MCMaster's Roofing Glossary

At MCMaster, we value transparency and education. To ensure you’re always in the know, here’s a glossary of key roofing terms:

Asphalt: Organic compound forming the base of many shingles.
Bonding Cement: Ensures roofing materials adhere; also known as asphalt roofing cement.
ASTM: A renowned organization setting standards for material testing and specifications.
Base Flashing: Attached to the roof deck, playing a vital part in waterproofing.
Shingle Blend: Mixtures of colored granules giving shingles their unique look.
Blind Nailing: A technique hiding nail heads under subsequent roofing layers.
Blisters: Occasional bubbles on asphalt roofing surfaces.
Bridging: A roofing method where new shingles contour to old ones; removal is often preferable.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Layered roofing for flat or low slope roofs.
Shingle Butt: The part exposed to weather; also called the “tab.”
Cant Strip: Used at intersections between the roof and vertical surfaces for angle breaks.

Cap Flashing: Overlaps the base flashing, preventing water from getting behind it.
Caulk: Fills voids or joints.
Class “A” Rating: Represents the highest fire resistance for roofing.
Closed Valley: Roofing materials cover this roof intersection. MCMaster primarily uses this approach.
Collars: Flanges placed over vent pipes; made of lead or rubber.
Course: A row of roofing running horizontally.
Deck: Supports shingles; typically made from OSB or plywood.
Dormer: A window structure projecting through the roof.
Drip Edge: A strip, usually metal, guiding water runoff.
Eave: Roof’s horizontal edge extending beyond the wall.
Laminated Shingles: Multilayered for additional thickness.

Low Slope Application: Shingle application for slopes between 2-4 inches per foot.
Modified Bitumen: A durable roller roofing membrane.
Open Valley: Uses metal and doesn’t cover the whole valley area like Closed Valley.
Seal Down: Factory-applied asphalt strip for bonding shingles, providing wind resistance.
Sheathing: Exterior boards used for the roof deck.
Slope: Measures roof’s incline.
Soffit: Underpart of an eave.
Square: Roofing term denoting 100 square feet.
Starter Course: The first row of shingles on the roof, concealed under the exposed row.
Step Flashing: Used alongside roofing materials against walls or chimneys.
Tab: Part of a strip shingle that appears individually applied when placed.
Underlayments: Protective layers beneath roofing material; their quality varies.
Valley: Where two roof slopes meet.
Vent: Allows air to flow out.
Weathering: Changes in roofing due to exposure to elements.

We extend our roofing services to Lubbock and its neighboring areas: Brownfield, Crosbyton, Levelland, Littlefield, Plainview, Slaton, and Wolfforth.

We’re always here to answer your questions. Trust MCMaster for professional, relatable, and honest service.