Roofing Terms Explained: What Your Contractor Is Talking About
- Lake Effect Exteriors
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
When your roofing contractor starts tossing around terms like flashing, underlayment, or ridge vent, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Lake Effect Exteriors, we believe in keeping homeowners informed and confident throughout every step of the roofing process. This guide breaks down the most common roofing terms so you know exactly what we’re talking about and why it matters for your Southeast Michigan home.
1. Shingles
Let’s start with the basics. Shingles are the outermost layer of your roof, protecting your home from rain, snow, and sun. In Southeast Michigan, asphalt shingles—especially those from Owens Corning are a popular choice due to their durability, affordability, and style options.
Common types:
Architectural (Dimensional) – Thicker, layered shingles that last longer and look more upscale.
Three-tab – Flat, uniform shingles often used in budget-friendly installations.
2. Underlayment
Installed directly beneath the shingles, underlayment is your roof’s secondary barrier against water. It’s critical in Michigan's climate where snow and ice buildup are common.
Types of underlayment:
Synthetic underlayment – Durable, tear-resistant, and often used by modern contractors.
Felt (tar paper) – An older option that provides basic protection at a lower cost.
3. Flashing
Flashing is a thin metal material installed around roof penetrations (like chimneys, skylights, or vent pipes) and roof valleys to direct water away from those vulnerable areas. Without properly installed flashing, leaks are almost guaranteed.
4. Drip Edge
This is a metal strip installed along the edges of your roof. It helps channel water into the gutters rather than behind the fascia. Though not always used in the past, drip edge is now a code requirement in many areas—including across Michigan.
5. Fascia & Soffit
Fascia is the vertical board that runs along the edge of the roof, where the gutters attach.
Soffit is the horizontal section beneath the overhang, often vented to allow airflow into your attic.
These components not only improve ventilation and energy efficiency but also protect your roof structure from moisture and pests.
6. Ridge & Ridge Vent
The ridge is the highest point of your roof where two slopes meet.
A ridge vent is installed along this peak to allow hot, humid air to escape from the attic—essential for preventing moisture damage and extending the life of your roof.
At Lake Effect Exteriors, we often install Owens Corning VentSure® ridge vents for their proven performance.
7. Valleys
A valley is where two roof planes meet, creating a channel that directs rainwater and melting snow toward the gutters. Because they handle a high volume of water, valleys are one of the most leak-prone areas—making proper installation critical.
8. Ice & Water Shield
Especially important in cold climates like Michigan, this waterproof membrane is installed along eaves, valleys, and around roof penetrations to prevent leaks from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
9. Decking (Sheathing)
The decking is the wood base your entire roofing system is built on—usually made of plywood or OSB. During a roof replacement, we inspect the decking and replace any rotted or damaged sections before new materials go on.
10. Square
In roofing, a square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roofing material. For example, if your roof requires 2,400 square feet of shingles, that’s considered 24 squares.
However, it’s important to understand that this number doesn’t directly correlate with your home’s square footage. A 2,000-square-foot house might require significantly more roofing material depending on factors like:
The number of roof planes
The steepness (pitch) of the roof
Architectural complexity (e.g., dormers, valleys, gables)
These elements can increase the overall surface area of your roof, which means more squares even if your home’s interior square footage is relatively modest. Knowing how roofing squares work helps you interpret estimates more accurately and avoid confusion during the quoting process.
Why Knowing Roofing Terms Matters
Clear communication leads to better decisions. When you understand the terms your contractor is using, you can:
Compare quotes more accurately
Spot low-quality or incomplete bids
Ask the right questions
Ensure your home gets the best possible protection
Lake Effect Exteriors: Roofing Done Right in Southeast Michigan
At Lake Effect Exteriors, we don’t expect you to speak “roofer” but we’re happy to translate. We’re committed to delivering high-quality roofing solutions with full transparency and no surprises.
Serving homeowners in Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties.