. Additional benefits include inflation protection and warranty transferability within the first 12 years.
Why This is Important: The 5-Star SureStart Plus Warranty offers unparalleled protection for your roofing investment, covering materials, labor, and tear-off costs for 50 years. The inclusion of workmanship coverage ensures the roof is installed to the highest standards, while the transferability feature adds resale value to the home. Inflation protection ensures the coverage remains relevant and effective as costs increase over time, providing comprehensive peace of mind.

Chalk Line


A marking tool used to ensure straight lines for shingle alignment during installation.


Chimney Cap


A metal covering placed on top of the chimney to prevent water, animals, and debris from entering while allowing smoke to escape.


Chimney Chase Cover


A custom-fitted metal cover that seals the top of a chimney chase, preventing water and debris from entering.

Why This is Important: Stainless steel chase covers offer superior durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for long-term protection against harsh weather conditions. Unlike other materials, stainless steel maintains its integrity over time, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. This upgrade not only safeguards the chimney from water damage but also prevents pest infestations and debris buildup, ensuring the overall functionality and lifespan of the chimney and roof system.

Chimney Flashing

Flashing installed around a chimney base to prevent water from seeping into the roof structure.
Why This is Important: Proper chimney flashing is essential for preventing water leaks and protecting the roof and structure from moisture damage. By creating a secure, watertight seal, this process prevents long-term issues such as rot, mold, and structural deterioration in and around the chimney area.

Complimentary Roof Inspections and Service Discounts (Platinum)

These inspections will identify and address potential issues early, preserving the integrity of the roof. Additionally, Platinum clients receive a 10% discount on future services, such as gutter cleaning or soffit, fascia, and gutter replacements.
Why This is Important: Routine inspections ensure any potential issues are caught early, preventing costly repairs and extending the lifespan of the roof. The service discounts add value and convenience for maintaining other exterior elements, making this package ideal for homeowners seeking long-term care for their property.

Continuous Ridge Vent Installation

A continuous ridge vent will be installed along the roof peak.
Why This is Required: Ridge vents promote proper attic ventilation, which helps regulate temperature and reduce humidity. This prevents condensation, prolonging the life of roofing materials and improving energy efficiency.

Counter Flashing

A secondary layer of flashing installed over step flashing to further protect the joint from water penetration.
Why This is Required: Counter flashing provides an additional layer of waterproofing, ensuring long-term protection against water infiltration.

Cupola

A small decorative structure, often with ventilation, installed on the ridge of the roof.
DiamondDeck Synthetic Underlayment (Gold and Platinum)
This lightweight, polymer-based material outperforms traditional felt with superior water resistance, tear resistance, and UV stability.
Why This is Important: DiamondDeck underlayment provides a robust secondary layer of protection against moisture infiltration, extending the lifespan of the roof and reducing maintenance needs.

Downspout

A vertical pipe connected to the gutter that directs rainwater to the ground, away from the foundation or into a drainage system.

Drip Edge

A metal flashing (Factory-finished) installed along the edges of the roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter system.
Why This is Required: Drip edges are crucial for directing water into the gutter system and protecting the fascia from water damage. They help extend the lifespan of the roof by preventing water intrusion at vulnerable edges.

Dumpster

A waste container used on-site to dispose of old shingles, underlayment, and other debris.

Edge Vent

A type of intake vent installed along the roof edges, improving ventilation in conjunction with a ridge vent.
Why This is Necessary: Proper attic ventilation is critical for reducing humidity, preventing condensation, and maintaining energy efficiency. In the absence of soffit vents, edge vents provide an effective alternative by allowing fresh air to enter the attic space. This helps prolong the life of the roofing materials, reduces the risk of mold growth, and improves overall home comfort.

Equiptor 4000

A specialized trailer with a lift mechanism designed to assist with debris removal and material transportation during roofing projects. Reduces labor costs and facilitates with keeping a clean and safe job site.

Exhaust Caps

Installed for dryer and bath fan vents.
Why This is Required: Exhaust caps ensure proper ventilation while preventing water intrusion, protecting the roof structure from potential damage.

Fascia Board

The vertical edge that covers the ends of the roof rafters and provides a point for attaching the gutter system.

Flashing

Thin sheets of metal or other waterproof material used to seal roof edges, valleys, and around protrusions like chimneys, skylights, and vents to prevent water intrusion.

Gable Cornice Return

A decorative architectural feature where the cornice or roof edge returns horizontally under the gable.
Why is this Important: Re-shingling a gable cornice return involves intricate work in confined spaces, requiring specialized equipment and additional time to ensure proper installation. These areas often require extra safety measures and careful handling to maintain the roof’s structural integrity and weather resistance. This add-on ensures that these challenging sections are completed to the same high standards as the rest of the roof.

Gable Cornice Strip

A strip of material installed under the eaves of a gable to enhance its appearance and provide protection.
Why This is Important: Re-shingling a gable cornice strip requires precision work in a confined space, which can limit efficiency and necessitate specialized tools and safety measures. This add-on ensures that the complex and hard-to-reach areas of the roof are completed with the same attention to detail and quality as the rest of the project, preserving the roof’s overall performance and appearance.

Gutter

A strip of material installed under the eaves of a gable to enhance its appearance and provide protection.
Why This is Important: Re-shingling a gable cornice strip requires precision work in a confined space, which can limit efficiency and necessitate specialized tools and safety measures. This add-on ensures that the complex and hard-to-reach areas of the roof are completed with the same attention to detail and quality as the rest of the project, preserving the roof’s overall performance and appearance.

Gutter Apron

A type of flashing installed at roof edges to direct water into the gutters and prevent water from seeping under shingles.

Grace Vicor Select Underlayment (Platinum)

This premium material creates a watertight barrier by bonding directly to the roof deck and self-sealing around nail penetrations. It provides unmatched protection against water infiltration from ice dams, wind-driven rain, and other environmental factors. By covering the entire roof deck, Grace Vycor eliminates the need for synthetic felt, offering superior performance and ensuring the roof’s durability under the most demanding conditions.
Why This is Important: Installing Grace Vycor Select across the entire roof deck ensures maximum protection against moisture, particularly in high-risk areas. Its ability to self-seal around nail penetrations reduces the risk of leaks, even under extreme weather conditions. This upgrade offers superior performance compared to traditional underlayment, providing long-term durability and peace of mind for homeowners in regions prone to heavy rain or snow.

Gutter Guard

A protective cover installed over gutters to prevent debris from clogging them while allowing water to flow through.

Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles

Why This is Required: These shingles protect high-stress areas of the roof from leaks while providing a clean, finished appearance. Proper installation ensures both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Ice and Water Shield

A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed in valleys, along eaves, and around penetrations to prevent water intrusion due to ice dams or wind-driven rain.
Why This is Required: This watertight membrane protects against leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain. Installing ice and water shield ensures long-term protection for vulnerable areas of the roof.

Jobsite Cleanup and Debris Disposal

All job-related debris, including old roofing materials, will be collected and disposed of in an on-site dumpster.
Why This is Important: Proper cleanup ensures a safe and organized work environment, eliminating hazards and preparing the site for final inspection.

Landmark Shingle Installation

Why This is Required: These durable, dual-layer shingles enhance weather resistance and visual appeal. Installed with six nails per shingle, they qualify for enhanced wind warranties and ensure long-term performance.

Landmark Pro Shingle Installation (Gold and Platinum)

These premium, dual-layer laminated shingles provide enhanced durability, superior weather resistance, and the dimensional appearance of natural wood shake. Each shingle will be installed with six nails, ensuring secure attachment and qualifying for an enhanced wind warranty of up to 130 mph. Landmark

Pro shingles feature Max Def colors for improved curb appeal.

Why This is Important: Landmark Pro shingles offer superior protection against harsh weather conditions while enhancing the roof’s aesthetic appeal. The Max Def color palette provides richer, more vibrant shades, adding depth and dimension to the roof’s appearance. Additionally, these shingles include a 10-year algae resistance warranty, ensuring the roof remains free of discoloration and maintains its curb appeal over time. Their secure six-nail attachment offers increased resistance to wind uplift, providing exceptional reliability and longevity.

Magnet Sweep

A tool equipped with magnets used to pick up nails and metal debris from the ground around the worksite.

Pipe Boot

Pipe boots are installed around plumbing vents and other roof penetrations to create a watertight seal.
Why This is Required: Pipe boots prevent leaks around penetrations, ensuring the roof remains watertight and resistant to water infiltration.

Pipe BootPipe Flashing Covers (Gold and Platinum)

Protective covers will be added over standard pipe boots to extend their lifespan and enhance the watertight seal around roof penetrations.
Why This is Important: Pipe flashing covers offer additional protection against UV damage and weather-related wear, ensuring long-term performance and preventing premature failure at roof penetrations.

Powered Roof/Attic Vent


Disconnect/detach and reinstall powered roof/attic vent.
Why This is Important: Proper disconnection and reinstallation of a powered roof or attic vent ensure that it continues to function effectively without damage during the roofing process. This service prevents electrical or structural issues and guarantees seamless integration with the new roofing system.

Rain Diverter

A small piece of flashing installed to redirect water flow away from areas like doorways or windows. Also used where gutter meets a sidewall.
Why This is Required: Rain diverters protect against water infiltration by guiding rainwater away from sensitive areas, such as siding and wall joints.

Reglett

A type of metal flashing embedded into a wall or vertical structure, often used in conjunction with counter flashing to provide a watertight seal.

Removal of Existing Roofing Materials

Remove existing shingles and felt and discard in an on-site dumpster.
Why This is Required: Removing old roofing materials ensures a clean and stable surface for the new installation. It allows for proper inspection of the roof deck to identify and address any damage, ensuring the structural integrity of the new roof.

Re-Nail Roof Decking as Needed (Partial)

Why This is Required: Partially re-nailing the roof deck helps eliminate future movement. This method saves cost and helps mitigate some risk of the roof deck shifting or moving.

Re-Nail Roof Decking as Needed (Complete)

Why This is Required: Re-nailing the roof deck ensures compliance with building codes and reinforces the roof’s structural integrity. This step is critical for creating a secure base for the roofing materials, reducing the risk of wind uplift and movement.

Ridge Cap Shingles

Specialized shingles used to cover the roof ridge, providing a clean, finished look and additional weather protection.
Why This is Required: These shingles protect high-stress areas of the roof from leaks while providing a clean, finished appearance. Proper installation ensures both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Ridge Vent

A ventilating feature installed along the roof ridge that allows warm, moist air to escape from the attic.
Why This is Required: Ridge vents promote proper attic ventilation, which helps regulate temperature and reduce humidity. This prevents condensation, prolonging the life of roofing materials and improving energy efficiency.

Rolled Ridge Vent (Gold and Platinum)

This vent features a unique weather filter for enhanced protection against the elements while allowing warm, moist air to escape.
Why This is Important: Proper attic ventilation reduces humidity, preventing condensation and mold growth. This upgrade improves energy efficiency and enhances the roof’s overall performance and longevity.

Roof Cement

An adhesive material used to seal flashing, minor leaks, and shingle edges, particularly around roof protrusions.

Roof Deck

The structural base for the roof, usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).

Roof Jacks

Metal brackets installed on the roof to provide support for scaffolding or platforms during installation.

Roof Sealant (Caulk)

A weatherproof sealant used to secure flashing, fill gaps, and provide additional waterproofing around seams and joints.

Saddle or Cricket Installation


Why This is Necessary: Saddles or crickets are required on roofs with large vertical obstructions, such as chimneys, to manage water flow effectively. Without this component, water pooling can lead to premature roof wear, water infiltration, and structural damage. Proper installation ensures compliance with building codes and best practices, providing essential protection for the roof and home.

Safety Harnesses

Protective gear worn by workers to prevent falls during roofing installation. Typically used in conjunction with anchor points and lifelines for added safety.

Satellite Dish

A mounting bracket and dish assembly installed on the roof for satellite television or internet service.

Shadow Ridge Cap Shingles (Gold and Platinum)

These high-performance shingles are designed to protect high-stress areas from leaks while complementing the appearance of the Landmark Pro shingles.
Why This is Important: Shadow ridge cap shingles provide extra durability in vulnerable areas of the roof while offering a polished, finished look that complements the main shingles.

Shingle Bundle

A packaged group of shingles, typically sufficient to cover approximately 33.3 square feet of roofing.

Shingle-Over Edge Vent Installation (Gold and Platinum)

A shingle-over style edge vent will be installed at the roof’s eaves in locations where soffit venting is not available. This vent allows air to enter the attic, promoting proper airflow and balancing the ventilation system. The shingle-over design integrates seamlessly with the roofing system, maintaining a clean and streamlined appearance while ensuring effective ventilation.
Why This is Necessary: Proper attic ventilation is critical for reducing humidity, preventing condensation, and maintaining energy efficiency. In the absence of soffit vents, edge vents provide an effective alternative by allowing fresh air to enter the attic space. This helps prolong the life of the roofing materials, reduces the risk of mold growth, and improves overall home comfort.

Shingle Row Layout (Gold)

Shingle rows measured and chalked to ensure perfectly straight lines during installation.
Why This is Important: Accurate shingle alignment enhances the roof’s appearance, promotes even weight distribution, and ensures proper water drainage, contributing to the system’s functionality and durability.

Shingle Row Layout (Gold)

Shingle rows measured and chalked to ensure perfectly straight lines during installation.
Why This is Important: Accurate shingle alignment enhances the roof’s appearance, promotes even weight distribution, and ensures proper water drainage, contributing to the system’s functionality and durability.

Skylight Replacement with Flashing Installation

Why This is Important: The lifespan of a skylight is typically similar to that of a roof. Replacing skylights during a roof replacement ensures compatibility with the new roofing system and eliminates potential issues caused by aging or leaking skylights. Neglecting to replace old skylights can lead to future water infiltration and damage, which would require costly repairs to the new roof. Upgrading the skylight now also enhances natural lighting, energy efficiency, and the overall value of the home while avoiding the need for future disruptions to the roofing system.

Snow Guard

Devices installed on roofs to prevent snow and ice from sliding off in large sheets, protecting gutters and areas below.
Why This is Important: Snow guards are essential for homes in regions with significant snowfall, as they help distribute the snow load evenly and reduce the risk of sudden snow slides. This protects gutters from damage, minimizes hazards for people and property below, and helps maintain the integrity of the roofing system. Installing snow guards during a roofing project ensures they are properly integrated into the roof design for optimal effectiveness and durability.

Soffit Vent

A vent located under the eaves of a roof, allowing for proper attic ventilation and air circulation.

Starter Shingles Installation


Why This is Required: Starter shingles provide a secure foundation for the main shingles and ensure proper alignment. They also enhance wind resistance and prevent shingle blow-off, contributing to the roof’s overall durability.

Steep Slope

A roof with a slope exceeding 4:12, requiring specialized installation techniques and safety precautions.

Step Flashing

Individual pieces of flashing installed in a step pattern along the intersection of a roof and a vertical wall.
Why This is Required: Step flashing prevents water from entering the home at roof-to-wall intersections, protecting the structure from leaks.

Synthetic Underlayment

An advanced underlayment option offering superior water resistance and durability compared to traditional felt paper.
Why This is Required: Underlayment provides a secondary barrier against moisture infiltration, safeguarding the roof deck during and after installation. Its durability enhances the roof system’s overall performance and longevity.


SwiftStart Starter Shingles (Gold and Platinum)


Specialized starter shingles that feature CertaSealTM adhesive, which enhances wind resistance and prevents shingle blow-off.
Why This is Important: Using SwiftStart shingles ensures a strong foundation for the roofing system, improving durability and wind resistance while maintaining compliance with manufacturer installation requirements.


Toilet Rental


Why This is Beneficial: On-site facilities reduce downtime for workers and maintain the homeowner’s privacy by eliminating the need for shared bathrooms.


Trim Board


PVC (or equivalent) trim boards, up to 1×6 nominal size will be installed when the roof meets a wall.
Why This is Necessary: Siding trim is a critical component for protecting and finishing the edges of siding installations. PVC or equivalent materials provide superior durability and resistance to environmental factors, reducing the risk of water infiltration and structural damage. Proper installation ensures that the siding system performs optimally with the flashing and the trim maintains its visual appeal over time.


Turtle Vent


Provide additional attic ventilation.
Why This is Required: Turtle vents improve airflow in the attic, reducing humidity and condensation, which prolongs the lifespan of roofing materials.

Underlayment

A protective layer of material (typically synthetic or felt) installed over the roof deck to provide a secondary barrier against water penetration.

Valley Flashing

Metal or other waterproof material installed in roof valleys to channel water and provide an additional layer of protection.

Vent Pipe Boot

A waterproof covering for pipes or vents protruding through the roof, often made of rubber or flexible materials.

Winterguard Enhanced Ice & Water Shield (Gold and Platinum)

Two rows of this high-performance underlayment will provide extended coverage, creating a watertight barrier against ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Why This is Important: The enhanced ice and water shield provides additional protection in high-risk areas of the roof, preventing leaks and ensuring long-term performance under extreme weather conditions.