Back to Blog Education Roofing Terms Explained: A San Antonio Homeowner's Glossary
Mark WhiteApril 10, 20258 min read Roofers have their own language. And when you're getting estimates, attending insurance adjustments, or just trying to understand what's happening on your roof, not knowing the vocabulary puts you at a disadvantage.
Here's every roofing term you need to know, explained in plain English.
Roof Structure Terms
*Deck / Sheathing*. The plywood or OSB boards nailed to your roof's structural frame. Everything else sits on top of the deck.
*Truss / Rafter*. The structural framework that supports the deck. Trusses are pre-manufactured triangles; rafters are individual boards cut on-site. Most modern homes use trusses.
*Ridge*. The horizontal peak where two roof slopes meet at the top. The highest point of your roof.
*Valley*. The V-shaped channel where two roof slopes meet going downward. Water concentrates in valleys, making them leak-prone.
*Hip*. A raised edge where two roof slopes meet at an angle (like the corner of a hip roof). The opposite of a valley.
*Pitch / Slope*. How steep your roof is, expressed as a ratio. A 6/12 pitch rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Higher pitch = steeper roof.
*Eave*. The lower edge of the roof that overhangs the wall. Where your gutter installation attach.
*Rake*. The sloped edge of a gable roof (the diagonal edges, as opposed to the horizontal eaves).
Roofing Material Terms
*Square*, 100 square feet of roofing area. When a roofer says your roof is '25 squares,' that's 2,500 sq ft. Materials are priced per square.
*Underlayment*. The water-resistant layer between the deck and the shingles. Synthetic is better than felt paper.
*Ice and Water Shield*. A self-adhering, fully waterproof membrane used in vulnerable areas (valleys, eaves, around penetrations).
*Flashing*. Metal pieces that seal joints where the roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, or other penetrations. Critical leak prevention.
*Drip Edge*. L-shaped metal strip along roof edges that directs water into gutters instead of behind them.
*Ridge Cap*. The shingles installed along the ridge, covering the gap where the two slopes meet.
*Starter Strip*. The first row of shingles along the eave, installed under the visible first course to seal the edge.
*Pipe Boot / Collar*. The rubber and metal flange that seals around plumbing vent pipes where they penetrate the roof.
Exterior Trim Terms
*Fascia*. The vertical board along the edge of the roof behind the gutter. When fascia rots, gutters pull away.
*Soffit*. The horizontal panel under the roof overhang, connecting the fascia to the wall. Soffit vents are critical for attic ventilation.
*Ridge Vent*. A continuous vent along the ridge that allows hot air to escape the attic.
*Gable*. The triangular wall section between the edges of a double-sloped roof.
Bookmark this page and pull it up next time a roofer gives you an estimate. You'll understand every line item, and that makes you a better consumer.
Got a roofing question? Something keeping you up at night? (Besides that mysterious dripping sound?) Email me personally at mwhite@legacytx.com. I read and answer every single one.
MW Mark White
Owner, Legacy Home Improvements · San Antonio since 1999
Mark has been in the roofing business for over 25 years. He personally inspects homes, works with insurance adjusters, and answers every email at mwhite@legacytx.com.
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