A roofing terms glossary turns the words on an estimate into plain English. A square is 100 square feet of roof. Tear-off removes the old roof down to the deck. Underlayment is the layer under the shingles. Flashing seals joints. Below are 67 terms in six groups, each linked to the guide that explains it.
A roofing estimate can read like another language. Here are the words you are most likely to see, in plain English, grouped so you can find them fast.
Twelve words for the parts of the roof you see from the street and the framing you do not.
Coastline can explain the words on your estimate in plain English, and send a written photo report of your roof so you can see what the words refer to. Coastline Roofing works all over Florida (license CCC1331076).
These are the words behind a price and a scope of work.
Shingle parts, flaws and the ratings printed on the wrapper.
The water barriers and metal pieces that keep a roof from leaking.
Words from state law, the building code and insurance paperwork.
Other systems have their own words, and they are explained on their own pages.
For tile, metal and TPO terms, see our pages on tile roofing, metal roofing and flat roofing, and the guides on standing seam metal roofs and 5V crimp metal roofs.
"Josh was especially amazing. He was professional, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly so I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers and takes pride in his work."Madison T.Roofing customer
"Good communication and did a great job."Rick R.Roofing customer, Florida Gulf Coast
"Highly recommend. Great communication. Great quality of work and very personable. Easy to work with. Will use again for home renovations."Justin S.Roofing customer, Florida Gulf Coast
Three, four or five bundles, depending on the shingle, according to the Owens Corning glossary. A square covers 100 square feet of roof. This is why the bundle count on a quote depends on the product chosen, and why a heavier shingle can take more bundles for the same roof.
As a ratio of rise to run, in inches. The Owens Corning glossary gives 4/12 as an example, which means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches it runs. A bigger first number means a steeper roof.
A gable roof is the simple two-sided kind, with a triangle of wall at each end. A hip roof has sloping planes on all four sides and no gables. Which you have affects how the roof is measured and how its ridge and edges are built.
It means the shingles are laid so the overlap is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed part, which puts two layers of roofing over the deck. The glossary also lists single coverage, which is one layer of roofing over the deck.
Ask for the product name, the underlayment, whether the old roof is torn off or covered over, who pulls the permit, and what the price per square includes. A written scope removes guesswork when two quotes use different words for the same job.
Coastline sends a written photo report and a plain-English explanation, so every word on the estimate matches something you can see.
Leave your name and number. We typically call back the same day during business hours. Consent to texts is not required.
