GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Explanation of Roofing Terms

Closed cut valley - A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley, while shingles from the other side are trimmed two inches from the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Dormer - A box-like structure projecting from the sloping plane of a roof that frames a window.

Eaves - The horizontal overhang of the non-sloping edge of a roof beyond a vertical wall.

Flashing - Sheet metal or roll roofing pieces fitted to the joint of any roof intersection, penetration, or projection (chimneys, copings, dormers, valleys, vent pipes, etc.) in order to prevent water leakage.

Gable - A side wall that comes to a point at its intersection with the ridge of two sloping roof planes set at the same length and angle.

Gable roof - A type of roof with sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Has a gable at each end.

Hip - The sloping intersection of two, inclined roof planes or the angle formed by them.

Hip roof - A type of roof formed by sloping roof planes on all four sides, with no gables.

Hip Shingles - Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Ice damming - Refreezing of melted snow at the roof overhang in a "dam" that can trap water under shingles or other roof finishing layers, causing leaks through roof deck joints and nail holes.

Laminated shingles - Shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving a shake-like appearance. May also be called "architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles."

Open valley - Method of valley construction in which shingles on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley flashing is exposed.

Overhang - The portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Rafter - The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge of the roof to the wall plate.

Rake edge - The overhang of an inclined roof plane beyond the vertical wall below it.

Ridge - The intersection of two roof planes or the angle formed by them. Ridge shingles - Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Rise - The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge.

Run - The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.

Shed roof - A roof containing only one sloping plane. Has no hips, ridges, valleys, or gables.

Soffit - The finished underside of the eaves.

Valley - The inward angle formed by two intersecting, sloping, roof planes. Since it naturally becomes a water channel, additional attention to waterproofing is desirable.

Vent - Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck, such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable, or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.

Woven valley - A method of valley construction in which shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied. The valley flashing is not exposed.