Roofing Glossary

The most popular residential roofing material in North America. Made of a fiberglass mat saturated with asphalt and coated with weather-resistant mineral granules. Pittsabana installs premium CertainTeed Landmark series shingles designed to resist high winds and algae growth.

A system of intake vents (under the eaves or soffits) and exhaust vents (at the ridge or roof peaks) that creates a continuous flow of air through the attic. Essential in Pittsburgh's humid summers and freezing winters to prevent heat buildup and ice dams.

Historic rain gutters built directly into the roof's framing or rafter tails, common in older Pittsburgh homes (Victorian, Craftsman). Unlike modern aluminum gutters, box gutters require custom wood framing and lining with metal (copper, tin) or EPDM membrane to prevent structural rot.

An elite contractor credential awarded by CertainTeed. It requires rigorous testing on shingle technology, installation standards, and business ethics. This credential allows Pittsabana to offer exclusive SureStart™ PLUS extended warranties.

The process of scraping out deteriorated mortar joints between bricks on a chimney and packing them with fresh mortar. Regular repointing keeps water from leaking into your attic and prevents structural brick failure.

The structural wood boards (usually plywood or OSB) nailed to the roof rafters that create a flat surface for installing underlayment and shingles. Rotting decking must be completely replaced during a roof replacement to ensure structural integrity.

An L-shaped metal flashing installed along the edges of the roof (eaves and rakes). It directs water away from the fascia boards and into the gutters, preventing rot at the lower edges of the roof deck.

The vertical wooden board running along the roofline where gutters are mounted. It covers the rafter ends and protects the interior roof structure from rain and moisture.

A durable siding material made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. It mimics the appearance of wood but offers complete resistance to fire, rot, termites, and cracking. Pittsabana installs premium James Hardie fiber cement siding.

Thin pieces of impervious material (usually aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel) installed around roof intersections, chimney bases, and valleys. It channels water away from joints where leaks are most likely to occur.

A protective cover installed over gutters to filter out leaves, twigs, and debris while allowing rainwater to flow freely. Crucial for homes in heavily wooded Pittsburgh suburbs to prevent gutter clogs and water damage.

A self-adhering, waterproofing underlayment installed at critical leak areas (eaves, valleys, chimneys). It forms a watertight seal around nail penetrations, protecting the roof deck from ice damming and wind-driven rain.

The most common profile for modern residential gutters. They feature a decorative curved outer face resembling crown molding. Typically fabricated on-site in seamless aluminum to eliminate joints that leak.

A continuous vent installed along the peak (ridge) of the roof. It is covered with specialized cap shingles to blend in seamlessly while allowing hot, humid air to escape the attic space naturally.

The exposed underside of the roof eaves. Soffit panels are often perforated (vented) to draw cool outdoor air into the attic, serving as the intake phase of a balanced ventilation system.

CertainTeed's highest-tier extended warranty, only installable by certified contractors. It covers 100% of material, labor, tear-off, and disposal costs for up to 50 years, with non-prorated protection.

The complete removal of all existing roofing materials down to the bare wooden deck before a new installation. A full tear-off is the only way to inspect the deck for hidden wood rot and ensure a flat foundation.

Modern, high-strength mortar mixes containing Portland cement. Best suited for modern brickwork and load-bearing walls. However, they are too hard for historic brick restorations and will crack old bricks.

Low-strength, highly flexible mortars with high lime content. Essential for historic masonry restoration. Because historic bricks are soft, these soft mortars allow walls to expand and contract without damaging the bricks.

A protective barrier installed directly on the wood decking beneath shingles. Standard synthetic underlayment provides water-resistance and serves as a secondary layer of protection against wind-blown rain.

The V-shaped angle formed where two sloping roof sections meet. Valleys carry high volumes of water runoff and require heavy-duty metal flashing or self-adhered ice & water shields to prevent leaks.