If you’ve ever had roofing work done, you might have found yourself scratching your head at some of the terms the roofing pros throw around. At Muth & Company Roofing, we get it—roofing lingo can be a bit overwhelming!
As one of the most recommended Columbus roofers, we are frequently asked about roofing terms.
So, let’s break down some essential roofing terms that will help you feel more confident when discussing your roofing project.
Here are some common roofing terms
Decking: Think of this as the foundation of your roof. It’s the boards that are nailed to the rafters, and everything else, like shingles, gets laid right on top of it.
Drip Edge: This is a handy metal strip that goes along the lower edge of your roof. Its job? To guide water into the gutter. When water sneaks behind the gutter, it will cause all sorts of damage to your home.
Fascia: This is the flat board that runs along the edge of your roof, covering the rafters. It’s not just for looks. It helps protect your roof and adds a nice finishing touch.
Fire Rating: This is a way to measure how fire-resistant your roofing materials are. Class A materials are the best at resisting fires, while Class C materials are the least resistant. Anything that doesn’t fit into these classes is considered “unrated.”
Flashing: These are the metal or rubber pieces that help keep water from leaking into your home. Especially around tricky spots like chimneys, valleys, and vent pipes.
Hip Roof: If you’ve got a roof with four sloping sides that meet at a peak, you’ve got a hip roof! It’s a popular design that looks great and helps with drainage.
Ridge: This is the highest point of your roof where two slopes meet. It runs horizontally along the top and is a key part of your roof’s structure.
Soffit: This is the material that covers the underside of your roof’s overhang. It protects the rafters from the weather. And, if it’s vented, it helps with airflow in your attic.
Valley: This is where two roof planes come together, creating a V-shaped dip that channels water off your roof. It’s an important area to keep an eye on!
Call us for more help!
If you ever just want to chat about any of these terms, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Muth & Company! Give us a call at (614) 882-0900 to schedule your FREE consultation.
With a little knowledge under your belt, you’ll be ready to tackle any roofing conversation that comes your way!


