Thursday, February 26, 2015

Know the lingo: terms used by roofing contractors

Roofing contractors working on a house
It helps to understand what roofing contractors are talking about

The roofing industry has its own jargon, just like many other industries.  If you are new to working with roofing contractors, this jargon can be very confusing.  In Charlotte and Concord NC, Advanced Roofing and Exterior, one of Charlotte’s best roofing company can help you understand these terms. 

Next time you need to meet with roofing contractors, use the glossary below to help make sense of the conversation.   

Terms commonly used by roofing contractors

Building paper – roofing contractors use this heavy paper in roofs or walls to make them damp proof. 
Cornice – Located at the top of a wall or under the overhang, this is a projection off the roof. 
Eaves – this is an extension on the roof which projects beyond the walls of the house.
Flashing – these are of pieces of metal used by roofing contractors on the angles and junctions of a roof.  
Gambrel roof – this is a roof with two different pitches.  It is designed to increase the space on the upper floors of the house. 
Gutter – a gutter is a channel located within the eaves which conveys rain water away from the roof.
Pitch – this is the slope or the angle of the roof.
Roof sheathing – these are sheets, typically from plywood which are nailed to the top edges of the rafters or trusses.
Shakes – these are wood shingles which are cut by hand.
Shingles – these are a type of roofing material consisting of asbestos, wood or some other material.
Soffit – this is the underside of parts of the roof which is visible.  This can include the beams, cornice or the roof eave.
Valley – this is the depression located where the two roof slopes meet.


Even if you are not a new homeowner, it can be difficult to understand certain terms used by roofing contractors. Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of the best roofing contractors in Charlotte can help you understand these terms and make the right choice for your new roof.