This page is a glossary, or dictionary, of roofing and exterior home terminology. Learn in greater detail the different terms contractors use—like asphalt shingles, flashing, underlayment, siding, windows, gutters, and more. Have questions about your home’s exterior? Call Evergreen Construction at 651-209-3130 to learn more about our roofing, siding, window, and gutter systems.
Glossary
A
Algae Resistance – A property of roofing materials that helps prevent dark streaks caused by algae growth over time.
Asphalt Shingles – The most common type of roofing shingles, made from fiberglass and asphalt, known for durability and affordability.
Attic Ventilation – A system of vents that allows airflow in the attic to prevent heat and moisture buildup, protecting the roof and energy efficiency.
Aluminum Gutters – Lightweight, durable gutters made from aluminum that help direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation.
Awning Window – A type of window hinged at the top that opens outward, often used for ventilation while keeping rain out.
B
Blister – A raised bubble or bump on a roof shingle caused by trapped moisture or air during installation.
Butt Edge – The end of a shingle or siding piece that meets another piece without overlapping.
Butt Joint – A joint where two pieces of siding, trim, or other building material meet end-to-end without overlapping.
Building Codes – Rules set by local governments that determine how roofs, windows, gutters, and other home components must be installed safely and legally.
Backer Rod (optional extra “B” term if you want 5 complete) – A foam rod inserted into gaps before applying caulk or sealant, ensuring a proper seal in siding or window installations.
C
Caulking – A material used to seal joints or seams around windows, doors, siding, and gutters to prevent water or air leaks.
Counter Flashing – Metal flashing installed over base flashing to provide an extra layer of protection against water penetration.
Cedar Shingles – Natural wood roofing or siding shingles made from cedar, valued for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Chimney Cricket – A small peaked structure built behind a chimney to divert water and prevent roof leaks.
Cladding – The exterior material (like siding or panels) that covers the walls of a house to protect it from weather and enhance appearance.
D
Decking (Roof Deck) – The base layer of wood or plywood that sits under the roofing materials and supports the shingles or other roofing system.
Drip Edge – A metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof to direct water away from the fascia and prevent damage.
Dormer – A roofed structure that projects from a sloping roof, often containing a window, adding light and space to an attic.
Downspout – A vertical pipe connected to gutters that channels rainwater from the roof to the ground or drainage system.
Double-Lap Shingles – Asphalt shingles designed with overlapping layers for extra durability and improved waterproofing.
E
Eave – The lower edge of the roof that overhangs the walls, helping to direct water away from the house.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) – A layered exterior wall system that provides insulation, water resistance, and a finished surface.
Edge Vent – A ventilation system installed along the edge of the roof to help improve attic airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Energy-Efficient Windows – Windows designed to reduce heat loss and improve home energy efficiency, often using double or triple glazing and low-E coatings.
End Lap – The overlapping of the ends of roofing or siding materials to ensure proper waterproofing and alignment.
F
Fascia – The board that runs along the edge of the roof, supporting gutters and finishing the roofline.
Flashing – Metal pieces installed around roof joints, chimneys, vents, or skylights to prevent water leaks.
Felt Underlayment – A layer of protective material placed under shingles or other roofing materials to provide water resistance.
Fiberglass Shingles – Asphalt shingles reinforced with a fiberglass mat, offering durability and fire resistance.
Furring Strips – Thin strips of wood or metal used to level surfaces, create space for insulation, or provide a surface for attaching siding or panels.
G
Gable – The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof, often seen on traditional rooflines.
Gable Vent – A vent installed in the gable end of a home to allow airflow in the attic and reduce moisture buildup.
Gasket – A seal, often rubber or foam, used around windows, doors, or roof penetrations to prevent water and air leaks.
Gutter – A trough along the edge of a roof that collects rainwater and channels it to downspouts.
Gypsum Board (Drywall) – Interior wall material used in homes that can be affected by water leaks from roofs or siding if not protected.
H
Hip Roof – A roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a gentle slope, forming a pyramid or trapezoid shape.
HVAC Vent – A vent connected to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, sometimes passing through the roof or walls.
Hand-Seamed – A method of folding and crimping metal roofing or flashing by hand to form tight seams and prevent leaks.
Heat Tape / Roof De-Icing Cable – An electric cable installed on roof edges to melt ice and prevent ice dams during winter.
Headlap – The overlap of shingles or roofing materials at the top edge to ensure proper water shedding and waterproofing.
I
Ice Dam – A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining properly and potentially causing leaks.
Impact-Resistant Shingles – Roofing shingles designed to withstand hail or other impacts without cracking or breaking.
Insulation – Material installed in walls, roofs, or attics to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
Interlocking Shingles – Shingles designed to lock together during installation for extra wind and water protection.
Interior Flashing – Metal or other protective material installed on the inside of roof penetrations or wall openings to prevent leaks.
J
Jack Rafter – A shorter rafter that runs from a hip or valley rafter to the wall plate, forming part of the roof structure.
J-Channel – A piece of trim used around windows, doors, or siding to channel water away and provide a finished edge.
Joint Sealant – Caulking or sealant applied to joints in siding, windows, gutters, or roofing to prevent water or air leaks.
Joist – Horizontal structural boards that support floors or ceilings, often affected if water leaks from roofs or siding occur.
Jumpstart Vent (optional filler term) – A type of ventilation component sometimes installed on roof ridges to improve airflow in the attic.
K
Kickout Flashing – A piece of metal flashing installed where a roof meets a wall to direct water away from the siding and prevent leaks.
Knock-Down Corners – Prefabricated siding or trim corners that are pre-shaped for easier installation around windows, doors, or wall edges.
Keyway – A groove in roofing or siding materials designed to interlock pieces and prevent water penetration.
Kraft Paper Backing – Paper backing used on roofing or insulation products to improve handling and installation.
Knee Wall – A short interior wall, often in attics, that supports the rafters and can be affected by roof leaks if not properly insulated or flashed.
L
Lap – The part of a shingle, siding, or panel that overlaps the piece below it to help shed water and prevent leaks.
Laminated Shingles – Also called architectural shingles; multi-layered asphalt shingles that provide extra durability and a dimensional look.
Lead Flashing – Durable metal flashing used around chimneys, vents, or roof penetrations to prevent water leaks.
Louvered Vent – A vent with angled slats that allow airflow while keeping out rain, used in attics or gable ends.
Low-Slope Roof – A roof with a gentle pitch, usually less than 3:12, that often requires special materials to prevent water pooling.
M
Metal Roofing – Roof panels made of steel, aluminum, or other metals, known for durability, longevity, and resistance to weather.
Membrane Roof – A type of flat or low-slope roof system made from a single layer of waterproof material, often TPO, EPDM, or PVC.
Mastic Sealant – A thick, sticky sealant used for waterproofing joints, seams, and gaps in roofing, siding, or gutters.
Modified Bitumen – Asphalt-based roofing material reinforced with polymer sheets, commonly used on low-slope roofs for extra durability.
Muntin – Strips of material used to divide window panes, creating the appearance of multiple smaller panes in a single window.
N
Nailer / Nailing Strip – A strip of wood or metal installed under siding, shingles, or panels to provide a surface for secure fastening.
Nailing Pattern – The recommended arrangement for nails when installing roofing, siding, or shingles to ensure proper attachment and durability.
Net Free Area (NFA) – The amount of open space in a vent (like soffit or ridge vent) that allows proper airflow in an attic.
No-Calk Joint – A siding or trim joint designed to fit tightly without requiring caulk while still preventing water infiltration.
Night Seal (optional filler term) – Temporary weatherproofing installed on a roof or window during construction to prevent water damage overnight.
O
Overhang – The part of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls, helping to protect siding and foundation from water.
Open Valley – A roofing technique where the valley between two roof slopes is left open and lined with metal to direct water flow.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) – Engineered wood panels commonly used as roof decking, wall sheathing, or subflooring.
Overlay Roofing – Installing a new layer of shingles directly over an existing roof, often called a “roof over” or “re-roof.”
Outside Corner – The exterior angle where two siding walls meet, often finished with trim or corner pieces.
P
Pitched Roof – A roof with a noticeable slope that helps water and snow drain off easily.
Parapet – A low wall along the edge of a roof, often used on flat or low-slope roofs for safety and drainage.
Panel Siding – Large sections of siding, often metal or fiber cement, installed as panels rather than individual boards.
Purlin – Horizontal structural members in a roof that support roof decking or sheathing.
Profile – The shape or contour of siding, shingles, or roofing material that affects appearance and performance.
Q
Quartz Granules – Small, colored stones embedded on asphalt shingles to protect them from UV rays and add color.
Quick-Release Fasteners – Special fasteners used on gutters, roofing panels, or siding that allow for easier maintenance or replacement.
Quoin – Decorative exterior corner blocks or siding pieces that accentuate the corners of a home.
Quarter-Round Trim – A rounded trim piece often used around windows, doors, or siding edges for a finished look.
Quilted Insulation (optional filler term) – Layered insulation material sometimes used in attics or walls to improve energy efficiency.
R
Rafter – A structural beam that supports the roof deck and roofing materials.
Ridge – The horizontal line at the top of the roof where two sloping sides meet.
Ridge Vent – A vent installed along the roof ridge to allow hot, humid air to escape from the attic.
Roof Deck – The base layer of a roof, typically made from plywood or OSB, that supports shingles or other roofing materials.
Roll Roofing – A type of roofing material that comes in rolls, usually used on low-slope roofs for quick installation.
S
Soffit – The underside of the roof overhang that helps ventilate the attic and protects the eaves.
Starter Strip Shingles – Shingles installed along the edge of the roof to provide a secure first row and prevent wind uplift.
Step Flashing – Flashing installed where a roof meets a vertical wall or chimney, layered with shingles to prevent water leaks.
Siding – The exterior covering of a home’s walls, which protects from weather and adds curb appeal.
Seam – The joint between two pieces of roofing, siding, or metal panels. Properly sealed seams prevent water intrusion.
T
Tear-Off – The process of removing old roofing materials before installing a new roof.
Tongue and Groove – A method of joining two pieces of material (like siding or decking) so that one fits snugly into the other for stability.
Truss – A pre-fabricated roof structure made of triangular assemblies that supports the roof deck and distributes weight evenly.
Trim – Decorative or protective pieces installed around windows, doors, roof edges, or corners of siding.
Thermal Break – Material or design that prevents heat transfer through metal or other building components, improving energy efficiency.
U
Underlayment – A protective layer installed between the roof deck and shingles to provide extra waterproofing and prevent leaks.
U-Channel – A type of trim or siding piece shaped like a “U” used to secure panels, siding, or other materials in place.
Upstand – A raised section of flashing or membrane that prevents water from entering joints or edges.
Utility Trim – A general trim piece used to finish or cover edges around windows, doors, or siding panels.
UV Resistance – The ability of roofing, siding, or window materials to resist damage or fading caused by sunlight.
V
Valley – The internal angle formed where two roof slopes meet; channels water off the roof.
Valley Flashing – Metal installed in roof valleys to guide water and prevent leaks.
Vapor Barrier – A material installed in walls, roofs, or floors to prevent moisture from passing through and causing damage.
Vinyl Siding – A popular exterior siding material made from durable PVC, resistant to moisture and low maintenance.
Vent Pipe – A pipe that allows plumbing or roofing systems to vent air and moisture, preventing pressure build-up.
W
Weatherproofing – Measures or materials used on roofs, siding, windows, and doors to prevent water, wind, or weather damage.
Window Sill – The bottom horizontal part of a window frame, designed to shed water away from the wall.
Wind Uplift – The force of wind lifting shingles or roofing materials, which proper installation and fastening prevent.
Wood Siding – Natural wood boards or panels used as exterior cladding for homes, offering aesthetic appeal and insulation.
Water Table – A horizontal trim piece at the base of siding or a wall that helps shed water and prevent moisture intrusion.
