Roofing Terminology

Understanding the components of your roofing system will help you determine the style of your roof, identify interior space, and dictate where to add rooms, frame additions, and place chimneys. The roof also suggests the type of climate that the geographical location of the building receives. Not only will understanding the details of the roof help the builders responsible for the design, but it will also help the homeowners select the perfect roofing style for there location and personal taste. You will find some of the most important roofing terms defined below.

Roof Details

• Valley - When two roofing planes meet at the bottom of their pitch to form a valley.
• Hip - When two roofing planes form a fold or vertical ridge.
• Gables - Roof sections facing in separate direction from the actual roof, forming a triangular wall segment. They are often used as an opening for a window.
• Dormers - Create additional openings in your roof and are classified by a variety of styles associated with roof shapes. (Gabled, hipped, shed, etc.)
• Roof Dormers - A section that extends up from the main roofline and forms a miniature house, containing a window, lights, walls, and a roof.
• Wall Dormers - A section that extends up from the main roofline and looks much like a gable, but with walls.
• Eave Details - The part of a roof which projects out from the side wall, projecting the edge of the roof.
• Roof - The exterior surface on the top of a building.
• Fascia - Horizontal band or board that runs along the eaves of a roof.
• Boxed Eave - Horizontal overhang that runs from the eaves edge to the side of the building.
• Cornice - The top set of moldings just below a roofline, usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit and appropriate trim moldings.
• Rake - The inclined portion of a cornice. They can be close or extended.

Roof Pitch

• Low Slope - Roof pitches that are less than 30 degrees.
• Normal Slope - Roof pitches that are between 30 and 45 degrees.
• Steep Slope - Rood pitches that are more than 45 degrees.

Looking For More Information About Roofing?

Roofing or re-roofing your home is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right roofer for your house and your budget. We offer Free Roofing Price Quotes from local, prescreened roofing contractors.