Whenever you make a major purchase, it’s important to understand what you are buying and have a good idea of some of the basic terminology related to the purchase. The same is true of your roof, which is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. If you have never worked with Manchester roofing companies before, you’re not alone—here is a quick guide to some terms you should understand before you hire a contractor.
Shingles: These are the materials used for the top layer of your roof, and could come in a variety of options, such as asphalt, wood, slate, or tile.
- Interlocking: Shingles that provide extra wind resistance by fastening to each other mechanically.
- Laminated: Strips of shingles that have several layers for added thickness (also known as architectural shingles).
- Self-sealing: shingles that have adhesive applied at the factory to help seal against moisture and other leaks.
Roof Deck: This is a surface built on top of the supporting frame that Manchester roofing contractors install shingles on. If you have an older roof deck, you may need to consider building a new one before you put brand new shingles over the top of a bad deck.
Flashing: Metal pieces, made of aluminum or copper in most cases, that seal the edges around things that protrude from your Manchester roofing (chimneys, vent pipes, dormers, etc.) to prevent leaks.
Downspout/Gutters: Troughs attached to the edge of your Manchester roofing, connected to vertical pipes that channel water away from the house.
Overhang & Eaves: Overhang is the portion of the roofing that goes beyond the walls of your home, and the eaves are the horizontal part underneath the overhang.
Pitch/Slope: The incline of the roof, measured as a ratio of the rise (vertical distance from the top of the ridge to the bottom of the roof) and the run (horizontal distance from the mid-point of the roof to the edge of the overhang).
Ridge: The top point where two sloped planes meet, with special shingles to cover both sides of the ridge.
Valley: The inward angled area where two sloped roofing planes meet.
Shed Roof: Manchester roofing that has only a single sloping plane with no ridges, valleys, or gables.
Soffit: The finished, underneath portion of the eaves.
Shading: A term that describes shingles with slight color differences that result from the manufacturing process.
Even if you are not planning to become a Manchester roofing contractor, knowing the basics about your roof can help you choose the right company to replace or repair it.
