Working with a roofing contractor can come with many industry-specific terms that you don’t recognize. Chat with your roofing team like a pro by staying up to date on industry terminology and roofing phrases with this helpful list of commonly used roofing construction terms.

Asphalt: A compound applied to roofing materials during manufacture. This material is waterproof and is made of concrete.

Back Surfacing: A fine material applied to the back of shingles that keeps them from sticking together.

Base Sheet: A product used as a base when applying a self-adhering roll roofing system.

Butt edge: The lower edge of shingle tabs.

Cap Sheet: The top layer that is applied to a multi-layer rolled roof covering system.

Double Coverage: The application of asphalt roofing that results in two layers of roofing material over the deck.

Drip Edge: A corrosion-resistant, non-staining material used along eaves. This material allows water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction and avoid damages.

Exposed Nail Method: The application of roll roofing where nails are driven into an overlapping course of roofing.

Flashing: Pieces of metal used to prevent seepage of water into a building. This goes around intersections, vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.

Ice Dam: Ice that forms at the lower roof edge. This happens when water from melted snow freezes and melts. Ice dams can cause leaks and water damage.

Low Slope Application: Method of installing asphalt shingles and underlayment on a roof. Slopes range from 2” to less than 4” per foot.

No-Cutout Shingles: A single, solid tab with no cutouts.

Reroofing: The process of removing an existing roof and replacing it with a new roof system.

Smooth-Surfaced Roofing: Roll roofing that is covered with ground talc or mica instead of granules.

Familiarizing yourself with common roofing industry terms will help you feel more comfortable when it’s time for your roof replacement or repair service. And when that time comes, be sure to contact Turnbull Roofing for the best roofing service in all of Durham region and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at (905) 579-7663.