--- title: "Roofing Terminology: Speaking the Lingo with a Roofer" description: Learn roofing terminology so you can better understand & communicate with a roofer. Contact our professional team at First Quality Roofing for reliable service. image: https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/bigstock-A-Roofer-Working-On-Roof-Struc-455939139.jpg --- ![](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/blog-2019-img/FQ%20Logo-2.png) ![](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/blog-2019-img/Call%20Today.png) [Call Us Today 702.262.7847](tel:7022627847) [Call Now 702.262.7847](tel:7022627847) ![](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/blog-2019-img/phone.svg) - [Home](http://firstqualityroof.com) - [Why Choose Us](http://firstqualityroof.com/why-choose-us/) - [Home Tips](http://firstqualityroof.com/home-tips/) - [Testimonials](http://firstqualityroof.com/testimonials/) - [100% Financing Available](http://firstqualityroof.com/100-financing-available/) - [Super Service Award](http://firstqualityroof.com/super-service-award/) - [Services](http://firstqualityroof.com/services/) - [Roofing Systems](http://firstqualityroof.com/roofing-systems/) - [Image Gallery](http://firstqualityroof.com/image-gallery/) - [Contact Us](http://firstqualityroof.com/contact-us/) - [Employment](http://firstqualityroof.com/employment/) - [Blog](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog) [RoofRepairs](http://firstqualityroof.com/roof-repairs) ![](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/blog-2019-img/header-links-bg-1.png) [RoofReplacement](http://firstqualityroof.com/roof-replacement) ![](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/blog-2019-img/header-links-bg-2.png) [AtticInsulation](http://firstqualityroof.com/attic-insulation) ![](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hubfs/blog-2019-img/header-links-bg-3.png) # Your Las Vegas # Roofing Professionals ## [Roofing Terminology: Speaking the Lingo with a Roofer](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog/roofing-terminology-speaking-the-lingo-with-a-roofer) Posted by [First Quality Roofing & Insulation](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog/author/first-quality-roofing-insulation) on Feb 14, 2023, 6:17:40 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When needing a roof repair or replacement, it's helpful to understand roofing terminology so you can better communicate with a roofer when it comes time to hire one.  ![bigstock-A-Roofer-Working-On-Roof-Struc-455939139](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-A-Roofer-Working-On-Roof-Struc-455939139.jpg?width=590&height=393&name=bigstock-A-Roofer-Working-On-Roof-Struc-455939139.jpg) Possessing this knowledge of roofing terminology can give you the upper hand when requesting quotes and ensuring the work will be done correctly.  ### The Parts of Roofs Cornice: The part of the roof that extends out from the side walls of the house. Counterflashing: The flashing that is embedded in a wall or other vertical structure, so it overlaps the shingle flashing (see flashing). Courses: The horizontal rows of shingles or tiles on a roof. Deck: A platform-like structure made of planks or plates that serves as the base for the roofing materials and is attached to the supporting frame. Drip Edge: A piece of non-corrosive metal that's L-shaped, and gets affixed to roof edges to facilitate water run-off. Eaves: The horizontal edges on a sloped roof, that project beyond the house's exterior wall. Fascia: A long, straight board that covers the front edge of the roof's overhang, supporting the gutters. Flashing: Sheet metal or other materials applied to reinforce the roof around chimneys, vents, and other junctions that may be vulnerable to leakage. Frieze board: A board located at the top of the house's siding that forms a corner with the soffit. Joists and Rafters: Structural pieces that the deck is affixed to. Joists are found in flat roofs and rafters are found in slanted roofs. Ridges and Valleys: The horizontal line along the top of a roof and the intersection of two sloped surfaces, respectively. Valleys can be closed or opened. Slope: The number of inches of vertical rise per foot of horizontal distance. Soffit: A covering for the exposed underside of the roof's overhang. Underlayment: A layer of protection applied to the deck or sheathing before the roofing material is installed, usually consisting of asphalt-saturated felt or tar paper. ### Common Roof Features Cricket: A small, peaked structure built on the highest side of a chimney that redirects water away from the area between the chimney and the roof. Dormer: A roofed structure that projects from a sloped roof, often including windows, and available in different styles for both form and function. Gable: The triangular upper part of a wall that forms the end of a peaked roof. Penetrations: Any objects or structures that pass through the roof deck, such as vents, pipes, stacks, and chimneys. ### Materials Used in Roofs Felt: Roofing material made of a combination of asphalt and either paper or rags, commonly referred to as "tar papers" by roofers. OSB: Oriented strand board, a popular, lightweight, and strong material used for sheathing that is less expensive than plywood. Square: A measurement of the amount of material required to cover 100 square feet of roof. Vapor retarder: A material intended to prevent the passage of water vapor through a roof system or wall. ### Talk Roofing Terminology or Plain Speak with a Roofer If your home's roof needs inspection, [repair](https://firstqualityroof.com/roof-repairs/), or [replacement](https://firstqualityroof.com/roof-replacement/), contact our First Quality Roofing team [online](https://firstqualityroof.com/contact-us/) or call us at 702-262-7847. We'll be happy to answer all of your questions and guide you to the right option for your home.    Topics: [roofing terminology](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog/topic/roofing-terminology) [<< The Benefits of Air Sealing for Your Las Vegas Home](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog/the-benefits-of-air-sealing-for-your-las-vegas-home) [6 Home Insulation Facts That You Need to Know >>](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog/6-home-insulation-facts-that-you-need-to-know) [All posts](https://info.firstqualityroof.com/blog/all) ### Do you need a **Repair** or **Replacement?** We can help you to determine if your roof just needs repairs, or if a replacement would be more appropriate. 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