Roofing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

When undertaking a roofing project, whether it’s a minor repair or a complete overhaul, the jargon used by your roof replacement company can sometimes feel like a foreign language. Understanding these terms not only helps in communicating effectively with your contractor but also ensures you’re fully aware of the work being done on your property. Jack The Roofer shares in this blog post the different roofing terms every homeowner should know.

Roof Structure

It’s important to first have a basic understanding of the roof’s structural components. These include:

• Joists and Rafters. These are the wooden beams that support your roof. Joists run horizontally, while rafters are inclined, following the slope of the roof.
• Decking or Sheathing. It refers to the wooden boards, usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), that make up the roof’s framing. It’s the foundation upon which every other roofing component is laid.
• Underlayment. It is a protective layer installed on top of the decking. It’s generally made from waterproof or water-resistant materials to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture.

Key Roofing Materials

When discussing materials with a roofer, you’ll encounter these common terms:

• Outer Roof Covering. These are the most visible part of your roof. They come in various materials, from asphalt shingles and metal panels, to clay tiles and slate. Shingles, which are the most commonly used, are installed overlapping each other to prevent water from entering the home.
• Flashing: It is a thin metal sheet, usually made of metal, that’s placed at the valleys, joints, and any point where the roof surface meets a vertical surface like walls and chimneys. Flashing is crucial for preventing water seepage into the structure.
• Gutters and Downspouts. Although not part of the roof per se, gutters and downspouts are essential for water management, channeling water runoff away from the foundation of your home.

Roof Replacement

There comes a time when repairs may no longer suffice, and a full roof replacement becomes necessary. Important terms include:

• Estimate. It is a detailed proposal provided by the roofing company outlining the scope of work, materials to be used, and the total cost of the project.
• Warranty. Always inquire about both the manufacturer’s warranty, which covers roofing materials, and the workmanship warranty, which covers the labor provided by your roofer.
• Tear-Off Roofing. It is a roof replacement method in which the roofer completely removes your old roof and checks and repairs your roofing structure and attic before the new roofing material is installed.
• Re-Roofing/Roof-Overs. It is another type of roof replacement method wherein the old roof serves as the substrate for the new roof. It’s only recommended if most of the old roof is still intact and that there is no noticeable damage to it. Only two layers of roofing are allowed; the next roof replacement requires a tear-off.

Now that you know the right roofing terms, you’re now equipped with the knowledge that will help you jumpstart your roofing project with ease. To ensure its success, turn to Jack The Roofer. Count on us to provide exceptional roofing services in Castle Rock and Parker, CO. Call us today at (720) 722-2255, or fill out this contact form to get an estimate.