Roofing contractor glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a roofing contractor provider in Hartford Metro.
- What are 3-tab shingles?
- 3-tab shingles are flat, single-layer asphalt shingles cut into three equal tabs along the lower edge, producing a uniform, consistent roof line.
- What are architectural shingles?
- Architectural shingles are laminated asphalt roofing shingles with multiple layers that create a three-dimensional appearance, thicker profile, and greater durability than standard 3-tab shingles.
- What are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?
- Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are roofing products that pass the UL 2218 impact resistance standard, the highest rating for hail and weather durability, and often qualify for insurance discounts.
- What is a ridge vent?
- A ridge vent is an exhaust vent that runs along the peak of a roof, allowing hot and moist air to escape from the attic as part of a paired ventilation system with soffit intake vents.
- What is a roof-over?
- A roof-over applies new roofing material directly over an existing layer without tearing off the old material first. Building codes in Hartford typically permit only one layer overlay due to structural weight and inspection limitations.
- What is a roofing square?
- A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area, used by contractors to estimate material quantities and quote project costs.
- What is a soffit vent?
- Soffit vents are perforated intake openings installed in the underside of roof eaves that allow outside air to enter the attic, creating half of a balanced ventilation system when paired with exhaust vents like ridge vents.
- What is a tear-off roof?
- A tear-off roof is the complete removal of all existing roofing material down to the roof deck before new roofing is installed, contrasted with a roof-over that layers new material over the existing roof.
- What is a wind uplift rating?
- A wind uplift rating is the maximum wind speed in mph that shingles can withstand before lifting or tearing away from the roof deck, determined by laboratory testing and used to classify shingle performance in storms.
- What is an ice dam?
- An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the eaves and edges of a roof during winter freeze-thaw cycles, blocking meltwater from draining and forcing it underneath shingles into the home.
- What is CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster?
- CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster is a manufacturer-recognized installer tier that qualifies roofing contractors to offer elevated warranty terms when using CertainTeed shingle products, contingent on annual training and sales requirements.
- What is counter flashing?
- Counter flashing is a metal strip inserted into mortar joints or siding and bent downward to overlap step flashing, directing water away from roof penetrations like chimneys and walls.
- What is drip edge?
- Drip edge is a thin metal flashing strip installed at the edges of a roof to direct water runoff into gutters and shield the fascia and underlying structure from moisture.
- What is EPDM roofing?
- EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane applied as a single sheet to flat or low-slope roofs, widely used on residential additions and garage extensions.
- What is GAF Master Elite certification?
- GAF Master Elite is the top-tier contractor certification from GAF Materials Corporation, the nation's largest roofing manufacturer, given to a limited number of installers who meet rigorous training, quality, and business requirements.
- What is ice and water shield?
- A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed at the eaves, valleys, and other vulnerable roof areas to seal out water that backs up behind ice dams.
- What is modified bitumen roofing?
- Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based rolled roofing material reinforced with polymer modifiers (typically SBS or APP) that improves flexibility and durability on low-slope and flat roof sections.
- What is roof decking?
- Roof decking is the structural board material, typically plywood or OSB, fastened to the roof framing (rafters) that serves as the base layer for shingles and underlayment.
- What is roof flashing?
- Thin metal strips installed at roof joints and penetrations to direct water away and prevent leaks into the building structure.
- What is roof underlayment?
- Roof underlayment is a protective membrane laid over roof decking before shingles are installed, serving as a secondary barrier against water and weather damage.
- What is standing seam metal roofing?
- Standing seam metal roofing consists of vertical metal panels with interlocking raised seams that run the length of the roof slope, designed to shed water and snow effectively.
- What is step flashing?
- Step flashing consists of individual L-shaped metal pieces layered along a roof-to-wall or roof-to-chimney junction to direct water down and away from the seam.
- What is TPO roofing?
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply synthetic membrane installed on flat or low-slope roofs that reflects sunlight to reduce heat absorption and energy costs.
- What is valley flashing?
- Valley flashing is the metal or membrane material installed where two roof slopes converge, designed to direct water runoff downward and protect against leaks in this high-stress junction.