If you're a homeowner in Boone, North Carolina, and you've had your roof worked on recently, you may have found yourself scratching your head at some of the terminology used by your roofing crew. Roofing, like many trades, has its own set of slang terms that can be confusing to the uninitiated. Understanding these terms can help you better communicate with your roofer, ask informed questions, and feel more confident in the decisions you make about your home. In this blog post, we'll decode some of the most common roofing slang terms you might hear from Boone roofers.
A "shiner" might sound like something you'd get after a boxing match, but in roofing, it has a very different meaning. A shiner is a nail that missed the framing member (like a rafter) and is visible in the attic. Shiners can become problematic because they often lead to leaks, especially if they rust or loosen over time. If your roofer mentions finding shiners, it means they've discovered nails that aren't doing their job, and they might need to be fixed to ensure the roof's integrity.
This term refers to a situation where the roofing felt, a protective layer installed under shingles, is damaged. Felt busters can occur if the felt is torn during installation or if it's been compromised by foot traffic, sharp objects, or wind. If your roofer talks about a felt buster, they may need to replace the damaged section to maintain the protective barrier between your roof deck and shingles.
"Drip edge" is a term that might sound self-explanatory, but it’s important to know exactly what it refers to. A drip edge is a metal flashing installed at the edges of your roof to guide water away from the fascia and into the gutters. Without a proper drip edge, water can seep behind your gutters and cause damage to the fascia board, leading to rot and potentially compromising your roof's structure.
Flashing might sound like something you'd associate with photography, but in roofing, it refers to thin pieces of material, typically metal, installed to prevent water from entering the roof at intersections or joints. Common areas for flashing include around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Good flashing is essential to preventing leaks and ensuring the longevity of your roof.
Boone's weather can be quite unpredictable, with strong winds sweeping through the mountains. "Blow-offs" refer to shingles that have been torn off by the wind. This can happen if the shingles weren't properly secured, or if the wind is particularly strong. Blow-offs are a serious concern, as they can expose the underlayment and roof deck to the elements, leading to leaks and further damage.
No, these aren't car jacks for your roof! Roof jacks are specialized flashing devices used around pipes or vents that penetrate the roof. They help create a watertight seal, preventing leaks around these vulnerable areas. If your roofer mentions roof jacks, they’re talking about ensuring that areas where things like plumbing vents pass through the roof are properly sealed.
If you're new to Boone or any colder climate, the term "ice dam" might be unfamiliar. Ice dams form when the heat from your attic melts snow on your roof, which then refreezes at the edges, creating a dam of ice. This can trap water behind it, leading to leaks as the water backs up under the shingles. Preventing ice dams is crucial, as they can cause significant damage to both your roof and your home’s interior.
Shingles are covered in small, rough particles known as granules. These granules protect the shingles from UV rays and add weight to help keep them in place during high winds. If your roofer talks about granule loss, it means that your shingles are aging or have been damaged, possibly indicating that it's time to consider a roof replacement.
This amusingly named term refers to a condition where shingles are raised at the edges, resembling a fish's open mouth. Fishmouths can occur due to improper installation, trapped moisture, or underlying issues with the roof deck. They can lead to leaks and should be addressed promptly to maintain your roof’s integrity.
Finally, "decking" refers to the wooden boards or plywood that make up the base layer of your roof. It's what the shingles and underlayment are attached to. If your roofer mentions problems with the decking, it could mean that the wood has become warped, rotten, or otherwise compromised and might need to be replaced.
Understanding these roofing slang terms can empower you to have more informed conversations with your roofer, ensuring that you fully grasp the condition of your roof and the work being done on it. By familiarizing yourself with this terminology, you'll be better equipped to maintain and protect your home in Boone's unique climate. Whether you're dealing with blow-offs or fishmouths, knowing the lingo can make all the difference in keeping your roof in top shape.
If you are a homeowner in and or around Boone, NC contact Providence Roofing for a free estimate on any roofing and gutter work.
