★ Quick Answer
The roofing trade has its own vocabulary. Here are the terms homeowners encounter in estimates and contracts.
The roofing trade has its own vocabulary. Here are the terms homeowners encounter in estimates and contracts.
Materials
- Architectural shingle: Multi-layer asphalt shingle, dimensional appearance
- 3-tab shingle: Older single-layer asphalt shingle, mostly phased out
- Underlayment: Synthetic or felt layer between decking and shingles
- Ice and water shield: Self-adhered membrane installed in valleys and around penetrations
- Drip edge: Metal flashing at roof edges
Components
- Decking / sheathing: Plywood or OSB under the roofing
- Ridge: The peak where two roof planes meet
- Valley: The interior angle where two planes meet
- Eave: The lower edge that overhangs the wall
- Rake: The slanted edge of a gable
- Fascia: Trim board behind the gutter
- Soffit: Underside of the eave