Roofing contractors glossary

Aggregate: The make-up of materials for the surfacing or ballast of a roof, containing a mixture of stone, rock, crushed slag, gravel or marble chips

Algae discoloration: Roof discolouration caused by algae, which is otherwise known as a fungi growth

Attic: Also referred to as the loft and found at the top of the property, under the roof. Can be converted into a liveable room by roofing contractors

Back surfacing: a mineral matter that’s applied to shingles to prevent sticking

Base flashing: Portion of flashing used to direct water onto the roof covering

Caulk: The process of filling joints with cement or mastic to prevent leaks

Condensation: The process of warm air turning into a liquid when coming into contact with a cold surface. Damp problems can be remedied by roofing contractors

Course: Shingles lining the full length of a roof

Dormer: A framed window often found in loft conversions, which projects from the sloping part of the roof
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Downspout: The piping system that drains water from guttering

Eaves: The horizontal part found at the lower edge of a sloped rooftop

Fascia: Trim covering rafter ends

Felt: A popular material for flat roofs, with hardwearing and weather proofing qualities combined with a long life expectancy

Gable roof: A roof type with sloping panes of the same pitch on each side

Gutter: Collects water from the roof and is found on the eaves connecting to the downspout

Hip roof: A roof type with four slopes of identical pitch

Joists: The wooden or metal beams used to support the roofing structure and fitted by roofing contractors

Lean-to roof: A roof type with just one slope leaning towards a higher wall

Organic felt: Manufactured from cellulose fibre and used as a roofing base material

Overhang: Part of the roof which extends beyond the exterior walls of your home
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Pitch: The degree in which a roof slopes

Re-roofing: Replacing an existing roof. Work best carried out by roofing contractors

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

Soffit: The finished underside of the eaves

Vent: An outlet for air

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