Roofing trade jargon

Conservation area

An area designated by the local authority to be of special historical or architectural significance, in which certain developments may be restricted.

Dormer

A type of framed window which projects vertically though a sloping roof.

Down pipe

A plastic, cast iron or steel pipe which takes rain water away from gutterings to drains.

Eaves

The lower edges of a sloping roof where the first tiles of slates are laid into the fascia board.

Flashing

A strip of metal, typically lead or zinc, used where elements of a roof meet, to protect the joints from water damage.

Gable

The triangular section of wall underneath a sloping roof.

Gutter

A trough that directs water from the eaves to the down pipes.

Mono-pitch roof

A roof which slopes in one direction.

Parapet

A low wall that extends above the roofline of a building.

Pitch

Also known as slope, the angle or steepness of a roof.

Rafter

A sloping beam that forms the main structure of a roof.

Ridge

The apex or highest point of a pitched roof where the slopes meet.

Soffit board

A panel fixed to the lower end of rafters underneath the eaves of a house.

Underlay

A layer of material laid between a covering and a sub-structure - for example between a carpet and the floorboards beneath it.

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