1. Square –
A 10x10-foot area of roofing (100 square feet). Roofers use this as the standard measurement for jobs.
Example:
"We’ve got 20 squares to cover, and if Todd asks what a square is one more time, we’re sending him back to geometry class."
2. Tear-off –
The process of ripping off old roofing material before installing new shingles.
Example:
"It’s tear-off day—if only I could tear off my bad life choices this easily."
3. Hot Mop –
Applying hot asphalt to adhere layers of roofing material, often used for flat roofs.
Example:
"Hot mop time—just try not to look like you’re starring in a disaster movie, alright?"
4. Torch Down –
Using an open flame to heat and adhere roofing membranes.
Example:
"Nothing says ‘high-stakes roofing’ like giving Frank a blowtorch."
5. Dog House –
A small rooftop structure used to house vents or other equipment.
Example:
"Yeah, you flashed that dog house like a pro—maybe your own dog will let you back into his house tonight."
6. Shiners –
Nails that miss the rafter and reflect light, revealing poor placement.
Example:
"Look at those shiners! Either the roof deck shifted, or your hammer was on vacation."
7. Fish Mouth –
A raised or wrinkled section in a shingle caused by improper installation.
Example:
"We’ve got a fish mouth situation. Too bad we didn’t bring the fishing rods."
8. Drip Edge –
Metal flashing along roof edges that directs water away from the fascia.
Example:
"With drip edges like these, even rainwater needs directions."
9. Ice Dam –
Buildup of ice at the roof’s edge, preventing water drainage.
Example:
"It’s not an ice dam, it’s winter’s way of saying ‘good luck.’"
10. Flashing –
Thin metal sheets that prevent water from seeping into roof joints.
Example:
"We need more flashing—this roof leaks worse than my toddler’s sippy cup."
11. Boot –
Flashing around vents or pipes to keep them watertight.
Example:
"This boot’s so snug, even Cinderella’s stepsister couldn’t complain."
12. Felt –
An underlayment material that acts as a moisture barrier under shingles.
Example:
"Laid the felt perfectly—now if only my dating life were this solid."
13. Nailer –
A pneumatic tool that drives nails quickly into shingles.
Example:
"Who gave Frank the nailer? We’re roofing, not making modern art."
14. Hopper –
A device used to dispense roofing granules or adhesives.
Example:
"Let’s load up the hopper—no, Steve, it’s not for popcorn."
15. Chalk Line –
A tool that marks straight lines across surfaces for alignment.
Example:
"If only my life’s direction were as straight as that chalk line."
16. Roof Jack –
A bracket used to hold planks for work platforms.
Example:
"With this many roof jacks, we could open a pancake house."
17. Gutter Apron –
Flashing that prevents water from running behind gutters.
Example:
"A gutter apron: because even rainwater needs a bib."
18. High Nailing –
Nailing shingles too high, reducing their wind resistance.
Example:
"Great, now the shingles are high enough to call this roof ‘art.’"
19. Soft Spot –
A weak area in the roof deck, often from rot.
Example:
"That soft spot is spongier than my morning waffles."
20. Vent Stack –
A pipe that releases air from the plumbing system.
Example:
"That vent stack’s working so well, it could double as a tuba."
21. Valley –
Where two roof planes meet, often needing extra waterproofing.
Example:
"Roof valleys: where water meets and friendships end."
22. Low Slope –
A roof with a shallow pitch, needing special materials.
Example:
"This roof is so low slope, it’s practically a driveway."
23. Pitch –
The steepness of a roof, measured in rise over run.
Example:
"This pitch is so steep, we should sell tickets to climb it."
24. Overhang –
The part of the roof that extends past the exterior walls.
Example:
"That overhang is so big, it’s throwing shade at your whole career."
25. Underlayment –
A protective layer installed beneath shingles.
Example:
"It’s underlayment, not a picnic blanket—let’s keep it clean."
26. Blistering –
Raised bubbles in shingles from trapped moisture.
Example:
"These shingles are blistering faster than I did at the beach."
27. Bridging –
When shingles lift off the roof surface due to poor installation.
Example:
"We’ve got some bridging—just like my Wi-Fi signal."
28. Chimney Cricket –
A small structure behind a chimney to divert water.
Example:
"That cricket’s so precise, it deserves a spot on the cricket team."
29. Step Flashing –
Layered flashing that follows the slope of the roof.
Example:
"Step flashing: like dance moves, but for your roof."
30. Fascia –
A horizontal board that supports gutters.
Example:
"Fascia board: the unsung hero of curb appeal."
31. Rafter –
A structural beam supporting the roof.
Example:
"That rafter’s holding more weight than my weekend plans."
32. Decking –
The plywood base layer for roofing.
Example:
"Decking: where the roof starts and dreams of a day off end."
