A structure’s first line of defense against the elements is the roof.
If the roof is compromised, the property can quickly suffer deterioration and widespread damage.
For professionals assessing a building’s condition, securing assets, and managing repairs, knowing the right terminology is key for accurate reporting, clear communication with contractors, and making sure work meets the proper standard.
This glossary provides clear definitions to help identify issues and protect the value and safety of any property in your care.
Algae
Rooftop fungus that can leave dark stains on roofing.
Angled Fasteners
Roofing nails and staples driven into decks at angles not parallel to the deck.
Apron Flashing
Metal flashing used at chimney fronts.
ARMA
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. Organization of roofing manufacturers.
Asphalt
A bituminous waterproofing agent used in various types of roofing materials.
Asphalt Concrete Primer
Asphalt based primer used to prepare concrete and metal for asphalt sealant.
Asphalt Plastic Cement
Asphalt based sealant material, meeting ASTM D4586 Type I or II. Used to seal and adhere roofing materials. Also called mastic, blackjack, roof tar, bull.
ASTM
The American Society for Testing and Materials. Organization that sets standards for a wide variety of materials, including roofing.
Back Surfacing
Granular material added to shingle’s back to assist in keeping separate during delivery and storage.
Blistering
Bubbles or pimples in roofing materials. Usually moisture related. In shingles blisters are caused by either moisture under the material or moisture trapped inside the material.
Blow-Offs
When shingles are subjected to high winds, and are forced off a roof deck.
Buckling
When a wrinkle or ripple affects shingles or their underlayments.
Closed Cut Valley
A shingle valley installation method where one roof plane’s shingles completely cover the other’s. The top layer is cut to match the valley lines.
Cobra®
GAFMC’s respected brand name for ventilation products.
Counter Flashing
The metal or siding material that is installed over roof-top base flashing systems.
Country Mansion®
GAFMC’s limited lifetime warranty shingle.
Crickets
A peaked water diverter installed behind chimneys and other large roof projections. Effectively diverts water around projections.
Cupping
When shingles are improperly installed over an existing roof or are over-exposed, they may form a curl or cup. May also be due to a manufacturing defect.
Deck
The substrate over which roofing is applied. Usually plywood, wood boards, or planks.
Deck Armor
Premium breathable roof deck protection. It provides a critical extra layer of protection between your shingles and your roof deck — to help prevent wind-driven rain (or water from other sources) from infiltrating under your shingles and causing damage to your roof structure or to the inside of your home.
Dormer
A raised roof extending out of a larger roof plane.
Drip Edge
An installed lip that keeps shingles up off the deck at edges, and extends shingles out over eaves and gutters.
Dubl-Coverage® Mineral Guard
Roll roofing material with 19″ selvage edge for double coverage over roof deck.
Eaves
The roof edge from the fascia to the structure’s outside wall. In general terms, the first three feet across a roof is termed the eave.
End Laps
When installing rolled products in roofing, the area where a roll ends on a roof, and is overlapped by the next section of rolled material.
EWA
Engineered Wood Association. Tests and sets standards for all varieties of plywood used in the U.S.
Exposure
The area on any roofing material that is left exposed to the elements.
Fasteners
Nails or staples used to secure roofing to the deck.
FHA
The Federal Housing Authority sets construction standards throughout the U.S.
Fiberglass Mat
Fibers condensed into strong, resilient mats for use in roofing materials.
Flange
Metal pan extending up or down a roof slope around flashing pieces. Usually at chimneys and plumbing vents.
Flashing
Materials used to waterproof a roof around any projections.
Flashing Cement
Sealant designed for use around flashing areas, typically thicker than plastic cement.
Gable Roof
Traditional roof style; two peaked roof planes meeting at a ridge line of equal size.
GAFCant®
GAFMC cant strips for deflecting water away from flashing areas. Typically used on low slope roofs.
