A junction where a pitched roof surface adjoins a wall, a dormer or other vertical feature. Abutments are commonly found in roof and building extensions.

The ability of a material to accept within its body quantities of gases or liquid, such as moisture

A roof with steeply angled sides that form an "A" shape, typically used in simple structures like cottages and cabins.

Apron Flashing – A large often single piece of flashing commonly found at the bottom of a dormer or addition. Protects where a vertical wall meets a sloped roof.

Apron flashing commonly referred to as; chimney flashing, skirt flashing, base flashing, and continuous flashing. 

This type of roof manufacturing process used asbestos fiber as a reinforcement material with cement. Asbestos fiber gives rigidity and stiffness to the roof sheet body to maintain its size and shape without breakage.

The attic is the space created between the rafters and the insulation above the ceilings. Many homeowners utilize their attic space for storage, or they might design a neat living space that is above the main house. This area must be properly insulated and ventilated to avoid damage from moisture and to realease trapped heat. 

Built-Up Roofing – a flat or low sloped roof made up of layers of asphalt and ply sheets. (AKA BUR)

A 45 degree beveled wood, fiberboard, or metal strips at the junction of the roof and a vertical surface used to break a right angle. Primarily used in low sloped roofing.

Caulk is generally used for construction projects, particularly tiles, plumbing, or windows.

Caulk is rigid and best for indoor projects and dry areas.

Class “A” – the highest fire resistance rating for roofing as per ASTM E-108.  Shingle with this rating should withstand severe exposure to fire from sources originating outside the building.  Other classed are B and C.

Cement – a substance, when cured, binds to surfaces together.

A conventional roof forms a triangle, with the mirrored rafters forming the sides and the ceiling joists closing the triangle at the base. A collar beam runs horizontally through the structure to connect and support the rafters, existing parallel to the ceiling joists. Collar beams usually connect a pair of rafters midway up the height of the apex. These cross beams carefully and intentionally strengthen the overall structure by applying lateral support.

Counter flashing is installed on a vertical surface to prevent the flow of water from getting behind the base flashing. The counter flashing overlaps the base flashing. It is the final layer of a three-part waterproof barrier installed between a roof and a vertical wall or chimney.

Other terms for counter flashing include; cap flashing, cover flashing, and "Z" flashing.  

The installation method for counter flashing is called reglet flashing.

Cupola is a structure rising above the main roof. It is usually ornamental, but may be used for ventilation.

A dormer is a section of roof, usually a window, that juts out and forms its own little small section of mini roof. 

Drip course is the first course of shingles that slightly overhangs the edge.

Drip edge is a metal component that's nailed to your decking at the edge of the roofline.

It's to keep the water running off of your roof from wicking back and getting your decking wet.

The portion of the shingle that is exposed to the weather. usually measured from the butt of one shingle to the butt of the next overlapping shingles.

Your roofs frame is the skeleton of your structure. It provides a robust shape with its strong, sturdy beams and creates the pathway for runoff water to glide away from your home. 

Roof facets refer to the different sections or the sides of a roof. 

The more complex your roof is, the more facets it will have. 

Fascia is located right below the rakes and the eaves of your roofline.

It serves a decorative purpose, but it can also serve a practical purpose as your drip ed

Gables are the triangular sections you’ll see at the ends of many pitched roofs. They add a distinctive look and also help with attic ventilation. A well-designed gable can give your home extra curb appeal while helping your roof perform better year-round.

A hip is when two roof facets meet at a slope to form an exterior angle. 

Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane used to protect your roof from ice and water damage.

The 3 types of ice and water shield are granular/sand surface, smooth, and high heat. It needs to be installed on/around certain areas of your roof, like roof valleys, around penetrations, and on low slope roofs.

Lap – the overlap of surface of one roofing material to another.

The lookout refers to the horizontal joist projecting in cantilever from the wall. This supports an external structural addition to your roof that extends outward.

Construction passing through the roofing system is referred to as a penetration. This includes conduits, vent piping, and HVAC equipment supports. In traditional rack-mounted solar installations, lag bolts make penetrations in the roof deck. GAF Energy solar is unique in that the solar is part of the roofing system, and it does not penetrate the roof deck.

Roof purlins are horizontal supporting elements that are crucial in roofing systems. They serve to:

• Support roofing materials such as metal panels, shingles, or tiles, and help distribute the roof load evenly.

• ​Ensure stability and attachment of sheathing material, which is essential for the overall integrity of the roof.

Rafters are the angled boards that run from the peak of your roof down to the edges. They’re what holds up the roof itself, and they play a big role in the structure’s overall strength. Around here in San Antonio, we rely on solid rafter systems to stand up to our heat, storms, and everything in between.

Rakes and eaves refer to the edges of your roof.

 - Rakes are the edge of a roof that runs at a slope.

 - Eaves are the edge of a roof that runs horizontally; think of it as the gutter line.

The ridge is the very top of your roof, where two sides meet. It’s also where we often install ridge vents to help your attic breathe. 

 - Ridge cap refers to the roof type covering over the ridge of the roof. 

 - Vented ridge provides air ventilation for the ridge of the roof.  

A roof cricket is a sloped, double triangular structure that diverts water around chimneys and walls.

As water comes down a roof, it hits the roof cricket and splits down each side of the chimney instead of hitting a flat wall.

Another term used is saddle. 

Roof decking forms the foundation of any roofing system, playing a vital role in structural integrity and weather protection. The selection of roof decking materials is crucial for safety, energy efficiency, and longevity. The most common types of roof decking include; plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Plank Decking, Metal Decking, Concrete Decking, and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).

Roof flashing is a thin metal material thats installed to direct water away from certain areas (walls, chimneys, roof valleys) of your roof. 

There are three different types of roof flashing (apron, counter, and step flashing), and you’ll have three different metals to choose from (aluminum, steel, and copper).

Roof decking or roof sheathing is the wooden foundation that all your other roofing components are nailed onto. 

There are two types of roof decking: sheet decking and plank decking. Sheet decking comes in either OSB or plywood, and plank decking comes in wooden planks. 

The main thing with roof decking (roof sheathing) is that you don't want it to get wet because it will rot, and you'll have to replace it.

A roofing square is a unit of measurement used in the roofing industry that determines factors like cost and the amount of material needed to complete a job. 

A square simply refers to a hundred square feet (100 sq ft) of roof area.

The underlayment layer offers additional protection from water and moisture damage. It is a water-shedding secondary layer of protection beneath the final roof covering. It's installed directly over the roof deck or sheathing to create a flatter surface for roof coverings to securely adhere to.

Saturant – asphalt used to impregnate felt for waterproofing and strength.

A soffit is installed right underneath the fascia, where a roof overhangs a wall.

It's common for roofers to install an intake vent right where a soffit is located.

Flashing along a roof slope against a wall or chimney using succeeding courses of flashing material placed in conjunction with layers or courses of roofing materials. Step Flashing is generally in 4 by 4 by 8 inch pieces.

Other terms for step flashing include, sidewall flashing and kickout flashing.

Synthetic underlayments are made up of compounded materials such as an asphalt-saturated base material that is fortified with a mix of fiberglass to make it strong and resistant to tears.

Seal Down – a factory applied asphalt strip used to bond a shingle to the one above. This is used to provide wind resistance.

Is the horizontal measurement from eave to eave.

Roof sealants serve two main purposes: protecting roofs by creating a barrier against moisture and sun and repairing minor leaks before they cause serious damage.

Sealant is used to bind surfaces and certain materials together.

Trusses are pre-built roof supports made up of connected beams that do a lot of heavy lifting—literally. They’re designed for strength and efficiency, which helps reduce the need for extra support walls inside the home. 

Starter strip shingles, tiles, and shakes are a pre-cut row of roofing material installed at the eaves and rakes before the first course of roofing materials are installed over them. 

Usually an adhesive is applied to the starter course materials to ensure the first row of materials are sealed to improve a roof’s resistance to strong winds.

A spire, also known as a finial is a tall, slender, pointed structure on top of a roof of a building or tower, especially at the summit of church steeples. A spire may have a square, circular, or polygonal plan, with a roughly conical or pyramidal shape.

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Roof valleys are when two roof facets meet at a slope to form an interior angle. Valleys are naturally prone to water accumulation, a valley's shape allows the water to flow properly down the roof. 

Valley flashing is installed in the valleys formed by the intersection of two roof slopes as an additional layer of protection.

The three types of valleys are open, closed, and woven. 

 - Open valley is when roofing materials cover the entire valley. 

 - Closed valley is when a type of metal is used along the valley section and material does not cover the entire valley area as in a closed valley. 

 - Woven valley flashing combines attributes from open and closed valleys. Shingles from both sides of the valley are interlaced, forming a robust and visually distinct pattern.

Typically included as a layer during a roofing installation, vapor retarder refers to a material used to prevent water vapor from damaging other layers.

Good ventilation isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Ridge vents and soffit vents work together to keep air moving through your attic, helping control moisture and keeping temps down. 

Roof vent is an opening that permits air, water vapor, or heat to move in a directed manner from inside a home to the outside is known as a vent. 

Vent pipe flashing is installed around plumbing vent pipes to prevent water from seeping into the roof at these penetrations. It is commonly made of metal and incorporates a rubber gasket for a secure seal.

Other terms for vent pipe flashing include collar, pipe-collar, pipe-boot, boot flashing, 

Roof pitch is just the measurement of how steep your roof is—usually shown as a ratio like 6:12 (a 6-inch rise for every 12 inches across).

The slope matters because it affects how water drains and what materials are best for the job. A proper pitch helps your roof handle sudden downpours and intense heat without skipping a beat.

On a solar roof, the solar is integrated into a home’s roof materials. GAF Energy designs solar roofs that are sold by roofing companies near you.

Dead Level – a roof or section of roof without any pitch.

Low Slope Application – method of applying roofing materials on slopes between 2 and four inches per foot.

Normal Slope Application – method of installing shingles between 4 and 21 inches per foot.

Double Coverage – a method of applying roof materials so that two complete layers of material are provided.

Modified Bitumen – Roller roofing membrane with a polymer modified asphalt. The roll will generally have a fiberglass or polyester mat for reinforcement.

Roof coverings often vary widely based on home style, climate and chosen aesthetic. They are the final layers added to the roof and may create a unique style or appearance. Asphalt shingles are considered the usual standard but may be substituted for synthetic materials, tiles, stone, shakes, clay tiles, or metal.

When attaching your roof coverings to the underlayment and deck, you’ll need fastener attachments to secure the connections. For asphalt shingles, this will likely be roofing nails. For tile, you might be better off with metal fasteners. Bonding, glue, tar or adhesive-type paper may also be sufficient for your needs.

Bare roofing is an option although, depending on the material used, may not be highly recommended. Unpainted metal options such as zinc and copper can result in a unique aesthetic over time. However, it’s important to consider the roof’s susceptibility to weathering and the potential negative impact on longevity of the material.

Bare roofing is an option although, depending on the material used, may not be highly recommended. Unpainted metal options such as zinc and copper can result in a unique aesthetic over time. However, it’s important to consider the roof’s susceptibility to weathering and the potential negative impact on longevity of the material.

Granular (or stone) coated panels are coated with an acrylic polymer adhesive then the granule coating is applied bonding the stone chips to the specially primed steel panel. A clear coat sealer is applied over the top for extra protection. Granular coated panels are available in multiple color options and roofing profiles including tile, shake, or shingle panels.

Weathering changes in color, texture or efficiency brought about by exposure to outside elements.

Prorated and non-prorated in roofing terms refers to the manufacturer's material warranty. 

A prorated material warranty means the material will lose value each year as it gets older. On the other hand, a non-prorated material warranty means the material keeps the same value as it ages.

Blistering & Curling

Blistering happens when moisture or air gets trapped under shingles, causing bubbles to form. Curling is when the edges of shingles start to lift upward—usually from age, heat exposure, or poor installation. When both are present, it’s a sign your roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan and could fail if not addressed soon.

Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles are coated in granules that protect them from UV damage and wear. Over time, those granules wear off—especially in the San Antonio sun—which shortens the life of the roof and increases the risk of leaks. If you’re seeing granules in your gutters, it may be time for an inspection.

Ponding Water

Flat roofs are more prone to water pooling in low spots, especially if the drainage system isn’t working as it should. Standing water can lead to leaks, material breakdown, and even structural issues if ignored for too long. It’s something we always keep an eye on during inspections.

Leak Barrier

A leak barrier is an extra layer of waterproof protection installed in high-risk areas like roof valleys, eaves, and around vents. It helps keep water out in spots that tend to collect more moisture, especially during San Antonio’s heavy rains and sudden storms.