Roofing glossary. Every term your contractor uses, in plain English.
Roofing has a lot of jargon. Some of it exists to be precise. Some of it exists to confuse you. This glossary covers the terms that appear on estimates, insurance scopes, and contractor proposals, defined the way a roofer actually explains them on a job site.
Use it before you sign anything. Also helpful: the FAQ, the hail damage guide, and the roof replacement guide.
ACV (Actual Cash Value)
What your roof is worth today, after depreciation. If your roof is 15 years old with a 20-year lifespan, its ACV is roughly 25% of replacement cost. ACV policies pay you depreciated value, not the full cost of a new roof. Know whether your policy uses ACV or RCV before a storm hits.
Aggregate
Crushed stone, gravel, or granule material applied to the surface of a built-up or modified bitumen roof. Aggregate protects the membrane from UV radiation and provides some fire resistance. Also the term for the granule coating on asphalt shingles.
Architectural shingle
A laminated asphalt shingle with two or more bonded layers, creating a three-dimensional appearance. More durable and wind-resistant than 3-tab shingles. Also called dimensional or laminated shingles. The standard for most Tulsa residential roofs built after 2000.
Asphalt shingle
The most common residential roofing material in the United States. A fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. Available in 3-tab and architectural (dimensional) profiles. Lifespan in Oklahoma runs 15 to 25 years depending on material quality and hail exposure.
Attic ventilation
The system of intake and exhaust vents that regulate airflow through the attic space. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup, reduces heat loading on shingles, and prevents ice dams. The standard ratio is 1 square foot of net free ventilation area per 150 square feet of attic floor space.
Blistering
Bubble-like raised areas on an asphalt shingle surface. Usually caused by moisture trapped during manufacturing or improper attic ventilation that bakes the shingle from below. Blistering is cosmetic if shallow, but it accelerates granule loss and can become a functional issue over time.
BUR (Built-Up Roofing)
A flat or low-slope roofing system made of multiple alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric, topped with aggregate or a mineral cap sheet. One of the oldest commercial roofing systems. Durable and proven but heavy, and requires skilled labor for installation and repair.
Class 4
The highest impact resistance rating under the UL 2218 test standard. Class 4 shingles have passed impact testing with a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet. In Oklahoma's hail belt, Class 4 shingles significantly reduce the likelihood of functional hail damage and often qualify for insurance premium discounts of 15 to 30 percent.
Counter flashing
Metal flashing embedded into a masonry wall or chimney and bent down over the base flashing. Counter flashing covers the top edge of base flashing to prevent water from getting behind it. Often the first thing to fail on a chimney because it relies on masonry mortar that cracks over time.
Course
A horizontal row of shingles running the width of the roof. Installation starts at the eave with a starter course, then each successive course overlaps the one below. Proper course alignment and stagger pattern affects both weather resistance and appearance.
Cricket
A peaked saddle structure built behind a chimney or other large roof penetration to divert water around the obstruction. Required by most building codes for chimneys wider than 30 inches. Without a cricket, water pools behind the chimney and accelerates deterioration of the flashing and decking.
Decking
The structural sheathing panels attached to the roof framing that form the base layer of the roof system. Most Tulsa homes use OSB or plywood decking. Decking integrity is assessed during tear-off. Soft, rotted, or delaminated sections must be replaced before new roofing is installed.
Deductible
The amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. For roof claims, deductibles can be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the home's insured value. Many Oklahoma policies now have separate wind and hail deductibles that are higher than the standard deductible. Read yours before a storm.
Depreciation
The reduction in value of your roof based on age and condition. Insurance carriers apply depreciation when calculating ACV claims. A 10-year-old roof is worth less than a new one. On RCV policies, the carrier withholds depreciation until the work is complete, then releases it as a second check.
Dormer
A roofed structure that projects vertically from a sloping roof, typically containing a window. Dormers create valleys, additional flashing requirements, and intersections that require careful installation. They are a common leak source on older Tulsa homes when the flashing deteriorates.
Downspout
The vertical pipe that carries water from gutters down to ground level. Properly sized and positioned downspouts prevent water from saturating the foundation area. After a hail event, check downspout splash blocks for granule buildup, which confirms shingle impact.
Drip edge
An L-shaped metal flashing installed at the eaves and rakes to direct water off the roof and away from the fascia. Building codes require drip edge on new installations. Without it, water wicks back under the shingle edge and deteriorates the fascia and decking over time.
Eave
The lower horizontal edge of a roof that overhangs the exterior wall. The eave is the first area to receive ice and water shield during installation because it is where ice dams form and where wind-driven rain penetrates most easily.
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. A synthetic rubber membrane used on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. EPDM is highly flexible, handles temperature extremes well, and is resistant to UV degradation. It is less susceptible to hail puncture than TPO or PVC at typical Oklahoma hail sizes.
Fascia
The horizontal board running along the lower edge of the roof at the eave line. Gutters attach to the fascia. Fascia is vulnerable to water damage when gutters are clogged or when drip edge is absent. Rotted fascia is a common finding on Tulsa homes during roof inspection.
Felt
Traditional asphalt-saturated paper used as roofing underlayment for most of the 20th century. Often called roofing felt or tar paper. Still widely used but increasingly replaced by synthetic underlayment on quality installations because synthetic products are stronger, lighter, and more tear-resistant.
Flashing
Sheet metal installed at roof transitions, penetrations, and intersections to prevent water intrusion. Includes step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys, valley metal in roof valleys, and pipe boots around penetrations. Flashing failure is the most common cause of roof leaks that develop gradually after installation.
Gable
The triangular portion of an exterior wall at the end of a ridged roof. A gable roof has two sloping planes that meet at the ridge. Gable ends require rake flashing and are exposed to direct wind. Gable vents are a common intake ventilation source on older Oklahoma homes.
Granules
The small ceramic-coated stone particles embedded in the surface of asphalt shingles. Granules protect the asphalt from UV radiation and add fire resistance. After a hail event, dislodged granules collect in gutters and at downspout bases. Significant granule loss in gutters is one of the most reliable indicators of hail impact.
Gutter
The trough installed along the eave line to collect and channel water off the roof. Aluminum K-style gutters are most common in Tulsa. Gutters require regular cleaning to prevent clogging and associated fascia damage. After hail, gutters show denting that can confirm the hail size and direction of the storm.
Hip
A sloping ridge where two roof planes meet at an exterior corner. A hip roof has four sloping sides instead of two, with no gable ends. Hip roofs are more wind-resistant than gable roofs because they present less flat surface area to the wind. Hip cap shingles require careful installation to maintain wind resistance.
Ice dam
A ridge of ice that forms at the eave when heat from the interior melts snow on the upper roof, which then refreezes at the colder eave. Ice dams force water back under shingles. Ice and water shield at the eave is the primary defense. Proper attic insulation and ventilation prevent the heat differential that causes dams to form.
Ice and water shield
A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations before underlayment goes down. It bonds directly to the decking and seals around nails, providing a secondary waterproofing layer. Required by building code in cold climates and used by quality contractors in Oklahoma regardless of code requirements.
Impact resistant
A shingle classification indicating it has passed the UL 2218 or FM 4473 impact resistance test. Class 4 is the highest rating. Impact-resistant shingles are specifically important in Oklahoma's hail belt. Many carriers offer premium discounts for Class 4 installation. Verify the discount with your carrier before installation.
IRC (International Residential Code)
The model building code adopted (with amendments) by most U.S. jurisdictions, including Tulsa, that governs residential construction including roofing. IRC specifies requirements for underlayment, fastening, ventilation, ice and water shield, and other installation details. Work done to code is inspected and documented.
Leak barrier
Another term for ice and water shield, or a similar self-adhering waterproofing membrane. Some manufacturers market their products using this term. The function is the same: self-sealing around fasteners and providing a secondary waterproofing layer at vulnerable areas of the roof.
Low-slope
A roof with a pitch below 4:12 (4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run). Low-slope roofs require different materials and installation methods than steep-slope roofs. Standard asphalt shingles are not rated for low-slope applications. Most commercial buildings have low-slope or flat roofs.
Mansard
A roof style with two slopes on each of four sides, with the lower slope being much steeper than the upper. Mansard roofs have very low pitch on the upper section, which can create drainage and maintenance challenges. More common in older or French-influenced architecture.
Membrane
A continuous, flexible roofing layer used primarily on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. Common membrane types include TPO, EPDM, and PVC. Membranes are either mechanically fastened, adhered with bonding adhesive, or ballasted with aggregate. Seams are the primary vulnerability in membrane roofing.
Metal roofing
Roofing systems using steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc panels or shingles. Standing-seam metal is the premium residential option: concealed fasteners, no exposed penetrations, and exceptional durability. Metal roofing is the most hail-resistant widely available residential material. Lifespan is 40 to 70 years with proper maintenance.
Modified bitumen
An asphalt-based flat roofing membrane reinforced with modifiers, typically APP (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), to improve flexibility and durability. Applied in layers by torch, cold adhesive, or hot mopping. Common on commercial roofs in Tulsa and performs well in Oklahoma's temperature range.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
Engineered wood sheathing made from wood strands bonded with resin under heat and pressure. The most common modern roof decking material. Slightly more susceptible to water damage than plywood when the edges are exposed, but performs comparably when the roofing system is intact. OSB should be replaced if delaminated or saturated.
Penetration
Any element that passes through the roof membrane: pipes, vents, skylights, HVAC units, and flues. Every penetration is a potential leak source if not properly flashed and sealed. Pipe boots and vent flashing are the most common penetration flashings on residential roofs and the most commonly failed components.
Pitch
The slope of a roof, expressed as a ratio of rise to run. A 6:12 pitch rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Pitch affects material selection, installation cost (steeper roofs cost more to work on), and performance. Oklahoma residential roofs typically range from 4:12 to 8:12 pitch.
Plywood
Wood sheathing made from cross-laminated veneer layers. Used as roof decking. Generally more moisture-resistant at edges than OSB. Less common as new decking on recent construction but found on older Tulsa homes. CDX plywood (C-grade face, D-grade back, exterior glue) is the standard for roof sheathing.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
A thermoplastic single-ply roofing membrane used on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. PVC is highly resistant to chemicals, fire, and UV. Seams are heat-welded, creating a bond stronger than the membrane itself. More expensive than TPO or EPDM but often the right choice for restaurant or chemical-exposure applications.
R-value
A measure of thermal resistance in insulation. Higher R-values mean better insulation. While R-value is primarily an insulation metric, it relates to roofing because proper attic insulation prevents the heat differential that causes ice dams and accelerates shingle degradation from below.
Rake
The inclined edges of a gable roof running from the eave to the ridge at the gable end. Rake edges require drip edge flashing and are a common area for wind-driven rain intrusion. Rake shingles are installed with tighter overhang tolerances than field shingles.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
The cost to replace your roof with new materials of similar kind and quality, without depreciation applied. RCV policies are more favorable to homeowners than ACV policies. After a covered loss, an RCV carrier pays ACV first, then releases the depreciation holdback after the work is completed and you submit the final invoice.
Ridge
The highest horizontal line of a roof where two sloping planes meet. The ridge is capped with ridge cap shingles or a ridge vent system. It is the apex of the roof and a critical area for both weather resistance and ventilation.
Ridge vent
A continuous ventilation slot cut along the ridge of the roof and covered by a vented ridge cap. Ridge vents work with soffit vents to create a convective airflow through the attic. When properly sized and unobstructed, they are the most effective attic ventilation method for most Tulsa residential roofs.
Roof deck
See decking. The structural sheathing that forms the base for all roofing materials. A solid, dry roof deck is the foundation of a durable roof system.
Sealant
Caulk or rubberized material used to seal small gaps around flashings, pipe boots, and penetrations. Sealant is a maintenance item, not a substitute for proper flashing. Most sealants have a 5 to 10 year lifespan and require periodic inspection and reapplication around vulnerable penetrations.
Sheathing
Another term for roof decking. The OSB or plywood panels attached to the rafters or trusses. Sheathing must be sound, dry, and properly nailed to meet code requirements before new roofing is installed.
Slope
The incline of a roof surface. See pitch. Steep-slope roofing is generally defined as 4:12 or greater. Low-slope roofing is below 4:12. The slope affects which materials can be used, how installation is performed, and how long the roof will last under Oklahoma weather conditions.
Soffit
The finished underside of a roof overhang, between the fascia and the exterior wall. Soffit vents provide intake airflow to the attic in a balanced ventilation system. Blocked soffits, from insulation or paint, reduce attic airflow and accelerate shingle deterioration.
Square
The unit of measurement in roofing. One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface area. Roofing bids and material quantities are expressed in squares. A typical Tulsa single-story ranch home has 20 to 28 squares of roof area. Two-story and complex roofs have more squares relative to their footprint.
Starter strip
A specially designed shingle or adhesive-backed strip installed at eaves and rakes before the first course of shingles. The starter strip provides a solid, sealed base for the first course and prevents wind from lifting the first row of shingles. Skipping the starter strip is a shortcut that reduces wind resistance and can void manufacturer warranties.
Step flashing
Individual pieces of metal flashing installed in an overlapping stair-step pattern where a roof plane meets a vertical wall. Each piece of step flashing overlaps the shingle below it and is covered by the shingle above. Step flashing is the correct method for wall intersections; improper installation using only sealant is a common installation defect.
Supplement
A formal request submitted to an insurance carrier to add items to an existing approved claim. Supplements are filed when the original adjuster estimate omitted damage or underpriced scope items. Legitimate and common in hail claims. A good contractor reviews the adjuster's estimate and files supplements for missing items as a standard part of the claim process.
Synthetic underlayment
A polypropylene or polyester fabric underlayment that replaces traditional felt paper. Synthetic underlayment is lighter, stronger, and more tear-resistant than felt. It has a longer exposure window before shingles go on, which matters in Oklahoma where weather delays are common. Most quality installations today use synthetic underlayment.
Tear-off
The removal of existing roofing materials down to the decking before new installation. Most Oklahoma jurisdictions allow one layer of new roofing over one existing layer. When two layers already exist, a complete tear-off is required before new installation. Tear-off adds cost but provides the opportunity to inspect and repair the decking.
Three-tab shingle
The traditional single-layer asphalt shingle with three tabs cut into the lower edge to give the appearance of separate shingles. Three-tab shingles are thinner, less wind-resistant, and less impact-resistant than architectural shingles. They have largely been replaced by architectural shingles on new installations but are still found on many older Tulsa homes.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
The most widely used single-ply commercial roofing membrane today. TPO is heat-welded at seams, creating a waterproof bond. It is white or light-colored, which reflects solar heat and reduces cooling costs. Performs well in Oklahoma's climate but requires quality installation: improperly welded seams are the primary failure mode.
Underlayment
The water-resistant layer installed between the roof decking and the shingles or finish material. Underlayment provides secondary protection if the primary roofing material is breached. Either felt (traditional) or synthetic. Synthetic is now standard on quality installations. Code requires underlayment on all sloped roof installations.
Valley
The V-shaped channel formed where two roof planes meet at an interior angle. Valleys concentrate water from two roof planes into one drainage path and are high-vulnerability areas. Valleys can be open metal, woven, or closed-cut shingle. Metal valley flashing properly installed is the most durable approach.
Vapor barrier
A material that resists moisture vapor diffusion through a building assembly. In roofing, vapor barriers are used on low-slope commercial assemblies to prevent interior moisture from reaching the insulation and membrane. On residential steep-slope roofs, the focus is ventilation rather than vapor barriers.
Vent boot
The rubber and metal flashing that seals around plumbing vent pipes penetrating the roof. Vent boots have a rubber collar that fits over the pipe and a metal base that nails under the shingles. The rubber collar degrades over time and is a very common source of roof leaks on homes 10 years and older. Easy and inexpensive to replace.
Ventilation
The system of balanced intake and exhaust airflow through the attic. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup in winter and excessive heat in summer. Both extremes accelerate shingle degradation and can cause structural damage over time. IRC specifies minimum ventilation requirements. Ventilation assessment should be part of every roof replacement scope.
Xactimate
The estimating software used by most insurance adjusters and restoration contractors to price roof replacements and repairs. Xactimate line items have standardized prices that update periodically based on regional material and labor costs. When your contractor's estimate uses the same line items and format as the adjuster's scope, claim supplements are easier to process.
Still have questions?
Call AE Roofing at (918) 978-2660 or see the full FAQ. Free inspections available across the Tulsa metro including Broken Arrow, Owasso, and Bixby.
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