Glossary

Roofing Terms

Architectural Shingle

Laminated shingles that give you roof more dimension and high end look.

Asphalt Shingle

Overlapping shingles made of asphalt to waterbroof a roof

Decking

(or wood sheathing) layer of lumber - generally OSB or Plywood that your underlayment and finish attach to.

Drip Edge

Metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components.

Eaves

The edge of a roof that sticks out or hangs over the building's side.

Fascia

Exposed horizontal trim board that is 90 degrees to the soffit. It protects the roof cavity from moisture and supports the gutter system

Flashing

Thin metal that is used to direct water away from critical areas of the roof like a wall or dormer. It may surround vents, chimneys, & skylights

Gable

A roof consisting of two sections whose upper horizontal edges meet to form a ridge

Ice Dam

A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof - often causing leaks and water damage

Ice Shield

A waterproofing underlayment installed on roofs to prevent damage caused by ice and wind-driven rain

Ridge Cap

Material that is used to cover the peak of a gable roof where two sloping sides meet.

Soffit

Exposed siding that sits beneath your roof's overhang. It protects the rafters.

Squares

A measurement of your roof that is 10ft x 10ft often used by contractors to determine how much material is needed.

Underlayment

A thin layer of protective foam installed between roof deck and shingles. These help protect roofs from mold and moisture

Valley

Where two roof facets meet at a slope to form an interior angle

Siding Terms

Aluminum

A chemically coated siding that is painted for further protection on exterior of buildings

Board & Batten

Siding/paneling style that uses narrow strips of a meterial placed over joints of wide boards for a geometric layered style

Brick Ties

Metal strips or bars that connect walls both internally and externally during construction to ensure stability

Brick Veneer

Also known as brick siding, uses a single layer of bricks to cover a wooden or steel frame

Clapboard

Horizontal boards that overlap each other, shaped like wedges

Composite

Exterior siding made of scrap wood that’s compressed and bonded. These help protect from fungi and insects

Engineered Wood

Composite material made up of thin strips of wood that have been pressed and bonded using resin

Fiber Cement

A long lasting and low maintenance material used to cover the exterior of buildings, made of rigid and dense material

Flange

The section of siding where the nailing slots/holes are located. Sometimes called a nail hem.

Hardie

Also known as fiber cement siding designed to mimic wood, in the form of planks or shingles

House Wrap

A weather resistant barrier placed underneath the siding preventing rain and other moisture from getting into the wall assembly

J-Channel

A bracket that's used to secure siding to the side of a house - It is in the shape of a J

Joint

The area where on panel of siding overlaps another.

LP

A cost-effective engineered wood siding made primarily from polyvinyl chloride

Masonite

A hardboard siding made from a mixture of wood fibers, glue, & resins. These materials are compressed and heated to create a solid siding board

Stucco/EIFS

A cement-like exterior finish applied to the outermost layer of buildings

Tongue & Groove

Wood planking where adjacent boards are joined by interlocking ridges down their sides.

Reveal

A description for the amount of lap siding that is visible

Vinyl

A plastic exterior used for weatherproofing houses and apartment buildings

Wood/Cedar

Wooden exterior used to protect from damage and prevent heat loss

Window Terms

Argon

A gas used between glass panes to insulate glass panels

Dormer

A roofed structure that projects out from the sloped roof of a house or building - often above windows.

Fiberglass

Made from fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fibers and resin that keeps buildings/homes energy efficient

Glazing

The glass inside of a window, also referring to windowpanes

Jamb

The lining that forms the sides of a door or window frame

Metal-Clad Windows

A metal exterior layer that is wrapped around wood windows or doors’ frames

Vinyl Windows

Windows with frames made of PVC that are resistant to water and humidity.

Wainscoating

A wood lining or paneling that covers a wall. Often in symmetric geometric patterns

Window Casement

A window that opens on one or more hinges, attached to the window frame

Window Sash

Framework that can be opened or closed to allow ventilation and outside access. A window sash holds the glass panes in place

Weep Hole

A small opening at the bottom of the exterior frame of a window to allow water to drain

Wood

Window frame material typically made of softwood or hardwood