Skip to main content

Roofing 101

Shreveport and Bossier City Homeowners in need of roofing 101 information before starting a new roofing project look here. We’ve compiled a glossary of terms from basic roofing technology all the way to the more esoteric. If you run into anything while reading documentation or having discussions with roofers that you don’t understand, check back here to make sure you have the right information that you need.

roofing 101 and different growths on an asphalt shingle

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A-Roofing 101

Algae discoloration: A type of roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly called fungus growth.

American method: Application of very large individual shingles with the long dimension parallel to the rake. Shingles are applied with a 3/4-inch space between adjacent shingles in a course.

ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials. A voluntary organization concerned with the development of consensus standards, testing procedures, and specifications.

Asphalt: A bituminous waterproofing agent applied to roof materials during manufacturing.

Asphalt roofing cement: An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. Also known as flashing cement or mastic; it should conform to ASTM D4586.

Return to top

B

Back surfacing: Fine mineral matter applied to the backside of shingles to keep them from sticking.

Balanced system: A ventilation system where 50% of the required ventilating area is provided by vents located in the upper portion of the roof with the balance provided by under eave or soffit vents.

Base flashing: That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering.

Blisters: Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.

Brands: Airborne burning embers released from a fire.

Bridging: A method of reroofing with metric-sized shingles.

Built-up roof: A flat or low-slope roof consisting of multiple layers of asphalt and ply sheets.

Bundle: A package of shingles. There are 3, 4, or 5 bundles per square.

Butt edge: The lower edge of the shingle tabs.

Return to top

C

Caulk: To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt cement to help prevent leaks.

Cement: See asphalt roofing cement for more roofing information on this matter.

Chalk line: A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.

Class “A”: The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing as per ASTME108. Indicates roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class “B”: Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class “C”: Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Closed cut valley: A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley, while shingles from the other side are trimmed two inches from the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Coating: A layer of viscous asphalt applied to the base material into which granules or other surfacing is embedded.

Collar: Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.

Concealed nail method: Application of roll roofing in which all nails are driven into the underlying course of roofing and covered by a cemented, overlapping course. Nails are not exposed to the weather.

Condensation: The change of water from vapor to liquid when warm, moisture-laden air comes in contact with a cold surface.

Counter flashing: That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to help prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Course: A row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof.

Coverage: Amount of weather protection provided by the roofing material. It depends on the number of layers of material between the exposed surface of the roofing and the deck (single coverage, double coverage, etc.).

Cricket: A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to help prevent the accumulation of snow and ice and to deflect water around the chimney.

Cutout: The open portions of a strip shingle between the tabs.

Return to top

D

Damper: An adjustable plate for controlling draft.

Deck: Roofing information on the surface installed over the supporting framing members to which the roofing is applied.

Dormer: A framed window unit projecting through the sloping plane of a roof.

Double coverage: Application of asphalt roofing such that the lapped portion is at least two inches wider than the exposed portion, resulting in two layers of roofing material over the deck.

Downspout: A pipe for draining water from roof gutters. Also called a leader.

Drip edge: A noncorrosive, nonstaining material used along the eaves and rakes to allow water runoff to drip clear of underlying construction.

Dutch lap method: Application of very large individual shingles with the long dimension parallel to the eaves. Shingles are applied to overlap adjacent shingles in each course as well as the course below.

Return to top

E

Eaves: The horizontal, lowest edge of a sloped roof that extends beyond the exterior wall.

Eaves flashing: Additional layer of roofing material applied at the eaves to help prevent damage from water backup.

Edging strips: Boards nailed along eaves and rakes after cutting back existing wood shingles to provide secure edges for reroofing with asphalt shingles.

Ell: An extension of a building at right angles to its length.

Exposed nail method: Application of roll roofing in which all nails are driven into the cemented, overlapping course of roofing. Nails are exposed to the weather.

Exposure I grade plywood: Type of plywood approved by the American Plywood Association for exterior use.

Return to top

F

Feathering strips: Tapered wood filler strips placed along the butts of old wood shingles to create a level surface when reroofing over existing wood shingle roofs. Also called horsefeathers.

Felt: Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment or sheathing paper.

Fiberglass mat: An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers.

Flashing: Pieces of metal or roll roofing used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers, and valleys. Galvanized metal flashing should be a minimum 26-gauge.

Flashing cement: See asphalt roofing cement.

FM: Factory Mutual Research Corp.

Free-tab shingles: Shingles that do not contain factory-applied strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive.

Return to top

G

Gable: The upper portion of a sidewall that comes to a triangular point at the ridge of a sloping roof.

Gable roof: A type of roof containing a sloping plane on each side of a single ridge with a gable at each end.

Gambrel roof: A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different pitch on each side of the ridge. The lower plane has a steeper slope than the upper. Features a gable at each end.

Granules: Ceramic-coated colored crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products.

Gutter: The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.

Return to top

H

Head lap: Shortest distance from the butt edge of an overlapping shingle to the upper edge of a shingle in the second course below. The triple coverage portion of the top lap of strip shingles.

HEX shingles: Shingles that have the appearance of a hexagon after installation.

Hip: The inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes. Runs from the ridge to the eaves.

Hip roof: A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each of four sides. It contains no gables.

Hip shingles: Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Horsefeathers: See feathering strips.

Return to top

I

Ice dam: Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the thawing and refreezing of melted snow on the overhang. Can force water up and under shingles, causing leaks.

Interlocking shingles: Individual shingles that mechanically fasten to each other to provide wind resistance.

Return to top

L

Laminated shingles: Strip shingles containing more than one layer of tabs to create extra thickness. Also called dimensional or architectural shingles.

Lap: To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.

Lap cement: An asphalt-based cement used to adhere overlapping plies of roll roofing.

Louver: A slanted opening for ventilation.

Low slope application: Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between two and four inches per foot.

Return to top

M

Mansard roof: A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different pitch on each of four sides. The lower plane has a much steeper pitch than the upper, often approaching vertical. Includes no gables.

Masonry primer: An asphalt-based primer used to prepare masonry surfaces for bonding with other asphalt products.

Mastic: See asphalt plastic roofing cement.

Mineral stabilizers: Finely ground limestone, slate, traprock, or other inert materials added to asphalt coatings for durability and increased resistance to fire and weathering.

Mineral-surfaced roofing: Asphalt shingles and roll roofing that are covered with granules.

Return to top

N

Natural ventilation: A ventilation system utilizing ventilators installed in openings in the attic and properly positioned to take advantage of natural airflow to draw hot summer or moist winter air out and replace it with fresh outside air.

Nesting: A method of reroofing with new asphalt shingles over old shingles in which the top edge of the new shingle is butted against the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.

Net Free Vent Area (NFVA): Area unobstructed by screens, louvers, or other materials.

No-cutout shingles: Shingles consisting of a single solid tab with no cutouts.

Non-veneer panel: Any wood-based panel that does not contain veneer and carries an APA span rating, such as wafer board or oriented strand board.

Normal-slope application: Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.

Return to top

O

Open valley: Method of valley construction in which shingles on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley flashing is exposed.

Organic felt: An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from cellulose fibers.

Overhang: That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Return to top

P

Pallets: Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping bundles of shingles.

Pitch: The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise, in feet, to the span, in feet.

Ply: The number of layers of roofing (e.g., one-ply, two-ply).

Return to top

Q

Quick-setting cement: An asphalt-based cement used to adhere tabs of strip shingles to the course below. Also used to adhere to roll roofing laps applied by the concealed nail method.

Return to top

R

Racking: Roofing application method in which shingle courses are applied vertically up the roof rather than across and up. Not a recommended procedure.

Rafter: The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate.

Rake: The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall from the eave to the ridge.

Random-tab shingles: Shingles on which tabs vary in size and exposure.

Release tape: A plastic or paper strip that is applied to the back of self-sealing shingles. This strip prevents the shingles from sticking together in the bundles and need not be removed for application.

Ridge: The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Ridge shingles: Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Rise: The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge.

Roll roofing: Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form.

Roofing cement: A compound used to seal flashings, seal down shingles, and for other small waterproofing jobs. Where cement is required for sealing down shingles, use a dab about the size of a quarter unless otherwise specified.

Roofing tape: An asphalt-saturated tape used with asphalt cement for flashing and patching asphalt roofing.

Run: The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.

Return to top

S

Saturant: Asphalt used to impregnate an organic felt base material.

Saturated felt: An asphalt-impregnated felt used as an underlayment between the deck and the roofing material.

Self-sealing cement: A thermal-sealing tab cement built into the shingle to firmly cement the shingles together automatically after they have been applied properly and exposed to warm sun temperatures. In warm seasons, the seal will be complete in a matter of days. In colder seasons, sealing time depends on the temperature and amount of direct sunlight hitting the shingles. Hand sealing with cement should be done to ensure sealing in winter.

Self-sealing shingles: Shingles containing factory-applied strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive.

Self-sealing strip or spot: Factory-applied adhesive that bonds shingle courses together when exposed to the heat of the sun after application.

Selvage: That portion of roll roofing overlapped by the succeeding course to obtain double coverage.

Shading: Slight differences in shingle color that may occur as a result of normal manufacturing operations.

Sheathing: Exterior-grade boards used as a roof deck material.

Shed roof: A roof containing only one sloping plane. Has no hips, ridges, valleys, or gables.

Single coverage: Asphalt roofing provides one layer of roofing material over the deck.

Slope: The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise, in inches, to the run, in feet.

Smooth-surfaced roofing: Roll roofing that is covered with ground talc or mica instead of granules (coated).

Soffit: The finished underside of the eaves.

Soil stack: A vent pipe that penetrates the roof.

Span: The horizontal distance from eaves to eaves.

Specialty eaves flashing membrane: A self-adhering, waterproofing shingle underlayment designed to protect against water infiltration due to ice dams or wind-driven rain.

Square: A unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet.

Square-tab shingles: Shingles on which tabs are all the same size and exposure.

Starter strip: Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of the first course of shingles.

Steep-slope application (Mansard): Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes greater than 21 inches per foot.

Step flashing: Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.

Strip shingles: A single-layer shingle commonly known as a three-tab shingle because it has three tabs.

Return to top

 

T

Tab: The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.

Talc: See back surfacing.

Telegraphing: A shingle distortion that may arise when a new roof is applied over an uneven surface.

Three-dimensional shingles: See laminated shingles for more roofing information about various styles and types of shingles available.

Three-tab shingle: Great roofing information about single-layer shingle having three tabs can be attained at the Owens Corning website. Wens Corning has been making three-tab shingles and offering roofing information about them for decades.

Top lap: That portion of the roofing covered by the succeeding course after installation.

Return to top

U

UL: Underwriters Laboratories, LLC. is a great place to go to receive more roofing information on all roof related matters.

UL label: Label displayed on packaging to indicate the listing for fire and/or wind resistance of asphalt roofing.

Under eave: Underside area of the overhang at the eave of the roof.

Underlayment: A layer of asphalt-saturated felt (sometimes referred to as tar paper) that is laid down on a bare deck before shingles are installed to provide additional protection for the deck.

Return to top

V

Valley: The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes to provide water runoff.

Vapor retarder: Any material used to prevent the passage of water vapor. Material which, when installed on the high-vapor-pressure (warm in winter) side of a material, retards the passage of moisture vapor to the lower-pressure (cold in winter) side. Note exception: Florida and Gulf Coast. Check local building codes to determine on which side the vapor retarder should be placed.

Vent: Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck, such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.

Vent sleeve: See collar.

Ventilators: Devices that eject stale air and circulate fresh air (e.g., ridge, roof, gable, under eave, foundation or rafter vents and vented soffit panels).

Return to top

W

Woven Valley: Method of valley construction in which shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Return to top

Roofing 101 FAQ

Common questions about Residential Roofing:

What will a new roof system cost?

The price of a new roof varies, depending on the materials selected, the home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates, and the current time of year. Keep in mind that price is only a single factor, and the quality of the materials and workmanship must be taken into account. For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices as well as a variety of styles and shapes. You should look at the full product range and make a choice based on both your budget and needs.

Couldn’t I just repair the leak to my roof myself?

It’s vitally important to the health of your home that the installation is performed by experienced installers within the roofing industry. A professional Shreveport roofing contractor is trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace your roof. By using improper roofing techniques, you’re very likely to damage your roof system or severely injure yourself.

COMMON ROOFING QUESTIONS: AFTER INSTALL

There are a few very common roofing questions that come up after every new roof install. Let Brock and their team of roofing experts at Alpha Roofing answer your roofing FAQ questions and put your mind at rest. There are always questions about the roofing shingles, condition of the roofs deck, and eaves and overhangs.

How can a homeowner recognize when a roofing system has problems?

Usually, roof problems are discovered only after serious problems. Having your roof inspected twice a year can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Inside your home, you should look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas. If you have a roofing FAQ always turn to your trusted Shreveport roofer, Alpha Roofing

How long can I expect my roof system to last?

A variety of warranties on different roof materials. The actual life span of your roof is determined by a number of factors, including local climate and environment, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application, and adequate roof maintenance. Call Alpha Roofing your trusted, local Shreveport roofing contractor for all the FAQs and answers.

We haven’t had any leaks. Does that mean I don’t need a roofing contractor?

Just because you’ve not seen any leaks doesn’t mean that your roof isn’t in need of some care and attention. Below are some factors that can affect the life and performance of your roof and also potentially affect what’s under it.

Sun: The sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays cause the materials of your roof to deteriorate over time. This deterioration often occurs much faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain: When rainwater gets under roofing materials like shingles or shakes, it can work its way to the roof deck, causing the roof structure to rot. This extra moisture not only affects your roof but can cause mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including your walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems.

Wind: The edges of shingles or other roofing materials can be lifted by strong winds and water and debris will be forced underneath. These winds can cause extensive damage to your roof.

Snow and ice: Snow that has melted often refreezes at your roof’s overhang, given that the surface is cooler. This causes an ice dam and blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water will back up under the roof and seep into the interior. When snow and ice first begin to melt, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or in some cases, torn off a house or building.

Condensation: Resulting from warm, humid air, condensation can do major damage. Poorly ventilated attics with moisture promotes wood decay of sheathing and rafters, which can wreak havoc on a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems by making the attic air temperature closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and Algae: Moss can often be found growing on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it’s there, moss holds even more moisture to your roof’s surface, resulting in rot. Moss roots can also work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae can also grow in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Not only does it cause an unattractive black-green stain, but algae can also retain moisture, causing further rot and deterioration. You should trim your trees and bushes away from your home to eliminate damp, shaded areas. Gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.

Trees and leaves: When blown by the wind, tree branches near your roof can scrape and puncture your roof. Leaves sitting on your roof maintain moisture and cause rot, while leaves in the gutters block drainage.

Missing or torn shingles: The point of a roof is to offer complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible, as surrounding shingles are likely to fall off.

Shingle deterioration: When shingles are past their prime, they curl, split, are no longer waterproof, and are easily blown off, torn, or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof only gets worse with time—it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Flashing deterioration: Many roof leaks are actually flashing leaks. Without quality, secure flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall/roof junctions, water will enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

roofing 101 questions and answers

FAQ: The Shingles

Whether in Shreveport, Bossier City we typically get the same questions after a new roofing project. This information is to help aid you in understanding what is going on with your new roof after the roofing company completes the installation process. After your roofer completes the installation of your new roof, he should walk you around the house and point out anything that might lead to a question.

•My shingles do not lay flat on my entire roof

•Some of the hip and ridge shingles look lifted up

•What condition was my decking in

•Did you clean up all the loose nails?

•I see something shiny at the top of my roof when on a sunny day

•Do I need to do any maintenance on my roof after the installation?

FAQ: The Answers

It is very common for some shingles not to lay flat immediately after your roofer completes your new roof install. Your new shingles will need to thermal seal to lay down nice and flat and give a good watertight seal to stop any potential roof leaks. Alpha Roofing utilizes the CertainTeed Corporation’s shingles and one product in particular called Landmark shingles which lay down much better than other brands of roofing shingles.  The hip and ridge shingles are no different as far as laying down flat after the new roofing project. The hip and ridge shingles will also need to thermal seal. Hopefully, during your roofing project, you will be around some so your roofer can point out things as they go but if not, pictures will ease your mind about the condition of your deck. It is very important to remove the old felt and inspect the decking on your roof to ensure your roofing company is not nailing into rotten wood. Ask for pictures of any rotten decking with a count of how many sheets of decking were replaced. Your roofer should run magnets through your yard after the install along with your driveway. Picking up loose debris and running magnets thoroughly is all you can do. Even after a good roofing crew cleans up good there is always a chance some nails will be missed, there is no way to ensure every nail gets cleaned up. Sometimes at the top of your roof, you will see something that looks shiny on a very sunny day. This will most likely be your new ridge vent, the newer modern ridge vent from CertainTeed has a lower profile than in past years it can still have a shiny edge on really bright days.

Maintenance

You should always call your local trusted roofer at least every five years for a roof inspection and to make sure your seals are all in good shape. Roof flashings, pipe boots, and sealants need to be checked periodically for dry rot. Trust Alpha Roofing for all your FAQ questions before or after new roof installation.

Call Now Button