ROOFING GLOSSARY
Roofing terms: the technical glossary
Clear definitions for the terms in your measurements, material list and next roofing conversation.
11 definitions
Eave
The lower roof edge where water typically leaves the roof, often above a gutter.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Facet
One planar section of a roof bounded by its edges. A facet ledger identifies the area and pitch of each supported plane.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Hip
An exterior sloping intersection of adjacent roof planes. Hip cuts can affect material layout and waste.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Pitch
In RoofKarma’s tools, pitch expresses vertical rise per 12 units of horizontal run. A 6/12 pitch rises six units for every twelve horizontal units.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Rake
A sloping roof edge at a gable end. Its position and material detail differ from an eave.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Ridge
An upper intersection of roof planes, commonly horizontal. Ridge caps and ventilation may require separate material quantities.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Roofing square
One roofing square is 100 square feet of roof surface area. Sloped surface area can differ from the horizontal footprint.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Step flashing
Overlapping flashing pieces at a sloped roof-to-wall junction. The installation detail depends on the selected roofing system.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Valley
An interior intersection that channels water between roof planes. Its material detail depends on the assembly and installation method.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Wall flashing
Flashing at a roof-to-wall transition. Sidewall and headwall junctions require different details.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗Waste factor
An allowance added to a base material quantity for project-specific losses and cuts. Separate field-material waste, accessories and purchase rounding to avoid double counting.
See how the terms fit a roof report ↗