Adams & Sons Roofing Glossary

A

• ACV (Actual Cash Value): The depreciated value of your roof, which is what your insurance might pay if you don't have replacement cost coverage.
  
  
• Asphalt Shingles: The most common roofing material in the U.S., made of fiberglass coated in asphalt and topped with granules.
  
  
• Algae Growth: A common problem on asphalt shingles, especially in humid climates. Appears as dark streaks.
  
  

B

• Blistering: Bubbles or raised areas on shingles, often from trapped moisture or manufacturing defects.
  
  
• Built-Up Roof (BUR): A low-slope roof system made of layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics.
  
  

C

• Chimney Flashing: Metal installed around a chimney to prevent water leaks.
  
  
• Clay Tile Roofing: Durable, fire-resistant roofing made from baked clay tiles, common in warm climates.
  
  
• Composite/Synthetic Roofing: Man-made roofing that mimics natural materials like slate or wood.
  
  
• Condensation: Moisture inside attics or under roof decks that can cause mold or rot.
  
  
• Contingency Agreement: A document signed before insurance approval, committing a homeowner to hire the contractor if the claim is approved.
  
  
• Cricket: A small roof structure behind a chimney to divert water around it.
  
  

D

• Decking (Roof Deck): The structural surface under the roofing material, usually plywood or OSB.
  
  
• Deductible: The out-of-pocket portion of an insurance claim.
  
  
• Drip Edge: Metal flashing at roof edges to direct water into gutters and away from fascia.
  
  

E

• EPDM: A durable synthetic rubber membrane often used on flat commercial roofs.
  
  
• Eave: The edge of the roof that overhangs the walls.
  
  
• Eave Protection: Materials like Ice & Water Shield installed at the eaves to prevent ice dam leaks.
  
  

F

• Felt Paper: A traditional underlayment made of asphalt-saturated paper.
  
  
• Flashing: Metal sheets that prevent water infiltration around roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, etc.).
  
  

G

• GAF: A major roofing manufacturer. Adams & Sons is a GAF Certified™ contractor.
  
  
• Gable: The triangular wall section between two roof slopes.
  
  
• Granules: The textured surface layer on asphalt shingles that adds UV and weather resistance.
  
  
• Gutters: Channels along the eaves that collect and divert rainwater away from the home.
  
  

H

• Hail Damage: Dents or granule loss caused by hailstones. May qualify for insurance claims.
  
  
• Hip Roof: A roof with slopes on all four sides, forming a pyramid or trapezoid shape.
  
  
• Hail Damage Repair: Services to fix roofing systems affected by hail.
  
  

I

• Ice Dam: A buildup of ice that prevents melting snow from draining, often causing roof leaks.
  
  
• Ice & Water Shield: A self-adhering waterproof membrane used in valleys and eaves to prevent leaks.
  
  
• Insurance Claims Assistance: Adams & Sons offers help navigating roofing insurance claims.
  
  

L

• Leaks: Water infiltration usually caused by damaged shingles, flashing, or failed seals.
  
  

M

• Maintenance Tips: Includes regular roof inspections, cleaning gutters, and checking for loose or damaged shingles.
  
  
• Metal Roofing: Durable roofing made of aluminum, steel, or copper—resistant to fire, rot, and insects.
  
  
• Moss Growth: A common roofing issue in damp environments, can degrade shingles over time.
  
  

N

• Nail Pop: When nails back out of the decking over time, potentially loosening shingles.
  
  

P

• Pitched Roof: A roof with a sloped angle to shed water.
  
  
• Plumbing Vent: A pipe that vents gases from the home's plumbing through the roof.
  
  

R

• Rafter: Sloped beams that support the roof deck.
  
  
• RCV (Replacement Cost Value): The amount insurance pays to fully replace a roof with new materials.
  
  
• Ridge: The horizontal line at the top where two roof slopes meet.
  
  
• Ridge Vent: A ventilation system installed along the roof’s ridge to release heat and moisture.
  
  
• Roof Inspection: A professional evaluation to identify roof condition, especially after storms.
  
  
• Roof Insurance Claims: The process of requesting reimbursement from insurance for roof damage.
  
  
• Roof Repair: Targeted fixes to address localized issues like leaks or missing shingles.
  
  
• Roof Replacement: Full removal of old roofing and installation of a new system.
  
  

S

• Scope of Loss: A document detailing the damages and what insurance will cover.
  
  
• Shake Roofing: A rustic style of roofing made from hand-split wooden shakes, usually cedar.
  
  
• Skylight: A roof-mounted window to let in natural light.
  
  
• Soffit: The underside of an overhang; often vented for attic airflow.
  
  
• Starter Strip: The first row of shingles installed, forming a base for the roof covering.
  
  
• Storm Damage Repair: Fixing roofs affected by wind, hail, or falling debris.
  
  
• Slate Roofing: A long-lasting, fire-resistant natural stone roofing option.
  
  

T

• Tear-Off: The process of removing old roofing materials before installing new ones.
  
  
• Tile Roofing: Roofing made from clay or concrete tiles—durable and aesthetically distinctive.
  
  
• TPO Roofing: A thermoplastic membrane used on commercial or flat residential roofs.
  
  

U

• Underlayment: A moisture barrier placed between the roof deck and the shingles.
  
  

V

• Valley: Where two roof slopes meet, directing water into gutters.
  
  
• Ventilation: Systems that allow air flow through the attic to prevent moisture and heat buildup.
  
  
• Vent Pipe: A pipe that releases sewer gases from the home’s plumbing through the roof.
  
  

W

• Warranty Types:
  
  
  • Manufacturer Warranty: Covers material defects.
    
    
  • Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation errors by the contractor.
    
    
• Wind Damage: Roofing damage caused by high winds that lift or tear off shingles.
  
  
• Wood Shingles: Smooth, uniform-cut wood roofing.
  
  
• Woven Valley: An installation method where shingles from intersecting slopes are woven together.