Osceola County Roofing 101: Most Important Roofing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Roofing is the most basic and essential element of a home. It protects the house from rain, hail, sun, and other severe weather conditions. 

A well-maintained roof can last for decades without any major repairs or replacements; however, when it does need to be repaired or replaced it’s important that you choose a reputable company that will not only fix your roof but also answer all your questions in an understandable manner.

At R&C Roofing and Contracting, we always make sure to keep the communication as clear and transparent as possible, but we also understand that there still may be some industry-specific terms that our homeowners may not be very familiar with.

So, to help with that, we’ve created this guide to some basic roofing terminology that will help you be more confident when discussing roofing, as well as make more informed decisions.

Read on!

Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the world. They are often made from asphalt, wood, or slate, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. And among those, asphalt shingles have been the absolute leaders and material of choice for homeowners across the U.S.

There are three main types of asphalt shingles: strip or 3-tab, laminated or architectural, and luxury or designer shingles.

Strip shingles are the most common type and they are made from a single layer of asphalt. Laminated shingles are made from multiple layers of asphalt, and they are more durable than strip shingles. And finally, luxury shingles are made from multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass, and they are the most durable and beautiful type of asphalt shingle.

Flashing

Roof flashing is a material that is used to seal and protect joints and seams in a roof system. It is made from metal, plastic, or rubber, and it is installed around protrusions such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. Roof flashing is essential for protecting a roof system from water seeping under the shingles and into your home.

Roof Ridge

A roof ridge is the horizontal line that runs along the top of a roof. It is formed by the intersection of the roof’s two sloping sides, and it is usually covered with roofing material such as shingles or tiles. Roof ridges are important for protecting a roof system from water damage, and they should be inspected regularly for leaks.

Roof Vents

Roof vents are a type of roofing accessory that is used to expel heat and moisture from a building. There are three main types of roof vents: gable vents, ridge vents, and soffit vents.

Gable vents are installed in the gable end of a roof, and they are used to exhaust heat and moisture from the attic. Ridge vents are installed along the ridge of a roof, and they are used to exhaust heat and moisture from the attic and the roof cavity. Soffit vents are installed in the soffit of a roof, and they are also used to exhaust heat and moisture from the attic.

Roof Deck

Roof decking, also known as sheathing, is the very basis of a roof, on top of which roofing materials are installed. It is usually made from plywood, OSB, or fiberboard, and it basically supports the entire roofing system, which means it needs to be sturdy and well-built.

Roof Valleys

A roof valley is an area where two roof slopes intersect at the bottom. It is often a weak point in a roof system, and it is susceptible to water damage. That is why, to prevent any water damage, roof valleys should be properly sealed and protected with roof flashing.

Roofing Square

A roofing square is a unit of measure that is used to quantify the size of a roof. It is defined as the area of a roof that is equal to 100 square feet. For example, if your roof is 15 squares, this equals 1,500 square feet. Roof squares are important for estimating the cost of a roofing project, and they should be measured by a professional roofer.

Want to Know More? Give Us a Call!

Knowing your basic roofing terminology will undoubtedly help you make better decisions about repairing or replacing your current roofing system, as well as talk to your roofer more confidently.

We hope that our homeowner’s guide has been helpful and informative, and if you need any more information on anything we’ve covered or want to schedule a free inspection, give us a call! Your #1 Osceola County roofing contractor is at your full disposal!