Knowledge Centre

Roofing Glossary: A-Z Guide to Roofing Terms

Roofing is more than just laying tiles and fixing leaks—it’s a specialised craft with its own set of materials, techniques, and industry standards. Like any trade, it comes with a unique vocabulary that can be overwhelming for newcomers. Whether you’re a professional roofer, a homeowner tackling a project, or someone simply curious about the terminology, understanding these terms is essential for clear communication and proper installation.

After spending five months immersed in the world of roofing, I quickly realised how important it is to speak the language of the trade. From materials like battens, soffits, and underlay to techniques like dry-fix and cross bonding, every term plays a crucial role in ensuring a durable and weatherproof roof.

Now, I’ll be honest—this is a long post with a lot of words! But roofing comes with a ton of terminology, and I wanted to make this as comprehensive as possible. So, if you’re looking for a specific term, feel free to scroll through or bookmark this guide for future reference.

This glossary is designed to be a practical and easy-to-navigate reference for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of roofing terminology. Whether you're discussing a project with contractors, deciphering a roofing specification, or learning the trade yourself, this guide will help you break down complex terms into clear, practical definitions.

So, whether you’re here to master the basics or expand your technical knowledge, let’s dive into the world of roofing—one term at a time.

A-Z Roofing Terms

A

• 15x9s – An alternative name for ‘standard pattern,’ a medium-format concrete tile.
• Abutment (Top or Side) – The point where a roof meets a vertical surface, such as a wall, chimney, or dormer.
  • Top Abutment: Where the roof tiling meets the top of a wall, usually sealed with lead flashing.
  • Side Abutment: Where a roof verge meets a wall that rises above the tiling.
• Apex – The highest point of a roof where two slopes meet.
• Arris Hip – A hip tile designed to match the roof pitch, also known as angles or mitres.

B

• Bargeboard – A board fixed to the roof at the gable end for decorative and protective purposes.
• Batten – A horizontal timber strip secured across rafters to support and fix roof tiles or slates. Also called lathes.
• Batten Gauge – The spacing measurement between battens, which is critical for correct tile placement.
• Batten Void – The space between the underlay and roof covering.
• Block End Ridge – A special ridge tile used at gable ends, often paired with cloaked verge tiles.
• Bond – The pattern in which tiles are laid. Common types include:
  • Straight Bond: Tiles align directly above each other.
  • Broken Bond (Cross Bond): Tiles are staggered, similar to brickwork.

C

• Cement – Often mistakenly used to refer to mortar, which is a mix of cement, sand, and water used for bedding roof tiles.
• Clip – A metal or plastic device used to secure tiles to the roof structure.
• Cloaked Verge – Specially designed tiles that create a neat verge finish without requiring mortar.
• Cold Roof – A roof where insulation is placed between ceiling joists, keeping the attic space cold.
• Condensation – Moisture buildup caused when warm air meets a cold surface, often occurring under the roof covering.
• Counter Batten – A vertical batten placed over underlay, used to create airflow and improve drainage.
• Course – A horizontal row of tiles.
• Cowl Ventilators – A vented roof tile with a protruding cap to allow airflow while preventing water ingress.

D

• Dentil Slip – A decorative clay or concrete piece used under ridge or hip tiles to enhance the roof's aesthetic.
• Double Lap – A tile installation method where each tile overlaps two tiles below, ensuring a watertight finish.
• Dry Fix – A method of securing roof details (e.g., ridge tiles) without using mortar, making installations more durable and maintenance-free.

E

• Eaves – The lowest part of the roof where it meets the wall, allowing drainage into the gutter.
• Eaves Fillers – Plastic inserts used to prevent birds and vermin from entering the roof space at the eaves.
• Eaves Ventilation – A system designed to allow airflow into the roof space, reducing condensation.

F

• Fascia Board – A horizontal board fixed at the eaves, supporting the gutter system.
• Finial – A decorative ridge tile with a vertical design, often used on historic or ornamental roofs.

G

• Gable End – The vertical wall at the end of a pitched roof.
• Gauge – The measurement from the top of one batten to the top of another, determining tile spacing.

H

• Headlap – The amount of overlap between one row of tiles and the row below, crucial for waterproofing.
• Hip – The external junction where two roof slopes meet at an angle.

I

• Insulation Membranes – Rigid insulation boards or reflective foils used to improve thermal efficiency.

L

• Lathes – Another term for battens, which support tiles or slates.
• Lap – The amount of overlap between roofing materials to ensure waterproofing.
• Left-Hand Verge Tiles – Special tiles used to finish the left-hand side of a roof.

M

• Mansard Roof – A steeply sloped roof with a shallower upper section, allowing for additional living space.
• Mortar – A cement-based mix used to secure tiles and other roofing components.

P

• Pantile – A distinctive "S"-shaped roof tile, common in traditional European architecture.
• Pitch – The angle of the roof slope, measured in degrees.
• Pointing – The process of sealing joints between roof tiles using mortar.

R

• Rafter – The sloping structural element that forms the framework of the roof.
• Ridge – The highest horizontal line on a roof where two slopes meet.
• Ridge Tile – A curved or angular tile used to cover the ridge line.
• Roof Junctions – Areas where two or more roof slopes meet, such as ridges, hips, and valleys.

S

• Sarking – A layer of rigid board or insulation installed under tiles, commonly used in Scotland.
• Soffit – The underside of the eaves, enclosing the roof structure.
• Span – The horizontal distance between the supporting walls of a roof.
• Standard Pattern – Another term for 15x9s, a medium-format concrete tile.

T

• Tile and Half – Special tiles used at gable ends to create a straight finish.
• Truss – A prefabricated structural framework used to support the roof.

V

• Valley – The internal junction where two roof slopes meet, directing water runoff.
• Verge – The edge of the roof at a gable end.

W

• Wall Plate – A horizontal timber beam fixed to the top of a wall to support rafters.
• Warm Roof – A roof design where insulation follows the roof slope, keeping the attic space warm.

Understanding roofing terminology is essential for anyone working in or interacting with the roofing industry. Whether you're a newcomer, a seasoned professional, or a homeowner looking to make informed decisions about your roof, knowing the right terms can improve communication, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure the job is done correctly.

This glossary serves as a handy reference to break down the jargon, making it easier to navigate roofing projects with confidence. As you continue to learn and gain experience, these terms will become second nature, helping you to better understand roofing materials, techniques, and best practices.

Roofing is both a science and an art—requiring precision, knowledge, and skill. By familiarising yourself with its language, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any roofing challenge that comes your way. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out at [email protected]—I’m happy to help!

Best regards,
Ian