If you’re a standard homeowner, you certainly have come to know the common roofing terms like shingles, gutters, and attic, but what about the more obscure terms that your contractor may throw around? Instead of smiling and nodding next time a pro is explaining a job to you, let’s dive into some lesser-known roofing terms so that the next time your contractor says your “flashing” needs to be replaced, you know exactly what he or she is talking about.
8 Lesser-Known Roofing Terms You Need to Know
1. Flashing- This is a small strip of material, usually metal like aluminum or steel, that is placed over joints in the roof. This is to prevent water damage from rain seeping in through the cracks between the shingles and other components like the chimney, vents, and skylights. Flashing will occur wherever there is a break in the roof and there needs to be protection between any exposed areas.
2. Batten- If you have a steep roof, these are thick strips of wood or metal that are set over your roof’s structural deck. It can serve as extra insulation, a way to elevate your roof covering, or be the part that attaches to your primary roof covering. Or, a batten can be a plastic or metal bar that holds the membrane or other parts of the roof together.
3. Built-Up Roof- This is a common roofing system that often goes by the acronym BUR. They are also known as “tar and gravel” roofs, and they’re made of layers of fabrics and bitumen which combine to form a tough membrane.
4. Gravel Stop- A sheet metal flashing attached to the roof’s edge to prevent water damage. It also prevents the gravel surface of a built-up roof from falling over the edge.
5. Cricket- Also known as a saddle, this small ridge that diverges water from the elevated side of a structure like a chimney to prevent water damage.
6. Interlayment- This is a metal or felt sheet that is used in steep roofs to help it become more hardy to extreme weather conditions. It especially protects it from high winds and rain, and is the most popular when using wood shakes.
7. Ponding- If your contractor notices this, you need to make repairs ASAP. Ponding is the excessive accumulation of water in its lower areas. If there is non-stop rain, you shouldn’t panic if you see pools of water just yet. However, if it’s been a couple of days and the sun has been shining and you still see pools of water in the low-lying areas of your roof, you have a ponding issue. p.s. this is a more common issue in flat roofs.
8. Substrate- This is any surface that you apply your roofing membrane to. In the roofing world, we apply membranes to decks or rigid board insulation.
Roof Inspections and Repairs In Northern Virginia
Make sure that your home is properly protected from the damaging natural effects by maintaining your roof this fall.
Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new roof is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for roof replacement in Centreville VA and surrounding cities. Give us call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our roofing experts. You can also request a free estimate through our convenient online request form today.
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