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
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
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