Browse our comprehensive collection of roofing terms and definitions
Actual Cash Value pays less depreciation; Replacement Cost Value covers full replacement subject to policy terms. Deduct...
Fiberglass-reinforced mats coated with asphalt and ceramic granules; the most common steep-slope residential roof in the...
Natural clay tiles valued for durability and appearance. Installed with battens or direct deck applications depending on...
Jurisdictions adopt IRC and local amendments covering layers, underlayment, attachment, ventilation, and wind zones. Per...
Heavy profiled tiles common in Arizona neighborhoods. Weight, underlayment quality, and fastening method affect longevit...
Shingles engineered with solar reflectance and thermal emittance to reduce heat absorption. Labeled ratings help compare...
Metal or masonry cap protecting the top of parapet walls on commercial roofs, shedding water away from wall cores and me...
Metal cap or reglet-set flashing that covers the top edge of base flashings at walls and chimneys, shedding water over t...
A small peaked diversion built behind chimneys or wide penetrations to prevent water from ponding against the vertical s...
A flat or low-pitch intersection where water collects and cannot drain quickly; requires careful flashing, membrane, or...
Wood decay from chronic moisture, often hidden until shingles feel spongy or tiles sound hollow. Repairs require removin...
Reflective fluid-applied coatings used to renew and protect foam, metal, or single-ply surfaces. Mil thickness and surfa...
Temporary weatherproofing after storm damage or active leaks, anchored without causing additional deck damage. Intended...
Vertical trim at the roof edge that supports gutters and closes rafter tails. Water staining often points to drip-edge,...
Dense dust walls that coat roofs and gutters, sometimes combined with microbursts. Fine dust can clog drains and scratch...
Field review of soft metals, shingle mat bruising, coating dimples, and collateral evidence—not every mark indicates fun...
Asphalt-based rolls reinforced with polymer modifiers, torched, cold-applied, or self-adhered. Often used on smaller com...
Seasonal storm effects including lifted shingles or tiles, broken branches impacting the deck, displaced flashing, and d...
Self-adhered modified bitumen or rubberized asphalt sheet used in valleys, eaves, and penetrations for a secondary seal...
Standing water more than 48 hours after rain indicates poor drainage or sagging structure; accelerates coating breakdown...
Continuous exhaust vent at the ridge paired with soffit intake to move hot attic air. Blocked soffits or pressurized att...