Glossary of Roofing Terms and Definitions A-G

Glossary of Terms

3-Tab Shingles - Traditional shingles which are about 12 inches wide and 36 inches long. They are installed so that approximately 51/2 inches of each shingle is exposed to the weather. 3-tabs usually carry a 15 to 25 year warranty.
Architectural shingles - Also referred to as dimensional shingles. These are fiberglass shingles which come in a variety of colors and styles and which can carry up to a 50 year warranty. The shingles are installed somewhat differently from traditional 3-tab shingles. These shingles are sold in bundles with 3 to 5 bundles required for every 100 feet of coverage.
Bundles - Most roofing shingles are delivered in bundles. Most often it takes 3 bundles to cover 100 square feet, however this may vary and the purchaser should always be sure of how many bundles will be required for each square of coverage before ordering material. Bundles of asphalt or fiberglass shingles typically weigh 75 to 90 pounds.
Cover Over - Also referred to as a lay over job, is when a new layer of shingles is laid on top of existing shingles. Many local building codes allow up to two layers of shingles to be applied to a structure. Older homes might have even more layers. Shingles should never be applied over existing shingles if the lower layer is too worn out, curled from excessive heat, or brittle. When considering whether to cover over a roof be sure to consider the fact that a typical square of shingles will add between 215 and 260 pounds of load to your structure.
Cricket - This term describes a structure built behind a chimney or wall that protrudes into a downward sloping roof line. The cricket protects from a dead end valley where water can pond, or debris can accumulate.
Cut Valley - The practice of applying a layer of shingles into and past a valley onto the intersecting roof surface, several inches. Then a layer of shingles is applied to the intersecting roof surface, over top of the shingles just run from the other roof surface. The top layer of shingles is then cut along the line of the valley.
Dead End Valley - Any place on a roof surface where the descending roof slope is stopped by a protruding wall or chimney where the end line is parallel to the ground so that water can not naturally flow off of the roof and therefore creates a danger of water ponding and leaking.
Dormer - A structure protruding out of a roof structure. Dormers often have wall surfaces which include windows.
Dripedge - a metal strip which is applied to the outside perimeter of a roof surface. The strips are typically made of aluminum or galvanized metal and are 10 feet in length.
Dump Fees - These are fees charged by land fills to accept debris from a completed roof job. Often construction debris is charged a higher rate than other forms of trash.
Fascia Board - The trim board at the bottom and ends of the roof line.
Flashing - Metal or vinyl material applied where the roof surface, and wall or chimney surfaces intersect. Flashing can be applied as a single sheet, but preferably is interwoven with the shingles. A shingle is applied and then a piece of flashing followed by a shingle and then another piece of flashing.
Gable - The end of a house where the wall surface goes straight to the peak of the roof where it intersects with the roof ridge line. Some roofs are referred to as gabled roofs since the ends of the roof are all gabled.
Gable Vent - Triangular vents located in the gable wall of a structure which provide ventilation for the attic area.
Gambrel Roof - Sometimes referred to as a barn shaped roof. The roof typically has two sections of roof surface at a normal roof pitch (generally 3/12 to 6/12) the bottom of these roof lines are met by another roof surface which extends to the top of the structure's wall at a much steeper pitch.