Hermans Building Centres - Glossary of Roofing Terms
All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Algae discoloration |
A type of roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly called fungus growth. |
| American method |
Application of giant individual shingles with the long dimension parallel to the rake. Shingles are applied with a 3/4-inch space between adjacent shingles in a course. |
| Asphalt |
A bituminous waterproofing agent applied to roofing materials during manufacturing. |
| Asphalt plastic roofing cement |
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. Also known as flashing cement or mastic; should conform to ASTM D-4586. |
| ASTM |
American Society for Testing and Materials. A voluntary organization concerned with development of consensus standards testing procedures and specifications. |
| Back Surfacing |
Fine mineral matter applied to the back side of shingles to keep them from sticking. |
| Base flashing |
That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering. |
| Blisters |
Bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation. |
| Brands |
Airborne burning embers released from a fire. |
| Bridging |
A method of reroofing with metric-sized shingles. |
| Built-up roof |
A flat or low-sloped roof consisting of multiple layers of asphalt and ply sheets |
| Bundle |
A package of shingles. There are 3 4 or 5 bundles per square. |
| Butt edge |
The lower edge of the shingle tabs. |
| Caulk |
To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt cement to prevent leaks. |
| Cement |
See Asphalt plastic roofing cement. |
| Chalk line |
A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes. |
| Class A |
The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing as per ASTM E-108. Indicates roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building. |
| Class B |
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building. |
| Class C |
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building. |
| Closed cut valley |
A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley while shingles from the other side are trimmed two inches from the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not exposed |
| Coating |
A layer of viscous asphalt applied to the base material into which granules or other surfacing is embedded. |
| Collar |
Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve. |
| Concealed nail method |
Application of roll roofing in which all nails are driven into the underlying course of roofing and covered by a cemented overlapping course. Nails are not exposed to the weather. |
| Condensation |
The change of water from vapor to liquid when warm moisture-laden air comes in contact with a cold surface. |
| Counter flashing |
That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing. |