Imperial Roofing & Home Exteriors Glossary

A

• Asphalt Shingles – A popular roofing material made of a fiberglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules, used in most residential homes.

B

• Blistering – Bubbles that form on shingles due to trapped moisture or poor ventilation.
• Built-Up Roofing (BUR) – A commercial roofing system consisting of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics.

C

• Caulking – A waterproof filler and sealant used in roof joints and around penetrations to prevent water intrusion.
• Commercial Roof Maintenance – The ongoing care of commercial roofing systems to prevent costly damage and ensure performance.
• Commercial Roof Repair – Fixing damage or wear on commercial roofs, including leaks, flashing failure, or membrane damage.
• Commercial Roof Replacement – Full replacement of aging or irreparable commercial roofing systems.
• Commercial Roofing – Roofing services designed for commercial buildings, often involving flat or low-slope systems.
• Corrugated Metal Roofing – A lightweight, durable metal roofing style with ridged panels, common in both residential and commercial settings.

D

• Decking – The structural base for the roof, typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), onto which underlayment and roofing materials are applied. Decking provides a solid, flat surface that supports the entire roofing system and connects to the rafters or trusses of a building.
• Double Hung Window – A type of window where both the top and bottom sashes are operable, allowing them to move up and down independently for improved ventilation and easier cleaning.

F

• Fiber Cement Siding – A durable siding material made of cement reinforced with cellulose fibers, offering resistance to fire, pests, and weather.
• Flashing – Thin metal strips installed around roof features (chimneys, vents) to prevent water seepage.

G

• Gable Roof – A traditional roof shape with two sloping sides that form a ridge and triangular walls.
• Gutter Installation – Professional installation of gutters to manage roof runoff and protect the structure’s foundation.

H

• Hip Roof – A roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, typically with a consistent pitch.

I

• Insurance Claims (Roof) – Assistance with filing insurance claims for roof repairs or replacements due to storm or hail damage.

M

• Metal Roofing – A long-lasting, durable, and energy-efficient roofing option made from materials like steel, aluminum, or copper.

P

• Pitch – The steepness or slope of a roof, typically expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run (e.g., 6:12).
• PVC Roofing (Polyvinyl Chloride) – A single-ply roofing membrane known for its durability, chemical resistance, and energy efficiency, commonly used on flat or low-slope roofs.

R

• Residential Roofing – Roofing services focused on homes and smaller buildings.
• Roof Inspection – A professional evaluation of a roof’s condition to identify damage or aging.
• Roof Repair – Fixing specific areas of a damaged roof to extend its lifespan.
• Roof Replacement – The process of removing and installing a new roof when the existing one is beyond repair.
• Roof Ventilation – Systems designed to circulate air beneath the roof deck to reduce moisture buildup and heat retention.

S

• Siding Contractor – A professional who installs or repairs exterior siding on residential or commercial properties.
• Siding Repair – Fixing damaged siding to restore a home’s protection and appearance.
• Single Hung Window – A type of window in which only the bottom sash moves up and down while the top sash remains fixed.
• Spring Storm Damage – Common seasonal roof damage caused by hail, wind, or heavy rain during spring storms.
• Storm Damage Restoration – Services that repair roofing and siding after severe weather events.
• Soffit – The underside of an overhanging roof edge, often ventilated to aid attic airflow.

T

• Torch Down Roofing – A method of installing a modified bitumen roof by heat-fusing it to the substrate.

V

• Vinyl Siding – A cost-effective, low-maintenance siding material made of PVC, available in many colors and styles.

W

• Window Repair – The maintenance or restoration of an existing window to fix issues such as broken glass, faulty hardware, air leaks, or water damage.
• Window Replacement – The process of removing an old or damaged window and installing a new one.
• Wind Uplift – A condition where strong winds lift roof materials, often causing serious damage if not properly secured.