🏡 Residential Roofing Glossary

A plain-language homeowner’s guide to common roofing materials, components, insurance claim terminology, and maintenance tips.

A

ACV (Actual Cash Value)
The value of your roof after depreciation is subtracted. It’s what your insurance company may pay if you don’t have replacement coverage.

Asphalt Shingles
The most common roofing material in the U.S., made of fiberglass coated in asphalt and topped with granules for protection.

B

Blistering
Bubbles or raised areas on shingles caused by trapped moisture or manufacturing defects.

C

Chimney Flashing
Metal installed around the base of a chimney to prevent water from leaking into your home.

Clay Tile Roofing
A roofing material made from natural clay, shaped and baked into curved tiles. Common in warmer climates, long-lasting, and fire-resistant.

Common Roofing Problems
Typical issues homeowners may see include leaks, granule loss (wear of protective surface particles on shingles), algae or moss growth, and curling or cracked shingles. Early detection can prevent costly damage.

Composite/Synthetic Roofing
Engineered roofing materials designed to mimic slate, wood, or tile. Lightweight, durable, and often impact-resistant.

Condensation
Moisture that forms inside the attic or roof space, which can lead to mold or wood rot.

Contingency Agreement
A document stating that the homeowner agrees to hire a contractor if insurance approves the roof replacement.

Cricket
A small peak built behind a chimney to help divert water away and prevent pooling.

D

Decking (Roof Deck)
The wooden base layer of your roof, usually made of plywood or OSB, onto which all roofing materials are installed.

Deductible
The portion of your insurance claim that you are responsible for paying before the insurer covers the rest.

Drip Edge
A metal flashing installed along roof edges to direct water away from fascia and prevent water damage.

E

Eaves
The edges of the roof that extend past the exterior walls of the house.

Eave Protection
Protective materials installed at the eaves to prevent water intrusion, often referring to Ice & Water Shield.

F

Felt Paper
Traditional underlayment made of asphalt-saturated felt, used under shingles.

Flashing
Thin metal installed around roof penetrations (like chimneys or vents) to keep water out.

G

Gable
The triangular section of a wall between the edges of a sloped roof.

Granules
Mineral particles on the surface of asphalt shingles that provide color and UV protection.

Gutter
Channels installed along the eaves to collect and direct rainwater away from the house foundation.

H

Hail Damage Roof Repair
The process of restoring roofing materials damaged by hail impacts. Hail can bruise shingles, dislodge granules, and weaken the roof’s ability to protect your home. Timely repair helps prevent leaks and insurance issues.

Hip Roof
A roof with slopes on all four sides, forming a pyramid or trapezoid shape.

Hail Damage
Damage caused by hailstones that can impact shingles, flashing, and other roof components.

I

Ice & Water Shield
A waterproof membrane placed in vulnerable areas (e.g., valleys, eaves) to protect against ice dams and leaks.

Ice Dam
A buildup of ice at the roof's edge that prevents melting snow from draining and can cause leaks.

L

Leaks
Water intrusion points on a roof caused by damaged or missing shingles, flashing, or other roof components.

M

Maintenance Tips
Regular roof maintenance includes inspecting shingles for damage, cleaning gutters and downspouts, removing debris, checking flashing and vents, and scheduling professional roof inspections every few years.

Metal Roofing
A durable and long-lasting material made of aluminum, steel, or copper. Available in panels or shingles.

Moss Growth
Vegetation that can grow on roof surfaces, trapping moisture and causing damage over time.

N

Nail Pop
A roofing nail that has lifted over time, potentially causing shingles to become loose or damaged.

P

Pitched Roof
A roof with a slope designed to shed water.

Plumbing Vent
A pipe that exits through the roof to release air pressure from household drains.

R

RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
The amount your insurance will pay to replace your roof with new materials, without subtracting depreciation.

Residential Roofing
Includes all roof systems designed for homes. Asphalt shingles are the most common, but materials can also include metal, cedar shake, and tile. Residential roofs typically have steeper slopes and a focus on aesthetics and durability.

Rafter
Structural beams supporting the roof decking.

Ridge
The highest horizontal line where two roof slopes meet.

Ridge Vent
A vent that runs along the ridge of the roof to allow hot, moist air to escape from the attic.

Roof-Related Processes & Insurance

Roof Inspection
A professional assessment of a roof's condition, typically performed after storms, before buying or selling a home, or as part of regular maintenance. Inspectors look for signs of damage, aging, and areas that may lead to leaks.

Roof Insurance Claims
A request with your homeowner’s insurance company to cover repair or replacement costs for damage caused by a covered peril, such as wind, hail, or fire. Homeowners should document damage with photos, keep repair estimates, maintain records of communication, and understand their policy coverage.

Roof Repair
The process of fixing specific problem areas on a roof, such as leaks, missing shingles, cracked flashing, or storm-related damage. Unlike a full replacement, roof repairs target localized issues to extend the life of the existing roof.

Roof Rejuvenation 
Residential roof rejuvenation uses asphalt sealants or roof coatings to restore flexibility, seal cracks, and extend shingle lifespan.

Roof Replacement
Roof replacement involves removing the old roofing materials down to the decking and installing a brand-new roofing system. This is recommended when a roof is beyond repair, has reached the end of its lifespan, or has extensive damage.

S

Scope of Loss
A detailed report from the insurance adjuster describing what was damaged and what will be covered.

Shake Roofing
A thicker, rougher-cut form of wood roofing — typically cedar — with a more rustic appearance.

Slate Roofing
A premium roofing material made from natural stone, known for its lifespan (up to 100+ years) and classic appearance.

Skylight
A window installed in the roof for natural light.

Soffit
The underside of a roof overhang, often vented to allow airflow into the attic.

Snow Guard
Devices installed on roofs in snowy climates to prevent snow and ice from sliding off.

Starter Strip
The first course of roofing material installed along the eaves to provide a secure foundation for the shingles above.

Storm Damage Repair
Fixing roofing, siding, or gutters damaged by severe weather such as hail, wind, or heavy rain. This can include replacing shingles, patching leaks, or structural repairs caused by falling debris or water intrusion.

T

Tear-Off
The process of removing old roofing materials before installing a new roof.

Tile Roofing
Roofing made from curved clay or concrete tiles. Common in Mediterranean-style homes.

TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic Polyolefin, a single-ply commercial roofing membrane sometimes used on residential flat roofs.

U

Underlayment
A water-resistant or waterproof layer installed under the shingles to protect the roof deck.

V

Valley
Where two roof slopes meet, forming a channel for rainwater to run off.

Ventilation
Systems or methods to allow airflow in the attic space to prevent heat buildup and moisture.

Vent Pipe
A plumbing pipe that exits through the roof to release air pressure from household drains.

Warping
Deformation of roofing materials due to moisture or heat.

W

Warranty Types

• Manufacturer Warranty: Covers defects in roofing materials themselves, such as premature failure or manufacturing flaws.
  
  
• Workmanship Warranty: Covers the quality of installation performed by the roofing contractor. Often shorter in duration and sometimes optional.
  
  

Wood Shingles
Uniform, machine-cut wood roofing made from cedar or other durable species.

Woven Valley
An installation method where shingles from each roof slope are overlapped in the valley for a seamless finish.

Z

Z-Flashing
A Z-shaped piece of metal flashing used to prevent water from getting behind siding transitions or joints.