Understanding Roofing
Your satisfaction relies on your knowledge of a product. Even if you never become an expert on that product, you still need to know what to ask when considering buying.
Roof replacements in your area will vary in price and quality. Whether you know how to measure a roof, or whether or not your price was fair does require you to know just enough to feel satisfied in purchasing a new roof.
Searching for a roofing contractor can be stressful enough on its own. Add in complicated roofing terms and it gets confusing. Confusion about the terms makes it difficult to understand what you’re getting. Aggregate? Weep holes? Not sure what any of these mean? No worries! That’s why we’re here. We’re going to simplify it all to make your search for a new roof easier.
Terms:
Aggregate – A roofing system surfacing that’s made from crushed stone or rocks or gravel.
Base Sheet – An asphalt or coated felt used as the base for a built-up roofing system.
Bitumen – A black sticky mixture, also known as asphalt.
Cap sheet – A waterproofing membrane added to the base sheet using an open flame.
Double Graveling – The application of two layers of gravel in hot bitumen.
Eaves – The part of the roof that hangs over the walls of your home. It is the edges of the roof. Gutters are generally installed on the edges of the eaves.
Rafters – Support frame attached to a roof deck.
Ridges – Where the roof lines intersect at the highest points. On the ridges you will find shingles.
Single-Ply Roofing – This is a roofing system with a single-ply membrane.
Soffit Ventilation – A vent that allows fresh air in through the attic. The eaves of the roof contain the soffit.
Underlayment – Your roof’s base layer that is between the roof deck and the shingles. It is usually waterproof or water resistant. This all depends on the quality and type of the underlayment[2].
Weep Holes – Found along the top ridge of the roof, these holes help get rid of any absorbed water.
Wind Uplift – Displacement of a roof’s shingles due to wind pressure.
