ROOFING & EXTERIORS GLOSSARY
The following glossary is designed to help our clients become more familiar with the terms used in the roofing and exteriors industry. Terms will be added regularly.
A
Access & Authorization Form – An in-house form at Epic Roofing & Exteriors Ltd that, when signed by a homeowner, gives us permission to proceed with repairs on the property listed as per the estimate approved by the homeowner’s insurance company.
Adjuster – The representative of an insurance company that assesses the amount of damage that will be repaired in relation to a given policy or claim.
Attic ventilation – A system, including a combination of vents and soffits, that enables adequate air-flow through an attic to prevent or reduce condensation.
B
Batten – A strip of wood, metal, or plastic typically used as trim around windows.
Blown-in insulation – Insulation that consists of loose particles (typically fiberglass or foam) that is blown into an area to increase the insulation value in that area.
Brake – A device used for bending or shaping metal such as eavestroughing or cladding.
Buyer’s Right to Cancel – According to Alberta Government legislation, any contractor in Alberta that collects a deposit prior to commencing work on a project must be registered as a pre-paid contractor. Registered pre-paid contractors must include in their contracts a clause entitled the ‘Buyer’s Right to Cancel’, which outlines the buyer’s cancellation rights with regard to the contract. Epic Roofing & Exteriors Ltd is registered in Alberta as a pre-paid contractor and includes this clause on all contracts that require a deposit.
C
Cedar shakes – Typically, when roofers refer to 'cedar shakes' they are referring to roofing shakes made from cedar. That said, cedar shingles may also be used as a roofing application. According to the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, the difference is best understood as follows: "Generally, a shingle is sawn on both sides and is thinner at the butt than a shake. A shake is typically split on one or both sides. There are important exceptions to this, (tapersawn shakes = shakes sawn on both sides) depending on the specific manufacturing method and the dimensions of a specific product." Both shakes and shingles can be used either for roofs or sidewalls, depending on the pitch of the roof and other criteria that will vary from case to case.
Cedar shingles – (see also 'Cedar Shakes') Cedar shingles differ from cedar shakes in the way they are made and the sizes to which they are cut. Both shakes and shingles can be used either for roofs or sidewalls, depending on the pitch of the roof and other criteria that will vary from case to case.
Chimney cap – A metal cap installed on the top of a furnace vent pipe to prevent precipitation from entering the pipe.
Chimney flashing – Metal flashing installed around the edge of a chimney to prevent water from dripping through the gaps in the roof deck around the chimney.
Clay tile – Roofing tiles made from clay. Profiles may vary by manufacturer.
Concrete tile – Roofing tiles made of concrete. Profiles may vary by manufacturer.
Cricket – A peaked structure installed behind a chimney or other extrusion on a roof to ensure that water drains and does not pool behind the extrusion.