some basic roofing terms

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This section is a basic overview of some  roofing terms to help you understand some of the phrases you may come across when reading quotes or talking to contractors

Slates are cut from natural rock, the difference in appearance and quality are down to where in the world they were quarried. Welsh slates have the best reputation.

Slate of equal width and lenght

Slates of different widths and different length, these make a diminishing coursed roof. Stone roofs fall into this category

Tile are a man made roof covering,usually concrete or clay formed into different profiles with many different colours

Large tile: a.k.a single lap interlocking tile can be made from concrete or clay

Plain tile:  a.k.a double lap tile they are  small and made from either concrete or clay and come in a variety of colours. They are very versatile for complex and steep roofs

Ridges are angled or round units used to cover the external intersections of each roof slope

Valleys are internal intersections of roof slopes and are covered with either lead or purpose made valley coverings

Treated and graded timber that usually come in two sizes for roof coverings: 25mm x 50mm or 25mm x 38mm. Battens are also the final part of the roof structure. 

A common term for underlay is breather membrane, not all underlays should be breathable and  not all breathable underlays allow sufficient moisture vapor to pass through. Underlay is the first element to a new roof.

These three terms refer to any non perishing material used to transfer water from the underlay to the gutter.Nearly all breathable membranes should not lie into the gutter. 

Any flat roof covering that is applied in one layer.EPDM is our choice of covering

where two roof slopes intersect  at the corner of a property

where roof slopes intersect at the peak of the roof

Where roof covering overhang the edge of the building

Any material which is fixed without mortar(  ridges, verges, valley, secret gutter)

Apron-covers roof materials to the front of the chimney

Soakers-covers roof materials to the side of the chimney

Back -fits underneath roof materials to the rear of the chimney

Flashings- covers the upstand of all of the above

A sand and cement mix that can be used for fixing ridges, valleys and verges

This is made up of three elements 

Fascia - the front boarding which your gutter is usually  fixed too

Soffit - the horizontal board which lies underneath the fascia

Barge- the board which usually runs up the side of a property to the peak of the roof

All guttering and downpipes