Roofing Glossary for Cardinal Roofing

Explore our comprehensive glossary of roofing and siding terms to better understand the materials, techniques, and services offered by Cardinal Roofing.

A

Acrylic Roof Coatings
A water-based coating that forms a durable, seamless layer that helps reduce heat absorption, lower cooling costs, and protect the roof from sun damage and general wear.

Asphalt Shingles
A popular and cost-effective roofing material made from a fiberglass base coated with asphalt and mineral granules.

Attic Ventilation
A system that allows airflow through the attic space to reduce moisture buildup and heat, helping extend roof life and improve energy efficiency.

B

Blistering
Raised areas on shingles caused by trapped moisture, excessive heat, or poor ventilation, which can lead to early shingle failure.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
A traditional flat roofing system consisting of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics for waterproofing.

C

Commercial Roofing
Roofing systems designed for commercial properties, typically using flat or low-slope materials like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen.

Commercial Roof Coatings
Commercial roof coatings create a seamless, protective layer that extends roof lifespan, improves energy efficiency, and helps prevent leaks caused by UV exposure, weathering, and moisture intrusion.

Commercial Roofing Systems
Commercial roof systems include various engineered roofing solutions designed to protect large buildings, providing long-term durability, weather resistance, and performance tailored to specific structural and environmental requirements.

Cracking
Splitting or breakage of roofing material, often due to age, sun exposure, or structural movement.

Curb Appeal
The overall appearance and attractiveness of a property from the street, often enhanced by a clean, high-quality roof.

D

Decking
The wood base (usually plywood or OSB) that forms the foundation of a roof and supports all layers above it – one of several parts of a roof worth knowing by name.

Downspout
A pipe connected to the gutter system that directs rainwater from the roof to the ground or drainage system.

Drip Edge
A metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof to guide water off the eaves and prevent it from getting underneath the roofing materials.

E

Emergency Roof Repair
Urgent repairs needed to address active leaks or storm-related damage that pose immediate risks to the home.

EPDM Roofing
A type of durable rubber roofing membrane commonly used on commercial flat roofs.

F

Financing Your Roof
Options available to homeowners to spread out the cost of roof repairs or replacement through payment plans or third-party lenders.

Flashing
Metal strips installed at roof joints or around features (like chimneys or vents) to prevent water intrusion.

Flat Roof (commercial)
A commercial flat roof is a low-slope roofing system commonly used on warehouses, office buildings, and retail centers with minimal pitch that relies on specialized materials like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen to create a watertight seal and allow for efficient drainage.

G

Gable Roof
A classic roof shape with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming end walls with a triangular extension.

Granules
The textured mineral coating on asphalt shingles that provides UV protection and color.

H

I

Insurance Claims
An insurance claim is a formal request you submit to your insurance company to receive coverage or reimbursement for roof damage covered under your policy.

Ironton, OH
One of Cardinal Roofing’s service areas, offering repair and replacement services in southern Ohio.

L

Low-Slope Roof
A roof with a shallow pitch, commonly used on commercial buildings, requires special materials for proper drainage.

Leak Barrier
An underlayment layer is applied to vulnerable areas to protect against water infiltration, especially around eaves and valleys.

M

Metal Roofing
A long-lasting and energy-efficient roofing option made from steel, aluminum, or copper panels.

Moisture Barrier
A protective layer installed beneath roofing materials to block water penetration into the home.

O

OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
A type of engineered wood commonly used as roof decking due to its strength and cost-effectiveness.

Overhang
The portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls to help direct water away from the foundation.

P

Proctorville, WV
A location served by Cardinal Roofing, offering both residential and commercial roofing services.

Pitch
The steepness or slope of a roof, typically expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.

R

Roof Inspection
A thorough evaluation of a roof’s condition to detect damage, aging, or potential problems.

Roof Insurance Claims
Services offered to assist homeowners with documentation and communication during the insurance claim process.

Roof Repair
Fixing damaged or deteriorated areas of a roof to extend its life and prevent leaks.

Roof Replacement
Removing the existing roof system and installing new materials for long-term protection.

S

Siding Installation
The process of applying new siding to a home’s exterior to improve appearance and protection.

Siding Guide: Materials and Care
An in-depth blog post covering siding types, installation, and maintenance tips.

Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone roof coatings provide long-lasting protection for flat and low-slope roofing systems by creating a seamless, waterproof membrane. Known for their superior resistance to ponding water and UV exposure,

Soffits
The exposed undersides of a roof’s overhang or eaves, typically located beneath the fascia. They help ventilate the attic and protect rafters from moisture and pests.

Storm Damage Guide
Tips on what to check after severe weather and how to identify signs of damage.

T

TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic polyolefin — a popular, energy-efficient single-ply membrane used on commercial flat roofs.

Teays Valley, WV
A service area covered by Cardinal Roofing for repairs, inspections, and replacements.

V

Valley
The internal angle where two sloping roof planes meet, often reinforced with flashing to direct water off the roof.

Ventilation Control
(in the context of soffits and fascia) refers to managing airflow into the attic through vents in the soffits. Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature, reduce moisture buildup, and prevent issues like mold, ice dams, and roof damage.

Vinyl Siding
A low-maintenance, durable material used for home exteriors, available in various colors and styles.

W

Warranty
A written guarantee covering the performance and durability of roofing materials or workmanship for a specific period.

Wind Uplift
The upward force of wind that can damage or tear off roofing materials, especially if improperly installed.