Roofing and Remodeling Glossary of Terms
Common terms used in roofing, gutters, gutter guards, painting, remodeling and home improvement services.
We’re no fans of industry jargon—we always tell it like it is. Still, there are a number of terms that always come up when shopping for a new roof or gutters, or any type of home improvement or remodeling project anywhere in Metro Atlanta, GA. Some are self-explanatory, some not so much.
We’ve been providing expert, FRIENDLY service to our Atlanta neighbors since 1988. Please contact us with ANY questions you have!
Glossary
Local roofing company/contractor
A roofing company or contractor that operates within a specific geographic area, serving the local community with their roofing and remodeling needs.
Metro Atlanta
The metropolitan area surrounding the city of Atlanta, Georgia, which includes several counties and cities, as listed below.
Licensed
A roofing or remodeling company that has obtained the necessary permits and certifications to legally operate in their area.
Insured
A roofing or remodeling company that has insurance coverage to protect against potential damages or accidents that may occur during their work.
BBB-accredited
A company that has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau, indicating that it meets certain standards of trustworthiness and customer service.
5-star reviewed
A company that has received high ratings and positive feedback from customers, typically on review platforms or social media.
Roofing
The process of installing, repairing, or maintaining the roof of a building to protect it from weather elements and ensure its structural integrity.
Roof Replacement
The process of completely removing an old or damaged roof and installing a new one, which may involve replacing the roof deck, underlayment, and roofing materials. A qualified roofing contractor can assess the condition of a roof and recommend whether a repair or replacement is the best option based on factors such as the age of the roof, extent of damage, and overall condition.
Roof Repair
The process of fixing specific issues or damages on a roof, such as leaks, missing shingles, or damaged flashing, without replacing the entire roof. While repairing a roof can be a cost-effective solution for minor issues, it may not always be the best option for older roofs or those with extensive damage, as it may only provide a temporary fix and could lead to more significant problems in the future. In some cases, a roof replacement may be a more practical and long-term solution, especially if the roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan or has multiple areas of damage.
Shingles
A common roofing material made of asphalt, wood, metal, or other material that is installed in overlapping rows to create a protective barrier on the roof.
Asphalt Shingles
A popular roofing material made of asphalt-saturated fiberglass or organic materials, known for its affordability and ease of installation.
Metal Roofing
A durable roofing material made of metal panels or shingles, which can be made of steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, and is known for its longevity and resistance to weather elements.
Wood Shingles
A roofing material made from natural wood, typically cedar, which provides a rustic and natural appearance but requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage.
Flashing
A thin material, often made of metal, that is installed around roof penetrations (such as chimneys, vents, and skylights) to prevent water from seeping into the building.
Underlayment
A layer of material installed beneath the roofing material to provide additional protection against water infiltration and to improve the roof’s durability.
Roof Deck
The structural surface, typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), that provides support for the roofing materials and is attached to the roof trusses or rafters.
Ridge Vent
A ventilation system installed along the ridge of a roof to allow hot air and moisture to escape from the attic, helping to regulate temperature and prevent damage to the roof structure.
Valley
The area where two roof planes meet, creating a channel for water to flow off the roof. Proper installation of flashing and underlayment in valleys is crucial to prevent leaks.
Eaves
The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building, providing protection from rain and sun while also contributing to the building’s aesthetic.
Gable
The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof, often seen in traditional architectural styles.
Hip Roof
A type of roof where all sides slope downwards towards the walls, typically with a gentle slope, providing better stability and resistance to wind compared to gable roofs.
Flat Roof
A roof that is almost level, with a slight slope for drainage, commonly used in commercial buildings and some modern residential designs.
Gutter/Gutters
A channel installed along the edge of a roof to collect and direct rainwater away from the building’s foundation, preventing water damage and erosion.
Gutter Replacement
The process of removing old or damaged gutters and installing new ones to ensure proper water drainage from the roof.
Downspout
A vertical pipe that carries rainwater from the gutter down to the ground or a drainage system, helping to prevent water from pooling around the foundation of the building.
Gutter Guard/Leaf Guards
A protective covering installed over gutters to prevent debris such as leaves and twigs from clogging the gutter system while allowing water to flow through.
Gutter Size
The dimensions of a gutter, typically measured in inches, which can affect its capacity to handle rainwater. Common gutter sizes include 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch gutters, with larger sizes providing greater water-carrying capacity.
Gutter Material
The type of material used to construct gutters, which can include aluminum, steel, copper, vinyl, and zinc. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetic appeal.
Remodeling
The process of improving or updating the interior or exterior of a residential or commercial building, which can include changes to the structure, design, or functionality of the living and working space.
Drywall
A construction material used to create walls and ceilings, typically made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper.
Siding
The exterior material applied to the outside of a building to protect it from weather and enhance its appearance, which can be made of various materials such as vinyl, wood, or fiber cement.
Siding Replacement
The process of removing old or damaged siding and installing new siding to improve the appearance and protection of a building’s exterior.
Fiber Cement Siding
A type of siding made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, known for its durability, resistance to fire and insects, and low maintenance requirements.
Vinyl Siding
A popular and affordable siding material made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is low maintenance, resistant to moisture and insects, and available in a wide range of colors and styles.
Stucco
A type of exterior finish made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, which is applied in layers to create a textured surface that can be painted or left natural for a Mediterranean or Southwestern look.
Painting
The process of applying paint to the interior or exterior surfaces of a building to protect and enhance its appearance, which can include walls, ceilings, trim, and other surfaces.
Decks
An outdoor platform typically made of wood or composite materials, attached to a building and used for relaxation, entertainment, or dining.
Patios/Porches
Outdoor living spaces that can be attached to a building or freestanding, often used for relaxation and socializing, which can be covered or uncovered.
Screened-in Porches/Patios
Outdoor structures that are enclosed with screens to provide protection from insects while allowing for ventilation and outdoor enjoyment.
Room Additions
The process of adding new rooms or expanding existing ones in a residential or commercial building to increase living space and functionality.
Stairs
A set of steps that provide access between different levels of a building, which can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, or concrete, and can be designed in different styles to complement the overall aesthetic of the building.
Service Areas
The geographic locations where a company offers its services. For Atlanta Roofing & Remodeling, Inc., these areas include various cities and counties within the metro Atlanta region, as listed below.
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett includes cities such as Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville, Grayson, Dacula, Sugar Hill, Auburn, Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, and Braselton.
DeKalb County
DeKalb includes cities such as Decatur, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Clarkston, and Tucker.
Fulton County
Fulton includes cities such as Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, and Milton.
Cobb County
Cobb includes cities such as Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, Powder Springs, Austell, and Mableton.
Walton County
Walton includes cities such as Loganville and Monroe.
Barrow County
Barrow includes cities such as Winder, Auburn, Bethlehem, Carl, and Russell.
Want to see more reviews?Since 1988, we’ve gotten rave reviews from our Atlanta area customers, like this one:
Atlanta Roofing and Remodeling Reviews
Roofing and Remodeling Terms?
These are our terms: We do it right the first time, every time!
- We are 5-star reviewed across the board.
- We are accredited with the Better Business Bureau, and maintain an A+ BBB Rating.
- We have 38 years of roofing, painting, seamless gutter installation, home improvement and remodeling expertise in Atlanta.
- We are a GAF Certified Roofer and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.
- We take great pride in serving you with excellence.
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Our home improvement and remodeling services including roof replacement, roof repairs, emergency roofing, professional painting and more are available in Metro Atlanta, including in Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Cobb County, Hall County, Walton County, Barrow County, and Forsyth County.