If you have yet to become familiar with how roofs are built and repaired, you may have difficulty understanding even the friendliest customer service representatives at your Des Moines roofing company. As a roof repair company in Des Moines, we know that roofing may sound a little confusing to our clients. Don’t worry; we want to help.

Roofing Term #1 – Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in Iowa and elsewhere in the United States. They’re made of an asphalt-coated fiberglass base and topped with a ceramic coating for weather protection. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles, making them easy to match with your home’s style.

Roofing Term #2 – Sheathing – Des Moines Roofing Company

Sheathing is the layer of material beneath the shingles that protect your home from rain and wind. It’s typically composed of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) panels, but it can also be made from other materials depending on the structure of your roof.

Roofing Term #3 – Flashing

Flashing is a thin metal material used to seal areas where your roofing materials meet, such as around chimneys or skylights. It’s designed to prevent water from seeping into vulnerable joints and causing damage.

Des Moines Roofing Company

Roofing Term #4 – Underlayment

Underlayment is a layer of material installed beneath your shingles to provide additional protection against moisture and temperature extremes. It’s typically composed of felt or tar paper but can also be made from synthetic materials.

Roofing Term #5 – Eaves

The eaves are the edges of the roof that project beyond the side walls of your home. These areas are particularly vulnerable to water damage, so they must be sealed correctly with flashing and underlayment.

Roofing Term #6 – Drip Edge

Drip edge is a metal strip installed along the perimeter of your roof to create an overhang. This helps funnel water away from vulnerable roof joints and prevents it from seeping into your home.

Roofing Term #7 – Valley – Des Moines Roofing Company

The valley of a roof is the “V” shaped area where two sides of the roof meet. Valleys are especially vulnerable to water damage, so they must be appropriately sealed with flashing and underlayment.

Roofing Term #8 – Ice Dam

An ice dam occurs when snow melts on your roof and then refreezes along the edges. Ice damages are typically the result of inadequate roof ventilation.

Des Moines Roofing Company

Roofing Term #9 – Fascia

The fascia is the vertical board installed along the roof’s edge, usually beneath the overhanging eaves. It’s the board that gutters are attached to, and it helps protect your home from water damage.

Roofing Term #10 – Ridge Vent

A ridge vent is a ventilation system installed along the peak of your roof. It helps exhaust hot air in summer and prevents moisture from accumulating in your attic during colder months.

Do you need residential roof repair in Des Moines or commercial roof repair in Des Moines? We can help!

Roofing Term #11 – Soffit – Des Moines Roofing Company

The soffit is the underside of a roof overhang located between the fascia and walls of your home. It’s designed to help protect your home from water damage and provide extra ventilation.

Roofing Term #12 – Deck Protection

Deck protection is an additional layer of material applied to your roof deck before your shingles are installed. It helps protect against water damage and provides a more professional look.

Roofing Term #13 – Hip Roof – Des Moines Roofing Company

A hip roof slopes inward on all four sides. This distinctive shape helps shed water and snow more effectively than other roofs, making it a popular choice in areas with inclement weather.

Des Moines Roofing Company

Roofing Term #14 – Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing is the metal material used to seal the joint between your roof and your chimney. This helps prevent water from seeping into your home through the joints, which can cause significant damage.

Roofing Term #15 – Gable Roof

A gable roof slopes only on two (opposing) sides, forming a triangular shape on either end. This type of roof is popular because it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to construct. Contact your Des Moines roofing company if your gable roof needs repair.

Roofing Term #16 – Mansard Roof

A mansard roof is a slightly more complex type of roof with four sides that slope inward toward a flat center. This type of roof is often found on historic homes, although some modern buildings also have them.

Roofing Term #17 – Skylight Flashing

Skylight flashing is the metal material used to seal the joint between your roof and a skylight. This helps prevent water from seeping into your home through the joints, which can cause significant damage.

Des Moines Roofing Company

Roofing Term #18 – Ridge Cap Shingles

Ridge cap shingles are a type of shingle designed specifically for the peak of your roof. These shingles help protect the vulnerable area where two sides of the roof meet and are often made from thicker material than other roofing materials.

Roofing Term #19 – Vent Boots – Des Moines Roofing Company

Vent boots are rubber or plastic collars installed around vent pipes to help seal them against water damage. They also keep out pests and debris, ensuring your roof vents work correctly.

Roofing Term #20 – Stone-Coated Steel Roofing

This type of roof is made of steel, covered with colored stone chips, and sealed for weather protection. Quality stone-coated steel can be expected to last as long as 50 years, making it an excellent investment for homeowners. Ask your Des Moines roofing company for more information about stone-coated steel.

Roofing Term #21 – Standing-Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing is a roofing system where steel roof panels are joined (or crimped) along their edges. It is highly durable and very popular with homeowners.

Des Moines Roofing Company

Roofing Term #22 – Flat Roofs – Roof Repair Company in Des Moines

Flat roofs are just that: flat or nearly flat. They are typically found on commercial buildings but are also suitable for certain styles of residential homes. Flat roofs require special maintenance and care to prevent leaks.

Robison Roofing – Best Roofer in Des Moines

Roof repair and replacement in Des Moines is a significant undertaking. Don’t trust just anyone. At Robison Roofing, we are a residential and commercial roofing company in Des Moines, providing high-quality professional roofing services. We also refuse to cut corners. You can rest assured that your home will be handled with the utmost care and technical skill. Our experienced crews know how to repair any problem and replace even the most challenging roof designs.

Des Moines Roofing Company

For a free estimate on your next project, fill out an online form here or call us at 515-882-2200.

We are a favorite Des Moines roofing company for a reason!

Robison Roofing

Serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and more!