Barnett Roofing

One of the reasons why a roofing project can feel daunting is the industry-specific terms that roofing contractors use, which can make a consultation a struggle to keep up with.  In today’s post, the local roofers at Barnett Roofing help make the process easier with this guide to the key roofing terms commonly used by roofers.

1. Roof deck. Alternatively referred to as “decking” or “sheathing”, the roof deck is the flat surface, typically made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board), that is installed over the roof framing. This is the surface where all outer layers, such as shingles or standing seam metal sheets, are installed.

2. Underlayment. Also known as “felt”, the underlayment is the thin sheet of material that goes over the roof deck, protecting it from contact with moisture. There are three types of roofing underlayment: asphalt-saturated felt (or “organic” underlayment), rubberized asphalt and — the  most popular one — synthetic.

3. Shingles. While most people use the term “shingles” and “asphalt shingles” interchangeably, the former is a broader term that refers to any material that is installed in an overlapping manner. Wood, slate and asphalt shingles are all installed this way.

4. Rafters and trusses. These are two different types of roof framing. Rafters can be considered as the more traditional of the two: it features a series of wooden beams that extend from ridge to eave (top to bottom of a roof slope), and is ideal for roofs with steep slopes. They’re built by the roofer on-site. Trusses, on the other hand, are prefabricated structures that feature a more webbed design. It’s ideal for complex roof designs and has a greater structural span than rafters.

5. Flashing. Flashing is the material that protects vulnerable areas such as breaks on the roofing plane such as valleys, areas penetrated by chimneys and pipes, and where the roof meets a wall. Flashing is typically made of a corrosion-resistant metal like copper or aluminum, though pipes are protected by a “boot”, which is made of rubber or soft plastic.

6. Ridge vents. Since warm and humid air tends to rise, vents are placed at the highest point of the roof — the ridges. They help prevent heat and moisture from getting trapped in the attic.

7. Soffits and fascia. These are components found at the lowest point of the roof. Soffits are the vents installed horizontally, and they take in cool air to replace the warm and humid air expelled at the ridge vents. Fascia is the vertical board that covers the rafter tails. In addition to giving the roof a finished look, they also provide a flat surface for gutter installation.

Whether you’re an inexperienced or a seasoned homeowner, our roofers at Barnett Roofing will make sure that you know what you’re getting before you sign up for a roofing project. Give us a call at (865) 936-6959, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.