Glossary of Roofing

Roofing Term:	Professional Definition:	Layperson Definition
Valley	The intersection between two roof slopes where all the rain will eventually flow. It directs and funnels the water down to the end of this valley where it will deposit 100% of this roof areas water either into a gutter, or on to the next roof area.	A natural area lying between two mountains
Closed Valley	Utilizing the roofing shingles as the primary waterproofing device. It is not advised in our climate as this critical area can wear out too easily, look worn out quickly, or allow water ingress before the roofing product life is over.	A National Park area lying between two mountains.
Open Valley	A Metal Flashing is installed with around 4 to 6 inches exposed between the two adjoining roof surfaces. 100% of the rain and water will eventually enter this critical intersection off the adjoining roof slopes...so make darn sure it is installed with good material and good workmanship.	A wide open natural area lying between two mountains with free access.
Eaves-trough	The bottom of the roof where all the water will flow, and the gutter which will contain the water flow and direct it to further drainage	When someone is spying on another person without their permission. You can get arrested for this.
Hip	The intersection of two roof planes coming together along the slope	Someone who is really together; or someone still stuck in the late 60's mentality.
Ridge	The peak where to sides of a roof meet at the top	Clint Eastwood made a great movie called Heartbreak Ridge.
Roof	The device which covers a structure from above. It will support the roofing material and provide the slope for drainage, as well as give the project its architectural style.	Americans call it "Ruff"
Roofing	The waterproofing which covers the above structure, protecting it from the elements. The texture, style, colour, and thickness of the roofing materials will have a major impact on the curb appeal and architectural look of the finished project.	Americans call it "ruffing", and Canadians think these Americans are talking about camping.
Flashing	The metal work or product which waterproofs a roofing detail or roof intersection	Another thing that one can get arrested for... unless its your badge that's flashed.
Venting	A requirement by most roofing manufacturers to have minimum ventilation achieved for their warranties to be valid. It is to release heat and condensation from the attic space beneath the roof, which can damage roofing materials as well as your structure. Most existing homes are under vented and do not have enough devices to properly achieve a healthy home and a healthy roof.	Something my spouse does every 28 days. I like to golf or work late during these periods of my life.
Static Venting	A small device which allows natural convection of moist or hot area to evacuate an attic. Normally small plastic vents which offer only limited success in venting all the attic space, unless you plaster the whole backside of a roof with these.	The same old argument, over, and over, and ...
Whirlybirds	A wind assisted, and convection assisted static vent. Normally much more effective than a regular static vent. Important to have dual stainless steel bearings to prevent eventual seizure which will can create water ingress during wind-blown rain. They should also be made of Aluminum to allow easier turning, and are less apt to seize up do to rust.	Whirly...what ? Must be a duck after been shot by a hunter.
Power Venting	Electric Power Vents are thermostatically controlled to automatically come on and off when attic temperatures reach certain pre-defined temperatures. They also may have a humidistat to turn on the vent on when certain moisture / humidity levels are reached in the attic. It will act as a large static vent prior to powering on. A very functional and effective means of attic ventilation.	A group of wives during one of their Power Lunches, usually complaining about their husbands.
Ridge Venting	An effective way to vent moist or hot air out of attic spaces beneath the roofing materials. Drawing air (intake) from the soffit venting under the overhangs of the roof, ridge vents provide a more consistent drying of the plywood all across the roof surface. This convection process works free forever, as long as the vents remain clear from dust and debris, and as long as the soffit vents provide ample intake. The Ridge Vents can also add dimensional texture below the ridge caps which can create a much more realistic shake-look effect on Fiberglass Laminated Shingles. See Pro-Design Caps. Although not advised on low pitch roofs, with special detailing and sealing, ridge venting can still be used.	Standing on the top of the roof and yelling out to the world your opinion in a clear strong voice !
Drain	A device which is intended to evacuate the rainfall and melting snow from the bottom of the slopes of a roof surface.	My ex-wife's major new goal in her life to affect on my resources.
Larger Drains	Something more roofers, builders, homeowners and designers need to specify , especially on flat roofs and "built in gutters", to better evacuate the rainfall off of roofs in our stormy high-rainfall area.	Teenager's effect on the family resources.
Modified Membranes	Asphalt Rolled Roofing which is normally reinforced with fiberglass or polyester fabric, and has been "modified" by adding rubber or plastic modifiers to the asphalt to improve the flexibility and performance of the product. Usually applied by a roofing torch or asphalt adhesives by adhering tow or more layers of product together.	The result of a sex change operation, I presume.
Self Adhered Membranes	Replacement alternative for Torch-On membranes. Reinforced Fiberglass and Polyester SBS Modified membranes which can installed without the fire hazard of the roofing torch used for Torch-On systems. Simply peel off the back protection film and stick down the product with its built on adhesive. Applying pressure with a large steel roller between each layer will create a good roofing system with two, three, or four layers thickness. Just like Torch-On the roof system has base sheets, overlayment recover sheets, and cap sheets.	That guy in American Pie 2 had some trouble with this.
Torch-On	The modified membranes noted above are heat welded together in two or three ply roof systems to form the finished roof membrane covering low-slope and flat roofs. Many roofers no longer carry valid insurance for the fire hazard this system can create during the installation processes. Most manufacturers of Torch-On now require the first base sheet layers to now be self-adhered membranes, and no longer permit direct Torching to wood substrates. Caution. Caution. And make sure someone has valid insurance before allowing this to be installed and risking a fire that may burn down the entire project.	Something a pyromaniac gets a kick out of. Insurance companies are learning to live in fear of these roofing systems.
Shakes	Usually made from cedar, these are hand-split from raw cedar blocks, preferably along the edge grain. Hand Split shakes are usually made from better raw material than cedar shingles as it takes older growth wood to successfully make good hand-split wood shakes. Split shakes are almost always better than sawn shakes.	If you have these consider attending an AA meeting
Shingles	The wood version is sawn from raw cedar blocks or logs. It doesn't usually require as old of growth wood to produce these completely machine made sawn products. Most "shakes" being installed in South West BC are in fact "Tapersawn Shakes" which are shingles in disguise, and often cup, curl, warp and check long before they start to rot.	My grandfather said he got these. I assume that is why he had trouble sitting for long periods.
Shingles...	For the last fifty years or so, the most popular roof covering material. They are usually made from asphalt bitumen covering a roofing matt. The older style shingles were "duroid" or paper based mats, which in our region tended to curl up at the edges. The new way of building shingles for better performance is utilizing fiberglass or polyglass mats. All these "mats" are run into a rolled roofing which is then chopped into a variety of shingle styles.	After three or four drinks in a bar... what many guys are hunting for.
Laminates	A version of the asphalt shingles noted above which take two or more chopped shingle shapes, laminate them together with roofing asphalt, to form a dimensional shingle with an architectural look.	The flooring guy keeps trying to sell me these. So does those countertop guys. Now the roofing guys are all trying to sell me these too ?? !!!!
Underlayment	An important and functional back-up water-shedding system, often required on most low slope and steep roof systems. From simple roofing felt to fancy SBS modified membranes, the underlayment can make the difference between a good performing roofing system, or not, as well as a warrantable roofing system, or not.	Lingerie, I presume. The old timers say they never used underlayment in the old days. But times have changed and so have roofing system designs.
Skylight	A designer element which allows natural light to reach the inner structure of a building through a roofing surface. Most are curb mounted skylights made from double glazed glass attached to an aluminum frame. These curbs are waterproofed and flashed by the roofing material installer.	That moving marquee of light which I used to spend many nights driving toward to see what new movie premiere or car lot was opening.
Tubular Skylight	A new device which is simpler to install, similar to a B-Vent Flashing, which delivers natural light to the rooms below the roof surface. A light dome is installed over mirrored pipe which reflects the light down to diffuser mounted in the ceiling.	See above.
Applicator	An underpaid and under appreciated installer of roofing products. He climbs up great heights, with its associated risks, to carry out his waterproofing tasks and workmanship.	That device which installs the wax prior to a painful removal process.
Inspection	Something that one presumes is done in great detail, to check if the workmanship and the materials meet the requirements of the building code, and the manufacturer's recommended installation practice.	Something I have to do every two years to see if my car is exhausting too many pollutants... and it costs me $48 !!!
Leak	The result of poor workmanship on a roofing installation, or a failing roofing product component.	After 4 beers, a necessary function.
WCB	Another layer of bureaucracy which works hard to avoid paying out for legitimate worker injuries, and works even harder to fine and cause grief upon thousands of construction site workers and companies. For you Americans...think OSHA.	If your contractor does not have WCB that is current and in good standing, and one of his workers is injured on your property, you may be personally liable for the costs of his injury.
Conversion	Normally refers to converting a cedar shake roof to a fiberglass laminated shingled roof system.	A religious experience. Also... that thing we Canadians get ripped off with when we fly south each winter. An American conspiracy perhaps, as they keep coming north to enjoy cheap summers and winters at discounted dollars. Now Americans are mad at conversion rates as well now that the Euro converts higher than the US Dollar.
Contract	A written document which clearly spells out the work to be performed, the materials and application methods to be installed, and the value which will be paid for such services.	A written document that you darn well better have, unless you're thrilled with "Russian Roulette", even if you trust your contractor.
Contractor	A company or individual that writes a written document known as "the contract", and is responsible for performing the work noted in the above contract in a responsible diligent manner.	That guy who still hasn't shown up yet to start or finish the job.
Customer	The person for which the roofing contractor expects will pay immediately for work completed as per the contract, as the contractor is not in the financing business.	The Boss. Yes me, the customer...the guy who's footing the bill.
Lien	A registration of claim against the title of the property when work or materials are not paid for.	A structure which is not built on a solid foundation and according to code will do this in a few years.
Nail	The mechanical fastener which will hold the roofing material to the structure.	The end of the finger where many teenagers spend endless hours artistically decorating their appendage.
Water Ingress	The rain and water penetrating the roofing system, also known as a leak.	A water foul, I presume.
Tiles	Usually referring to the concrete roof tiles which are installed as a great looking roofing product. Some of the longest lasting tiles are made from Glazed and Baked Clay tiles, and have shown they can last for hundreds of years. Concrete tiles can be very troublesome unless installed with better roofing practice than is the norm for today's market. They have had leaks inside of 5 to 10 years in our region, often due to cheap vents, penetration leaks around pipes and flashings, as well as bad detailing in built in gutters, and lack of proper anti-ponding materials at the eave. Lots of concrete roof tiles are being replaced around here that are only 20 to 30 years old, even though the manufacturers suggest they have 50 year or Lifetime Warranties. Concrete or clay roof tiles are breakable and you should avoid walking on these roofs. Concrete tiles are better value than cedar shakes, if installed correctly. Clay tiles are better value than concrete tiles in our region (if you use good clay such as MCA Clay Tile) considering how long they look good and perform compared to typical concrete tiles. Unfortunately clay tile such as MCA is sold out and not currently available in our region without more than one year's notice, if available at all. High Definition and High Performance Architectural Shingles such as Presidential TL Shakes, Grand Manor, Landmark TL Shakes, Centennial Slate, or Carriage House shangles are far more walkable than concrete roof tiles, and can provide a better long term solution, and yet they still have an executive class style and texture that can compete with concrete roof tiles. Concrete Roof tile is better value and far better in architectural style than a 30 year or 40 year Laminated Fiberglass Shingle roof. The concrete roof tile will add real higher intrinsic value and real estate sales potential ( a higher price !) to your completed home or project.	Scrabble players covet these.
Gable	The side edge of a roof which drops vertically over the fascia. These gables should have "rake edge" metal installed for further water ingress and wind protection, as well as covering up new plywood layers added during "shake roof conversions".	Anne of Green ...
Fascia	The board structure of the face of gables and the front of the eave of the roof. We can make fascia cover metal in our custom sheet metal shop to clad the fascia and give you years of no painting required satisfaction and savings.	The area which continues to wrinkle more each and every day on my wife. Note to my honey: No dear, you still look like you are under twenty...really dear ! I know your almost fifty, but I swear you look not a day over seventeen ! Now... do I still have to sleep on the couch ?
Drip	The result of roof leakage, or the lack of effective eaves-trough devices.	My ex-spouse.
Drip Edge Flashing	An under-appreciated metal flashing which improves the weather protection of roof edges and eaves from wind-blown rain and capillary water seepage. 49 of the 50 US States require its use, but here in the "rainforest" climate of this region, roofers rarely install it unless requested to by builders or homeowners. Remember, of all the rain that hits the roof, 100% of it is evacuating the roof at the eave on sloped roofs. Better protection in this area is always desired. A "T" shaped metal drip edge can help support the shingles from drooping over the gutter and ruining the realism of the "shake-look shingles". It is also mandatory for high end thicker shingles such as Landmark TL and Presidential TL, as their installation instructions demand only a 1/4" overhang. In the Pacific Northwest and Southern BC regions it is essential with our rainfall to therefore have a "T" shaped metal drip edge to assure water protection in this zone.	My ex-spouse showing off way too much skin to the guitarist during a U2 concert.
Florida's Dade County Rules	Stronger severe weather requirements for roofing materials in a severe weather storm-prone zone.	If you have been watching "Invasion" lately, its the new rules for the "newcomers" in the Miami Dade County area to not make it obvious there are actually disgusting squids occupying the body underneath the attractive skin of all the local residents.
Storm Chasers	Contractors that come and go with the wind, arriving into town soon after a storm to reap the rewards of massive re-roofing activity. They also tend to leave soon after as well. Long term labour warranties are probably more reliable if offered by local roofers and in-place to stay companies.	The squids are creating an ever increasing amount of hurricanes down in Dade County, increasing their population of newcomers. The show "Invasion" has theories that are making me paranoid about all the real storms down there near Miami. Perhaps the aliens were responsible for the Florida "chad" controversy, voting in their favorite alien Jeb Bush.
Apprentice	A worker learning the trade. Hopefully you have more than just an apprentice installing your roofing materials, as experienced installers are needed on the job as well to better ensure a satisfactory completion of a roof system.	Donald Trump's famous show allowing us to watch a group of people squirm, maneuver, and suffer until the inevitable firing of all but one.
Rubber Shakes	Usually made from recycled rubber tires and plastics. A synthetic roof system that performs best when made as individual sized smaller rubber shakes or slates, rather than 'panelized" 3ft wide-format shingles. Wide-panel type rubber shakes or slates may fade leaving obvious rectangular shaped deviated shapes in the roof that are unsightly and unappealing, where normal sized smaller width shakes or slates still look natural. Also wider 3ft panels of rubber shakes may expand in dimension and create buckled roofs or "unlocked" wind tabs.	Nervousness about safe sex.
Asphalt	A residual product from oil. Asphalt Bitumen is one of the leftovers after gasoline and many other oil products and chemicals are processed from the bunker oil. This heavy sticky product might go to waste if it were not for road-building asphalt or uses by the roofing industry. Shingle manufacturers "blow" asphalt and add mineral fillers to create the asphalt which they produce shingles and other roofing products from. Some asphalt shingle manufacturers create better performing grades or recipes of roofing asphalt than others. Although this asphalt is the primary waterproofing of any roofing shingle or membrane, some manufacturers add more "filler" to their asphalt, thus lowering their costs and their selling price, but unfortunately lowering the quality and durability of the roofing material.	We learned recently that methane gas, given off by the sewage treatment process in some cities, is harnessed to use as energy during the creation of asphalt roofing shingles. So the next time you take a dump, remember you may be helping build your local shingle roofing manufacturer's products, and be proud about it. You can point to local shingle roofs and say ... I helped build that shingle!
Algae-Resistant	Copper is encapsulated into granules that are added to shingles, to reduce the algae-staining occurrences on the shingle roof. The target is the air-borne algae (black) that discolors or makes streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Some manufacturers, such as Certainteed and Malarkey, add a greater percentage of these copper granules than other shingle manufacturers, and thus offer far greater algae resistance properties and are willing to offer 15 to 20 year warranties on the algae resistance . There are others that actually only put in a minute or very small percentage of the copper or zinc, and then only offer a 5 year AR warranty, when in fact most shingles won't show algae growth in the first 5 years anyways.	The Creature from Lost Lagoon and Invasion's squids both seem to be algae resistant. Moss tends to grow on algae. A rolling rock grows no moss. Copper granules release an electrostatic charge that resists algae growth.
Malarkey	Manufacturer of high quality laminated shingles using the patented "Zone" wide lap technology, as well as "SBS" Modified Asphalt shingles.	When someone says I am full of malarkey... it sounds like they think I am full of B.S. I actually really do have a large inventory of malarkey!
Snap Lock	A metal roofing panel with stand up seams that you nail or screw down in a hidden nail flange, and then you "Snap" down the next panel onto the previous one. A very durable roofing system. Also available with separate clips for greater expansion of longer panels.	When my wife "vents", she usually "snaps" and then "locks" the bedroom door.
Power Nailing	Pneumatic Air driven fasteners can really speed up the job of applying shingles, but may lead to warranty nullification if the applicator does not properly place the fasteners in the specific area required by the shingle manufacturers. Currently, Malarkey and Certainteed allow for the easiest and fasted power nailing because of their wider nail areas on their laminated asphalt shingles.	A trip to Hugh Hefner's mansion on a Saturday Night may lead to these circumstances.
Square	Typically a square of roofing indicates 100 square feet. A roofer estimates how many "squares" he will need of roofing materials, and how many "squares" he will need to install. This usually includes the field area shingles or tiles, as well as the materials needed to cover the hips, ridges, and starter course.	...do I really have to say it? Form a 90* angle with your thumbs and forefingers, place them together in opposing positions, and point to the conservative chap sitting across from you who doesn't appreciate your upbeat music tastes.

For all those with a sense of humor, we trust you had a good time reading our viewpoint on roofing definitions. For those of you who were offended in any way, or disagree with our viewpoints or definitions, we suggest you look at the Collegiate Webster Dictionary next time you need to know a roofing definition, or refrain from looking at our glossary which is sure to get more off-base or colourful as time progresses.