Our Glossary
Roof Types
Cross Gable: Similar to a gable roof, but has two gable parts that cross in a “T’ like fashion.
Cross Hipped: Similar to a hipped roof, but this type has two parts that cross.
Flat: A flat roof has no slope at all.
Gable: A simple triangular-shaped roof from the side with two rectangular sections opposing each other, creating an upside-down “V”.
Gambrel: This roof resembles a more traditional barn or bell-shaped roof, rather than triangular, when viewed from the side. It is like a flattened gable roof.
Hipped: A pyramidal-shaped roof where four triangular sections are sloped to meet in a single point.
Pavilion Hipped: A simple triangular-shaped roof from the side with two opposing isosceles trapezoids that meet at the hip of the roof, thus creating two angled sloped triangle sections. This roof type is typically a low-pitched roof.
Mansard: This roof type has a lower sloped area with four heavily sloped sides slanting out to meet and/or exceed the walls of the building.
Shed: A single sloped roof.
Saltbox: Similar to a gable roof, but the two sides are not symmetrical.
Other Roofing Terminology
Beam: A long piece of wood or steel supporting your roof, and when grouped, can form a truss.
Coverage: The degree of weather protection offered by a roofing material: single, double, or triple coverage.
Decking/Sheathing: Normally plywood, which provides a flat surface covering your home.
Dormer: A gabled extension protruding from a sloping roof, usually to allow for a framed window.
Drainage: Shape, layout, and slope of the roof for the purpose of shedding water, ice, and snow.
Drip Edge: Weather-resistant metal or vinyl edge installed along eaves and rakes to facilitate the shedding of water at the edges.
Eaves: Parts of a roof that project beyond or overhang the face of the wall.
Eavestrough: Also known as gutters. They provide a method by which water dripping off the roof is caught and carried to the downspouts and then carried away to an appropriate area.
Exposure: Specifically, exposure to weather. Also, the distance from the butt edge of one shingle to another.
Fascia: The vertical edge of the roof, either behind the eavestrough or at the edge of a gable.
Felt: A breathable type of building paper made of a strong, tough base saturated with asphalt.
Flashing: Material used to prevent leaking/seepage at certain vulnerable spots like valleys, top or end-walls, and chimneys.
Gable: The end wall of a building which comes to a triangular point (upside-down “V”) under a sloping roof; also a type of roof.
Hip: An external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping ends of a roof, from the ridge to the eaves; also a type of roof.
Rafters/Trusses: A framework of beams, usually grouped in a triangular shape, supporting the roof.
Rake: The inclined edge of a pitched roof.
Ridge: The apex of the angle formed by a roof, or the peak, where the common rafters meet.
Roof Covering: The most common are asphalt shingles, wood shakes, metal, clay tile, slate, or copper.
Sofit: The horizontal bottom of the roof overhang.
Square: The amount of roofing material required to cover 100 square feet (10’x10′) of roof surface.
Underlayment: A layer of moisture protective material between the decking and exterior roof covering. In northern climates, an ice and water shield helps to minimize ice damage problems.
Valley: An internal angle or water runway formed by the intersection of two slopes on a roof.
Venting: Proper venting is necessary for maintaining air-flow and overall roof “health.”
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