Forever Exterior Glossary

A

• Asphalt Shingles: A common roofing material made from asphalt-saturated fiberglass or organic mats, known for affordability, ease of installation, and a variety of colors.
• Attic Ventilation: The system that allows air to circulate through the attic space to prevent moisture buildup and reduce heat.

B

• Barn Style Roof: A roof design characterized by a steep, sloped roof resembling a traditional barn, often featuring a gambrel shape for extra attic space.
• Building Envelope: The physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a building, including the roof, walls, doors, and windows.

C

• Commercial Metal Roofing: Metal roofing solutions tailored for commercial properties, offering long-lasting protection and energy efficiency.
• Commercial Flat Roofing: A type of low-slope roofing system used on commercial buildings, made from durable materials like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen.
• Commercial Roofing: Roofing systems specifically designed for commercial buildings, focusing on durability and efficiency to protect large structures.
• Commercial Roof Replacement: The process of removing and installing a new roofing system on a commercial building to restore protection and performance.
• Commercial Roof Maintenance Program: A scheduled plan for routine roof inspections, cleaning, and repairs to prolong roof lifespan and prevent costly damage.
• Cladding: Materials applied to the exterior of a building to provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.

E

• EPDM Roofing: A synthetic rubber roofing membrane (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) commonly used on low-slope commercial buildings due to its flexibility and weather resistance.

F

• Fascia: The horizontal board attached to the edge of the roof rafters, which supports gutters and gives a finished look to the roof edge.
• Flat Roof: A roof with a nearly horizontal surface, typically covered with membrane materials like TPO or EPDM, common on commercial and some residential buildings.
• Flashing: Thin metal or waterproof material installed at roof joints or edges to prevent water penetration.

G

• Gutter: A trough fixed along the eaves or edges of a roof for collecting and directing rainwater away from the building’s foundation.
• Gutter Cleaning: The process of removing debris, leaves, and buildup from gutters to ensure proper water flow and prevent damage to the roof and foundation.
• Granules: Small mineral particles embedded in asphalt shingles to provide protection from UV rays and add color.

H

• Hardie Board: A fiber cement siding material known for durability, resistance to weather, fire, and pests, often compared with vinyl siding.
• Hail Damage: Damage caused by hailstones, resulting in dents, cracks, or broken shingles that can compromise roofing integrity.
• Hip Roof: A type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope.

I

• Insurance Claims: The process of requesting financial reimbursement from an insurance provider to cover roof or siding damage caused by storms, hail, or other covered events.

M

• Metal Roofing: Roofing made from metal panels or shingles, valued for durability, longevity, and energy efficiency.
• Membrane Roofing: A waterproof layer used on flat or low-slope roofs, often made of materials like TPO, PVC, or EPDM.

P

• Ponding Water: The accumulation of stagnant water on flat roofs, which can lead to leaks, structural damage, and roof deterioration if not properly drained.
• Pitch: The steepness or slope of a roof, usually expressed as a ratio of rise over run.

R

• Roof Coating: A protective layer applied to a roof’s surface to extend its lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and prevent leaks.
• Roofing Contractor: A professional specializing in roof installation, repair, and maintenance services.
• Roof Inspection : A thorough evaluation of a roof's condition to identify signs of damage, wear, or potential issues that may require maintenance or repair.
• Roof Rot: The decay of roofing materials caused by prolonged moisture exposure, often leading to structural damage.
• Ridge Cap: The protective covering installed along the peak of a roof to seal the joint where two roof slopes meet.

S

• Siding: The protective exterior material attached to the walls of a house, available in varieties such as vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and metal.
• Siding Repair: The process of fixing damaged or deteriorated siding to restore a home's exterior appearance and protect against the elements.
• Siding Replacement: The complete removal and installation of new siding material to improve a building’s durability, efficiency, and curb appeal.
• Soffit: The underside area of the roof eaves that covers the space between the edge of the roof and the exterior wall, often vented to allow airflow.
• Soffit Ventilation: Vents installed in soffits to promote attic airflow, helping regulate temperature and moisture levels.
• Storm Damage Roof Repair: Roof repairs needed after severe weather events like hail, windstorms, or heavy rain.
• Shingle: A flat roofing material laid in overlapping rows, commonly made of asphalt, wood, or metal.
• Skylight: A window installed in the roof to admit natural light into the space below.

T

• TPO Roofing: A single-ply membrane roofing system made of thermoplastic polyolefin, known for its energy efficiency, durability, and resistance to UV radiation.

V

• Vinyl Siding: A low-maintenance, cost-effective siding material made from PVC, available in various colors and textures.
• Vent Pipe: A pipe that extends through the roof to allow sewer gases to escape from the plumbing system.

W

• Wind Damage: Damage caused by high winds that can lift, crack, or tear roofing materials, creating vulnerabilities.