Terminology 101

Getting a roofing estimate is actually an easy process. It is nice if you are home for the estimate. This is to make sure we are on the same page for what you are looking for in a roof, windows/doors, kitchen or bathroom remodel. Some of the vocabulary used during the estimate process can be a little disorientating for the homeowner. We have listed a few common terms that are used and their meanings.

Base Sheet/Felt: These are asphalt rolls that are about three feet in height. This material is rolled over a plywood roof deck to add an additional vapor barrier between the roof deck and the shingles. It comes in "15 pound" felt and "30 pound" felt. Thicker is better but for most applications the 15 pound felt is all that is needed.

Drip Metal: Drip metal is the metal flashing that goes from the shingle into the gutter. At times this metal is installed behind the gutter, but ideally it goes into the gutter. This will prevent water from sneaking between the gutter and the fascia.

Fascia: Fascia board is the decorative piece of wood that sits right behind the gutter and is a trim piece on the home.

Soffits: The soffit is the overhang where the roof field sticks out from the house. They are called "box soffits" if they have a rafter every two feet sticking out from the siding of the home.

Rake Metal: This is the metal that is installed at an upward angle along the edge of the house. It can also be called "T" metal.

OSB vs. CDX Plywood: CDX Plywood is layers of wood plied together and have a relatively smooth exterior finish. OSB boards are a laminated chip board. The CDX Plywood is more expensive, however, it is worth the price for a long term investment in your home.

Presidential Roof: Presidential is a shingle manufactured by CertainTeed. It is a type of asphalt shake and is available in a 50 year life time TL version.

BUR, Hot Tar, Built Up, 3-Ply, 4-Ply: All of these words refer to a type of flat roof, also known as, a built up roof system or hot tar system. The ply number refers to the number of layers of roofing material.

TPO, PVC, Durolast, Plastic, White Roof: All fo these refer to the "new wave" of flat roofing systems. These roofs arrive in giant rolls and are rolled out over the roof field. While every contractor has different opinions on using these systems; I have found that the basic difference is that PVC is easier to work with. Durolast is a roof that is manufactured right here in Oregon and has a little different chemical composition than both the standard TPO or PVC roof.

Torchdown: This is a material that you torch directly onto the roof deck. It comes in both smooth and granulated surfaces.