Roofing, siding, and gutter Glossary

A

Architectural Asphalt Shingles
High-performance asphalt shingles with a layered design that mimics wood shake and improves durability.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The most common roofing material in the U.S., made from fiberglass mats coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules.

ACV (Actual Cash Value)
The depreciated value of your roof. Used by insurers to calculate payout amounts when full replacement coverage isn’t provided.

B

Blow-Offs
Shingles or materials that have been lifted or torn off a roof by strong winds, exposing the underlayment or decking.

Boot Flashing
Rubber or metal flashing used to seal around plumbing vents or pipes.

C

Chimney Flashing
Custom-cut metal that wraps around the base of a chimney to prevent water intrusion.

Cricket
A small peaked structure behind a chimney that diverts rainwater and prevents pooling.

D

Decking
The wood surface under all roofing layers, typically OSB or plywood.

Drip Edge
Metal flashing installed along roof edges to direct rainwater into gutters and away from fascia boards.

Deductible
The portion of your roofing insurance claim you’re responsible for paying before your provider covers the remaining cost.

E

Emergency Roof Repair
Rapid-response repairs after damage from storms, wind, or debris. Meant to prevent further structural issues until a full solution can be completed.

Eave Protection
Membrane or flashing placed at the edge of the roof to prevent leaks caused by ice dams or wind-driven rain.

F

Fascia
A horizontal board that runs along the edge of the roof, typically where the roof meets the exterior wall. It supports the bottom row of roof tiles and gutters, helping protect the roof and interior from moisture damage.

Felt Paper
A traditional underlayment material made of asphalt-saturated paper, used as a moisture barrier beneath shingles.

Flashing
Metal used around roof penetrations and valleys to prevent water intrusion.

Fiber Cement Siding
A strong, fire-resistant siding material made from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. Commonly associated with James Hardie.

G

Gable
The triangular portion of a wall between two sloping roof sections.

Granule Loss
The wearing away of protective granules on shingles due to hail, age, or poor ventilation.

Gutter Guards
Screens or covers placed over gutters to keep leaves and debris out while letting water flow through.

H

Hail Damage
Physical damage to roofing caused by hailstones—may include bruising, cracking, or shingle granule loss.

Hip Roof
A roof with slopes on all four sides that meet at a ridge, forming a pyramid-like shape.

Historic Roof Restoration
The process of repairing or replacing old roofing using historically accurate materials like slate or cedar shake.

I

Ice & Water Shield
A waterproof barrier installed in valleys and eaves to prevent leaks from ice dams or wind-driven rain.

Insurance Adjuster
The representative from your insurance company who assesses roof damage and determines the value of your claim.

J

James Hardie Siding
A top brand of fiber cement siding known for long-lasting performance and resistance to fire, rot, and pests.

L

LP SmartSide Siding
An engineered wood siding product designed for strength and resistance to moisture and pests.

Laminated Shingles
Another name for architectural shingles, with added thickness and dimension for improved performance.

M

Metal Roofing
A highly durable roofing option that comes in panels or shingles, offering fire resistance and energy efficiency.

Moss Growth
Moisture-loving vegetation that can grow on shaded roof areas, leading to premature aging.

N

Nail Pops
Roofing nails that have pushed through shingles over time, creating potential leak points.

P

Pipe Boot (Jack Flashing)
A waterproof flashing used around vent pipes to keep moisture out of the roof system.

Pitched Roof
A roof with an angle or slope, typically found on residential structures to shed water and snow.

R

RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
The amount your insurer pays to fully replace your roof with new materials—no depreciation deducted.

Roof Insurance Claim
A formal request to your insurer to cover the costs of roof damage caused by a covered event such as hail or wind.

Roof Inspection
A professional evaluation of your roof to assess condition, age, and potential storm damage.

Roof Repair
Fixing specific problem areas such as leaks, damaged shingles, or flashing—less extensive than a full replacement.

Roof Replacement
The process of tearing off old materials and installing a new roofing system when repairs are no longer sufficient.

Roof Rejuvenation
A restoration process that applies bio-oil treatments to aging shingles, improving flexibility and extending life.

Ridge Vent
A vent that runs along the peak of the roof, allowing hot attic air to escape and helping regulate indoor temperatures.

S

Scope of Loss
A report from the insurance adjuster that outlines damage, estimated costs, and covered repairs.

Soffit
The underside of a roof’s overhang, often vented to provide attic airflow.

Starter Shingles
The first course of shingles installed at the roof’s edge, designed to prevent wind uplift.

Storm Damage Repair
The process of fixing roofing or siding issues after high winds, hail, or heavy rain. Can involve full or partial repairs.

T

Tear-Off
The removal of all old roofing layers before a new roof is installed. Allows inspection of decking and ensures proper installation.

U

Underlayment
A water-resistant or waterproof layer installed under shingles as secondary protection for the roof deck.

V

Valley Flashing
Protective metal or synthetic material used in the valleys where roof slopes meet, channeling water safely downward.

Ventilation
The system that allows air to circulate through the attic, reducing moisture buildup and improving energy efficiency.

Vinyl Siding
A cost-effective, low-maintenance siding option made of PVC. Popular for its versatility and ease of installation.

W

Warranty (Roofing)

• Manufacturer Warranty: Covers defects in roofing materials.

• Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation errors by the contractor.

Woven Valley
An installation method where shingles from both sides of the valley are interwoven, creating a seamless look.

Z

Z-Flashing
Z-shaped metal flashing used behind siding or trim to prevent water from entering horizontal joints.