Roofing isn’t something most people think about, until there is a problem that is. As a result, most homeowners often don’t fully understand the estimates roof contractors hand them, leaving them open to unscrupulous folk who may take advantage of this knowing they wouldn’t know the difference.
Obviously we can’t explain everything about your roof in a single post, but having at least some knowledge of your roofing system can help you understand your roof problem, and any resulting estimate, more clearly. Learning just a few of the terms used can assist you greatly in making an informed decision when it’s time to talk to the pros.
The following are a few, common roofing terms to know in order to help you understand the different components of your roof and some of the services roofing contractors may offer when they give you an estimate:
Shingles
Most people know what roof shingles are. They are the individual, overlapping, typically rectangle elements that cover most residential roofs from the bottom edge and up. They are made from various materials such as slate, asphalt-saturated mat covered with aggregate (asphalt shingles), wood and sometimes even concrete or clay. Available in a variety of colors and styles, these are what most typical residential roofs in Metro Atlanta consist of.
Leak Barriers
Leak barriers are watertight seals we place on the most vulnerable areas of your roof typically around valleys, eaves, vent pipes, chimneys, flashing, and other areas. Basically any area more prone to leaks.
Roof Deck
The roof deck is the surface of your roof, below the shingles and underlayment, (usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB)) to which roofing materials are applied.
Roof deck protection is basically referring to using materials such as a fiberglass felt or a synthetic underlayment to add an additional layer of protection between the shingles and roof deck preventing damage from rain, ice, wind and/or moisture build up.
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation refers to how well air and moisture is circulating in your attic and is one of the most important aspects of a roofing system. Proper attic ventilation should keep air circulating throughout the attic year around, preventing moisture build-up and reducing energy costs. Symptoms of poor attic ventilation include moisture buildup in the home and/or attic sometimes mimicking a roof leak!
Eaves
Basically the horizontal lowest edge of sloped roofs, usually where gutters are installed.
Flashing
Flashing is a weatherproofing component of roofs. Primarily comprised of sheet metal, flashing is installed along areas prone to leakage such as around breaks in a shingled roof-line or around chimneys (stepflashing), skylights, or other areas. Installed properly, they shouldn’t be seen and will seal exposed areas preventing moisture from entering your home.
Underlayments
Asphalt-based rolled materials designed to be installed under the main roofing material for added protection.
If you have any questions about these roofing terms or others, ASK! Knowing more about your roof will help you navigate roofing estimates as well as helping you not get ripped off by someone who takes advantage of people’s ignorance. Knowledge is power!
Atlanta Roofing Specialists has been providing full service roof contracting services to homeowners and commercial building owners in the Metro Atlanta area since 1993! Call us today for a no-obligation estimate on your next roofing project at 770-419-2222.