Global

358 entries that apply worldwide.

Roofing Materials

• Algae-Resistant ShingleAn asphalt shingle containing copper- or zinc-coated granules that release ions to inhibit the dark streaks caused by roof algae.
• Aluminium RoofingAluminium roofing uses light, rust-free aluminium alloy sheet, usually factory-painted, and is favoured near salt water where coated steel corrodes faster.
• Asbestos-Cement RoofingRoof sheets and slates made of cement reinforced with asbestos fibres, widely used in the 20th century and now banned in many countries as a health hazard.
• Asphalt ShingleA flexible roofing unit made of a mat coated in asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules, laid in overlapping courses on pitched roofs.
• Bitumen ShingleThe usual European name for an asphalt shingle: a glass-fibre mat coated with bitumen and granules, nailed to a continuous deck.
• Clay Roof TileA roofing unit moulded or extruded from clay and fired in a kiln; one of the oldest and most widespread roof coverings in the world.
• Concrete Roof TileA roof tile moulded from sand, cement and pigment; a heavy, economical alternative to clay made in many profiles worldwide.
• Copper PatinaCopper patina is the stable green or blue-green film of copper salts that forms on copper roofs over years of weathering and protects the metal.
• Copper RoofingCopper roofing uses soft cold-rolled copper sheet, typically 16 or 20 oz per square foot, which weathers from bright salmon to brown and eventually green.
• Corrugated Bitumen SheetA lightweight corrugated roofing sheet of plant fibres saturated with bitumen, used on sheds, outbuildings and agricultural roofs.
• Corrugated Fibre-Cement SheetA large corrugated roofing sheet of fibre-reinforced cement, used mainly on agricultural, industrial and utility buildings.
• Corrugated Iron (Corrugated Galvanised Iron)Corrugated iron is sheet metal rolled into parallel waves for stiffness; patented in 1829, it became a defining roofing material of farms, colonies and industry.
• Fibre-Cement SlateA thin, flat roofing slate made of cement reinforced with fibres; a uniform, lower-cost manufactured alternative to natural slate.
• Fibreglass ShingleAn asphalt shingle built on a glass-fibre mat; the dominant form of asphalt shingle sold today.
• Galvalume (55% Aluminium-Zinc Coated Steel)Galvalume is steel sheet hot-dip coated with an alloy of about 55% aluminium, 43% zinc and 1.5% silicon; it is the most common substrate for coated-steel roofs.
• Galvanized Steel RoofingGalvanized steel roofing is sheet steel coated with zinc, usually by hot-dipping, so the zinc corrodes sacrificially and protects the steel underneath.
• Glazed Roof TileA clay roof tile coated with a glassy glaze before firing, giving a glossy, coloured surface; prominent in East Asian and some European architecture.
• Interlocking Clay TileA pressed clay roof tile with grooves on its sides and head that lock into neighbouring tiles; the French or Marseille tile is the classic form.
• Lead RoofingLead roofing uses heavy, highly malleable rolled lead sheet for flat roofs, dormers, bays and flashings, laid in limited bay sizes to control creep and movement.
• Metal Roof Tiles (Press-Formed Tile Sheets)Metal roof tiles are steel or aluminium sheets press-formed into rows of tile shapes, either painted or stone-coated, to give a tiled look at light weight.
• Metal RoofingMetal roofing is any roof covering made from sheet metal, such as coated steel, aluminium, copper, zinc or lead, formed into panels, shingles or tiles.
• Metal Shingles and ShakesMetal shingles are small locking units of steel, aluminium, copper or stainless steel stamped to resemble slate, wood shake or asphalt shingles.
• Mud RoofA roof finished with compacted earth or clay over timber beams and a layer of matting or brush, traditional in dry regions worldwide; also called an earth roof.
• Natural SlateA fine-grained metamorphic rock split into thin, durable roofing units; among the longest-lasting roof coverings in use.
• Polycarbonate Roofing SheetA tough, transparent or translucent plastic sheet used for rooflights, conservatories, patio covers and greenhouses; sold as corrugated or multiwall panels.
• Pre-Weathered ZincPre-weathered zinc is titanium-zinc sheet given a factory surface treatment so it looks like naturally weathered grey zinc from the day it is installed.
• Rammed EarthWalls made by compacting damp earth in layers inside formwork; durable when protected by large roof overhangs and a dry base.
• Roofing GranulesCrushed, often ceramic-coated mineral particles embedded in the top surface of asphalt shingles and roll roofing to block UV light and add colour.
• Rubber ShingleA roofing shingle made largely from recycled rubber, often from vehicle tyres, moulded to look like slate or wood shake.
• Solar ShingleA photovoltaic module shaped and installed like a roofing shingle or tile, so that it forms part of the roof covering while generating electricity.
• Stainless Steel RoofingStainless steel roofing uses chromium-alloyed steel sheet, either bare or tin-coated, for long-life standing seam, seamed or shingle roofs.
• Standing Seam Metal RoofA standing seam roof uses long metal pans joined by raised seams and held down by concealed clips, so no fasteners pierce the weathering surface.
• Stone-Coated Steel RoofingStone-coated steel roofing is pressed metallic-coated steel panels bonded with natural stone granules to look like tile, shake or shingle.
• Synthetic SlateA roofing tile moulded from polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene or rubber with mineral fillers, made to look like natural slate.
• Terne-Coated Stainless Steel (TCS)Terne-coated stainless steel is stainless sheet with a thin tin coating that weathers to matte grey; it replaced traditional lead-tin terne plate.
• TerracottaFired, usually unglazed clay, typically reddish from iron oxide; in roofing the word is often used for natural clay tiles.
• ThatchA roof covering of dry plant stems such as reed, straw, sedge, palm or grass, laid thickly so rain runs off the outer layer.
• Through-Fastened (Exposed-Fastener) Metal PanelsThrough-fastened metal panels are corrugated or ribbed sheets screwed through their face into the roof structure, with sealing washers under each screw head.
• VerdigrisVerdigris is a green copper acetate compound; the word is often used loosely for the natural green patina on copper roofs, which is chemically different.
• Wood ShingleA thin, tapered piece of wood, sawn on both faces, laid in overlapping courses as a roof or wall covering.
• Zinc Roofing (Titanium-Zinc)Zinc roofing uses an alloy of zinc with small amounts of copper and titanium that weathers to a self-healing blue-grey patina and is common in Europe.

Low-Slope & Flat Roof Systems

• Acrylic Roof CoatingA water-based elastomeric coating, usually white, applied to low-slope roofs for reflectivity and weather protection; generally not suited to ponding water.
• APP Modified BitumenModified bitumen membrane made with atactic polypropylene, giving a stiff, heat-resistant sheet that is normally torch-applied.
• Ballasted Roof SystemA low-slope roof in which the membrane and insulation are loose-laid and held down by the weight of stone or concrete pavers.
• Built-Up Roofing (BUR)A low-slope roof membrane made of several plies of reinforcing felt laminated with hot or cold bitumen, usually finished with gravel or a cap sheet.
• Cellular Glass InsulationRigid, closed-cell insulation made by foaming crushed glass, impermeable to water and vapour and able to carry heavy loads on roofs.
• Cold-Applied RoofingRoofing installed without heat, using adhesives, cold-process bitumen or liquid resins instead of torches or hot kettles.
• CopingThe capping on top of a parapet or wall that sheds water and protects the wall and the roof membrane termination beneath it.
• Cover BoardA thin, firm board laid over roof insulation, or over an old roof, to protect it and provide a solid, compatible surface for the membrane.
• Cricket (Saddle)A small raised ridge built on a roof to divert water around a chimney, curb or other obstruction, or between drains on a low-slope roof.
• CSPE (Hypalon) RoofingSingle-ply roofing made from chlorosulfonated polyethylene, sold mainly as DuPont Hypalon; production for the Americas ended in 2010.
• EPDM RoofingSynthetic rubber single-ply membrane, usually black, joined with seam tapes or adhesives, and installed ballasted, mechanically attached or fully adhered.
• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Roof InsulationLightweight closed-cell insulation board made by steam-expanding polystyrene beads, widely used in flat and tapered form on low-slope roofs.
• Fully Adhered Roof SystemA low-slope roof in which the entire underside of the membrane is bonded to the substrate with adhesive or by heat, with no loose areas.
• Gravel-Surfaced Roof (Flood Coat and Gravel)A built-up roof finish in which loose aggregate is embedded in a thick top pour of hot bitumen to shield the membrane from sun, hail and traffic.
• KEE Roofing MembraneSingle-ply membrane based on ketone ethylene ester, a high-molecular-weight polymer that keeps PVC flexible without migrating plasticisers.
• Liquid-Applied RoofingSeamless waterproofing formed by applying liquid resin by brush, roller or spray, often with a fleece or fabric reinforcement, that cures into a membrane.
• Low-Slope RoofA roof with only a slight incline, usually 2:12 or less, covered with a continuous waterproof membrane rather than overlapping shingles or tiles.
• Low-Slope Roof InsulationRigid board or sprayed insulation laid above the deck of a low-slope roof, chosen for long-term thermal value, strength, fire and moisture behaviour.
• Mechanically Attached Roof SystemA low-slope roof in which the membrane is secured to the deck with screws and plates or bars, typically placed in the sheet laps.
• Mineral Wool Roof InsulationDense non-combustible boards of stone or slag fibres used as flat-roof insulation where fire resistance, acoustics or dimensional stability matter.
• Modified Bitumen RoofingFactory-made roofing sheets of asphalt blended with polymers such as SBS or APP and reinforced with polyester or glass fibre, laid in one or more plies.
• Overflow (Secondary) Roof DrainageEmergency drains or scuppers set above the primary drains so that water can leave a low-slope roof if the main outlets are blocked.
• Parapet (Roof)The part of an exterior wall that rises above the roof edge, providing fall protection, fire separation and a termination for the roof membrane.
• PMMA Liquid RoofingFast-curing two-part polymethyl methacrylate resin, reinforced with polyester fleece, used for flat roofs, flashing details, balconies and walkways.
• Polyiso (Polyisocyanurate) Roof InsulationRigid thermoset foam board with facers, the most common low-slope roof insulation in North America, valued for high thermal resistance per thickness.
• Ponding WaterWater that stays on a low-slope roof after rain, commonly defined as water remaining 48 hours after the rain stops.
• Positive Drainage and Roof FallsThe design principle that a low-slope roof must have enough built-in slope (fall) to shed water within a set time, allowing for deflection and tolerances.
• Protected Membrane Roof (Inverted Roof)A low-slope roof in which the insulation is placed above the waterproofing, protecting it, and is held down by ballast or paving.
• PVC RoofingPolyvinyl chloride single-ply membrane made flexible with plasticisers and joined by hot-air welding; the first single-ply type standardised in the US.
• Roof Coating and RestorationA fluid-applied layer, such as acrylic, silicone or polyurethane, applied over a sound existing roof to waterproof it, reflect sunlight and extend its service life.
• Roof Deck (Low-Slope)The structural surface that supports a low-slope roof assembly, commonly steel, concrete, wood, poured gypsum or cementitious wood fibre.
• Roof Drain (Internal Drain)An outlet set into the field of a low-slope roof that collects rainwater and carries it down through pipes inside the building.
• Roof Walkway PadA protective pad or roll laid on a low-slope roof membrane to create a traffic path and prevent wear and puncture from foot traffic.
• SBS Modified BitumenModified bitumen membrane made elastic with styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber, installed by torch, hot asphalt, cold adhesive or self-adhesion.
• ScupperAn opening through a parapet or roof edge that lets water drain off a low-slope roof, either as the primary outlet or as an emergency overflow.
• Self-Adhered Roofing MembraneA roofing sheet supplied with factory-applied adhesive under a release film, bonded by peeling the film and pressing the sheet down.
• Silicone Roof CoatingA high-solids, UV-stable elastomeric coating used for low-slope roof restoration and SPF protection; many products tolerate ponding water.
• Single-Ply RoofingLow-slope roofing that uses one layer of factory-made polymer sheet, such as TPO, PVC, EPDM or PIB, joined at seams and held by ballast, fasteners or adhesive.
• Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) RoofingA seamless roof made by spraying two-part rigid polyurethane foam onto the substrate and covering it with an elastomeric coating or aggregate.
• Tapered InsulationRoof insulation boards cut with a built-in slope and laid in a planned sequence to create falls toward drains on a level deck.
• TPO RoofingThermoplastic polyolefin single-ply membrane, usually white and scrim-reinforced, joined by hot-air welding; the most widely used US low-slope membrane.
• Vapour Retarder (Vapour Control Layer)A layer placed on the warm side of roof insulation to limit water vapour moving from the building into the roof, where it could condense.
• XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) Roof InsulationClosed-cell polystyrene foam board made by extrusion, with low water absorption, used above the membrane in inverted and green roofs.

Roof Components

• Apron and Headwall FlashingApron flashing is a continuous flashing where the top of a roof slope butts against a wall, or across the downhill face of a chimney.
• BargeboardA bargeboard is a board fixed along the sloping edge of a gable roof, covering the ends of the roof structure, often decoratively carved.
• Chimney Cricket (Saddle)A chimney cricket, or saddle, is a small ridged structure built on the uphill side of a chimney to divert water and debris around it.
• Chimney FlashingChimney flashing is the combination of apron, step or soaker, counter and back flashings, sometimes with a cricket, that seals a chimney where it passes through a roof.
• Collar Tie and Collar BeamA collar is a horizontal member joining opposite rafters above their base; depending on position it either resists sag (collar beam) or spreading (collar tie).
• Counter-FlashingCounter-flashing is a cap of metal fixed into or onto a wall or chimney that covers the top edge of the base or step flashing beneath it.
• DormerA dormer is a roofed structure, usually holding a window, that projects vertically from a pitched roof to add headroom and light to the space below.
• Downspout (Downpipe)A downspout, or downpipe, is a vertical pipe that carries rainwater from a roof gutter down to the ground, a drain or a storage tank.
• Drip EdgeA drip edge is a formed metal flashing fixed along the eaves and rakes that carries water clear of the fascia and protects the edge of the roof deck.
• EavesThe eaves are the lower, horizontal edges of a roof that overhang the walls, shedding rainwater clear of the building.
• FasciaA fascia is the vertical board fixed along the ends of the rafters at the eaves, closing the roof edge and usually supporting the gutter.
• Hip (Roof)A hip is the external, sloping edge formed where two roof planes meet at an outside corner, running from the eaves up to the ridge.
• King Post TrussA king post truss is a simple triangular roof frame with a single central vertical post rising from the tie beam to the apex.
• Metal Roof FastenersMetal roofs are attached with screws, clips, cleats and nails whose metal must suit the panel, substrate and exposure.
• Metal Roof Paint Systems (Polyester, SMP, PVDF, Plastisol)Factory paint systems for metal roofing range from polyester and SMP to PVDF and thick plastisol, differing in durability, colour retention and cost.
• Pipe Boot (Vent Pipe Flashing)A pipe boot is a flashing collar that seals a plumbing vent or other round pipe where it passes through the roof covering.
• PurlinA purlin is a horizontal roof member running along the length of a roof, parallel to the ridge, that supports rafters or roof sheeting between main frames.
• PVDF Coatings (Kynar 500, Hylar 5000)PVDF coatings are factory-applied fluoropolymer paints for metal roofing, prized for long-term colour and gloss retention under strong sunlight.
• Queen Post TrussA queen post truss is a roof frame with two vertical posts set either side of centre on the tie beam, linked at the top by a straining beam.
• RafterA rafter is a sloping structural member that runs from the ridge or hip down to the wall plate and carries the roof deck and covering.
• Rain ChainA rain chain is a chain or series of linked cups hung from a gutter outlet that guides rainwater to the ground as a decorative alternative to a downspout.
• Rain GutterA rain gutter is a channel fixed along the eaves that collects water running off the roof and carries it to downspouts, protecting walls and foundations.
• Rake and VergeThe rake (US) or verge (UK) is the sloping edge of a roof at a gable end, running from the eaves up to the ridge.
• Ridge Board and Ridge BeamA ridge board is a non-structural board at the roof apex that rafters bear against; a ridge beam is a structural beam that carries the rafters' upper ends.
• Ridge VentA ridge vent is a continuous exhaust vent along the ridge of a pitched roof that lets warm, moist air escape from the attic through a slot in the deck.
• Roof Battens and Counter-BattensRoof battens are strips fixed across rafters to hang tiles, slates or sheets; counter-battens run up the slope beneath them to make a drainage gap.
• Roof FlashingRoof flashing is thin sheet metal or membrane installed at joints, edges and penetrations to direct water away from places where the roof covering is interrupted.
• Roof Pitch and SlopeRoof pitch describes how steep a roof is, expressed as rise over run (such as 6:12 or 6/12), as an angle in degrees, or as a percentage.
• Roof RidgeThe ridge is the horizontal line at the top of a pitched roof where two sloping planes meet; it is capped with ridge tiles, cap shingles or metal.
• Roof Sheathing (Roof Deck)Roof sheathing, or decking, is the layer of panels or boards fixed over rafters or trusses that forms the surface the underlayment and roof covering are attached to.
• Roof TrussA roof truss is a prefabricated or site-built triangulated frame that spans between walls to support a roof, replacing individual rafters and joists.
• Roof ValleyA roof valley is the internal angle where two sloping roof planes meet, forming a channel that collects and carries water down to the eaves.
• Roof VentilationRoof ventilation is the controlled flow of outside air through an attic or roof space, usually in at the eaves and out near the ridge, to remove moisture and heat.
• Roofing Fasteners (Nails and Screws)Roofing fasteners are the nails, screws and clips that secure decks, underlayments and roof coverings, chosen for holding power and corrosion resistance.
• Roofing Felt (#15 and #30)Roofing felt is a bitumen-saturated base sheet used as underlayment; in North America it is sold as #15 and #30 grades under ASTM D226.
• Roofing UnderlaymentRoofing underlayment is the water-resistant sheet laid over the roof deck or rafters beneath the roof covering, acting as a secondary barrier against water.
• Rosin Paper Slip SheetA rosin paper slip sheet is a layer of rosin-sized building paper laid under copper and other seamed metal roofs so the metal can slide over the underlayment.
• Skylight and Roof WindowA skylight is a glazed opening in a roof that admits daylight; an opening skylight within reach of occupants is usually called a roof window.
• SoffitA soffit is the underside lining of a roof overhang, closing the space between the fascia and the wall, often fitted with vents.
• Standing Seam Clips (Fixed and Sliding)Standing seam clips are concealed brackets that hold panels down at the seams; fixed clips pin the panel, sliding clips let it move with temperature.
• Step FlashingStep flashing is a series of small L-shaped pieces woven into each course of shingles or tiles where a roof slope meets a sidewall or chimney side.
• Warm RoofA warm roof is a construction in which insulation follows the roof slope or sits above the deck, so the structure and roof space stay within the heated envelope.

Roof Shapes & Forms

• A-Frame RoofAn A-frame is a building whose steep roof planes start near the ground and meet at the ridge, so the roof also forms most of the walls.
• Barrel Roof (Barrel Vault)A barrel roof is a continuously curved roof shaped like half a cylinder, the roof form of a barrel (tunnel or wagon) vault.
• Bonnet RoofA bonnet roof is a double-pitched roof whose lower slope is shallower than the upper slope, the reverse of a mansard or gambrel, often forming porch eaves.
• Butterfly RoofA butterfly roof is an inverted gable: two roof planes slope down from the outer walls to a central valley, like a pair of raised wings.
• Conical Roof (Turret Roof)A conical roof is a roof shaped like a cone, rising to a point over a circular plan; it typically crowns towers, turrets and round huts.
• Cross-Gabled RoofA cross-gabled roof combines two or more gable roofs that intersect, usually at right angles, over an L-, T- or cross-shaped plan.
• DomeA dome is a curved roof shaped like the hollow upper part of a sphere or similar surface, spanning a circular, polygonal or square space.
• Dutch Gable Roof (Gablet Roof)A Dutch gable roof is a hip roof topped with a small gable (gablet) at the ridge ends; in Britain the term also means a curved, shaped gable parapet.
• Flat RoofA flat roof is a roof that is almost level, laid to a slight fall for drainage and covered with a continuous waterproof membrane rather than overlapping units.
• Gable RoofA gable roof has two sloping planes meeting at a central ridge, leaving a triangular wall section, the gable, at each end.
• Hip RoofA hip roof slopes down to the eaves on all sides, with no vertical gable ends; on a rectangular plan it has two trapezoidal and two triangular faces.
• Hyperbolic Paraboloid Roof (Hypar)A hyperbolic paraboloid roof is a saddle-shaped, doubly curved roof that can be built from straight members, used for thin concrete shells and tensile structures.
• M-Shaped RoofAn M-shaped roof is two parallel gable roofs side by side, joined by a central valley or gutter, giving an M-shaped end profile.
• Mansard RoofA mansard roof is a four-sided roof with two slopes on each face, the lower one steep and often pierced by dormers, the upper one shallow.
• Pyramid, Pavilion and Tented RoofsA pyramid roof is a hip roof on a square plan whose faces meet at one point; pavilion and tented roofs are low- and steep-pitched versions on regular polygons.
• Sawtooth RoofA sawtooth roof is a series of parallel ridges, each with one steep, glazed face and one shallower solid face, giving a jagged profile and even daylight.
• Shed Roof (Skillion, Mono-Pitch, Lean-To)A shed roof is a single flat plane sloping in one direction; it is called a skillion in Australia and a mono-pitch, pent or lean-to roof in the UK.
• Tensile Membrane RoofA roof of tensioned fabric or foil, such as PTFE-coated glass fibre, PVC-coated polyester or ETFE, held in curved shapes by masts, cables and edge beams.

Installation & Methods

• Asphalt Shingle Nailing PatternThe nailing pattern sets how many nails each asphalt shingle receives and where: typically four, or six for high-wind and steep-slope work.
• Batten Seam RoofingBatten seam roofing lays metal pans between raised wooden or metal battens running down the slope, with a metal cap locked over each batten.
• Chimney Flashing InstallationChimney flashing combines apron, step, cricket and counterflashing to seal the gap between a masonry chimney and the roof.
• Clay and Concrete Tile InstallationTile installation hangs or fastens clay or concrete tiles over battens or decking, fixing them mechanically and, traditionally, bedding ridges and edges in mortar.
• Coil CoatingCoil coating is the continuous factory process that cleans, pretreats, primes, paints and bakes metal strip before it is formed into roofing.
• Dry-Fix Ridge SystemA dry-fix system secures ridge, hip or verge tiles with mechanical fixings, seals and ventilated rolls instead of mortar.
• Flat Seam (Flat-Lock) RoofingFlat seam roofing covers a roof with small rectangular metal pans whose folded edges lock together flat; seams are soldered on low slopes.
• Fragile RoofA roof or roof element, such as old fibre-cement sheeting or a rooflight, that will not safely carry a person's weight; a leading cause of roof-work deaths.
• Fully Adhered vs Mechanically AttachedLow-slope membranes are attached by gluing the whole sheet to the substrate (fully adhered), fastening it at laps (mechanically attached) or holding it with ballast.
• Hand Sealing ShinglesHand sealing is applying dabs of asphalt cement under shingles where factory sealant cannot be relied on, such as on steep slopes or in cold weather.
• Hiring a RooferHiring a roofer involves checking licensing or registration, insurance, references and written terms; licensing rules differ by country, state and province.
• Hot Weather RoofingHot weather roofing addresses heat stress for workers and softening, scuffing and over-sealing of materials when roofs are installed in high temperatures.
• Hot-Air WeldingHot-air welding joins thermoplastic roofing membranes such as PVC and TPO by melting overlapping sheets with heated air and pressing them together.
• Hot-Mopped Built-Up Roof ApplicationHot-mopped built-up roofing (BUR) bonds several plies of roofing felt with layers of hot asphalt or coal-tar pitch applied by mop or mechanical spreader.
• Installing a Metal Roof Over Existing ShinglesBecause metal is light, it can often be installed over one existing roof layer where local codes allow, but deck condition, ventilation and fixing must be checked.
• Ladder Safety for RoofingLadder safety for roof access centres on the 4-to-1 angle rule, extending the ladder about 1 m (3 ft) above the roof edge and securing it top and bottom.
• Mechanical SeamingMechanical seaming folds the raised edges of adjoining metal roof panels together with a hand or powered seamer, forming single-lock or double-lock seams.
• Mechanically Seamed Standing Seam (Single and Double Lock)Mechanically seamed panels have their raised seams folded together on the roof by a seaming tool, forming single-lock or watertight double-lock joints.
• Plumbing Vent FlashingA plumbing vent flashing (pipe boot) is a flanged sleeve that seals a vent pipe through the roof and is woven into the courses around it.
• Ridge Cap InstallationRidge cap installation covers the peak and hips of a roof with overlapping cap pieces, laid away from the prevailing wind and blind-nailed.
• Roof BracketsRoof brackets (roof jacks) are metal supports nailed to a pitched roof that hold a plank as a foothold and material shelf for roofers.
• Roof Coating ApplicationRoof coating application cleans, repairs and primes an existing roof, then sprays or rolls on a liquid membrane such as acrylic, silicone or polyurethane.
• Roof Deck Inspection and ReplacementDeck inspection is the check of the structural roof surface for rot, deflection, gaps and fastening before new roofing is installed; damaged sections are replaced.
• Roof Inspection ProcedureA roof inspection is a systematic check of the covering, flashings, penetrations, drainage, deck and attic to find damage, defects and leak sources.
• Roof Measurement and EstimatingRoof estimating converts plan dimensions into true roof area using pitch multipliers, expresses it in squares or square metres and adds waste allowances.
• Roof Pitch CalculationRoof pitch is calculated as vertical rise over horizontal run, expressed as x:12, a ratio, a percentage or an angle in degrees.
• Roof Replacement ProcessThe roof replacement process is the sequence of work used to remove an old roof covering and install a new one, from planning and permits to final inspection.
• Roofing Fall ProtectionRoofing fall protection is the set of legal duties and equipment, such as guardrails, nets, harness systems and warning lines, that prevent roofers falling.
• Roofing Permits and InspectionsMany authorities require a permit for roof replacement and some for larger repairs, with inspections to confirm compliance with the building code.
• Roofing Warranty TypesRoofing warranties fall into two main groups: manufacturer warranties on materials or systems, and contractor workmanship warranties on installation.
• Shingle Exposure and OffsetExposure is the visible height of each shingle course; offset is the horizontal stagger of joints between courses so water never lines up with a gap.
• Skylight Flashing InstallationSkylight flashing seals a roof window or skylight to the roof using a head flashing, side step flashings and a sill apron, usually from a manufacturer's kit.
• Slate RepairSlate repair replaces individual broken slates by cutting the old nails with a slate ripper and securing a new slate with a nail and bib flashing, a hook or a tab.
• Slate Roof InstallationSlate installation lays split natural slates in double-lap courses, hung on copper or stainless nails (or hooks) with a set headlap that depends on pitch.
• Snap-Lock Standing SeamSnap-lock standing seam panels click together at the seam without a seaming tool, held down by concealed clips or an integral fastening flange.
• Soldering Sheet Metal RoofingSoldering joins copper, terne-coated stainless, zinc and similar roof sheets with molten tin-based alloy to make watertight seams, especially on low slopes.
• Spray Polyurethane Foam ApplicationSPF roofing is applied by spraying two liquid components that react and expand into a seamless foam layer, then protecting it with a coating.
• Standing Seam InstallationStanding seam installation fixes long metal panels to the deck with concealed clips and joins them along raised seams that are snapped or mechanically seamed.
• Starter CourseA starter course is the first row of roofing material along the eaves (and often rakes) that seals and backs the first visible course of shingles.
• Step Flashing InstallationStep flashing is a series of L-shaped metal pieces woven into each course where a sloped roof meets a sidewall or chimney side.
• Tear-Off vs OverlayTear-off removes the existing roof covering down to the deck; an overlay (recover) installs a new covering over the old one where codes permit.
• Tension LevelingTension leveling stretches metal coil slightly beyond its yield point to flatten it and release built-in stresses, reducing oil canning in roof panels.
• Thatching ProcessThatching lays bundles of water reed, wheat straw or similar plants in thick overlapping coats, fixed with sways, spars and liggers and finished with a ridge.
• Thermal Movement in Metal RoofsMetal roof panels lengthen and shorten with temperature; systems must let them slide, or seams, fasteners and flashings will fatigue, buckle or leak.
• Through-Fastened Panel InstallationThrough-fastened metal panels are screwed directly through the sheet into purlins or decking with sealing washers, with side and end laps sealed against water.
• Tile BattensTile battens are horizontal timber strips fixed across the rafters or deck that set the spacing of tile or slate courses and provide their fixing point.
• Tile ClipsTile clips are metal fixings that hold the tail or side of a roof tile down against wind uplift; in storm-prone areas they are often called hurricane or storm clips.
• Torch-Applied Modified BitumenTorch-on application bonds modified bitumen membrane rolls by melting their underside with a propane torch as the roll is unrolled over the roof.
• Underlayment InstallationUnderlayment installation is the laying of a secondary water-resistant sheet over the roof deck, lapped shingle-fashion, before the main roof covering.
• Valley InstallationValley installation is how roofing is laid where two roof slopes meet in an internal angle, using open, closed-cut or woven methods over a valley lining.
• Ventilation and Condensation Under Metal RoofsSome metal roofs, notably zinc and lead, need a ventilated or drained space beneath them so condensation cannot corrode the metal's underside.
• Waste FactorThe waste factor is the extra percentage of roofing material added to the measured roof area to cover cutting, trimming and breakage.

Standards, Codes & Testing

• ANSI/FM 4473ANSI/FM 4473 rates the hail resistance of rigid roofing such as tile, slate and metal by firing ice balls at it, from Class 1 to Class 4.
• ANSI/FM 4474ANSI/FM 4474 is a US national standard for testing the simulated wind uplift resistance of roof assemblies with static pressure or pull tests.
• ASHRAE 90.1ASHRAE 90.1 is the US-based energy standard for buildings other than low-rise residential, setting minimum roof insulation and reflectance requirements.
• ASTM A653ASTM A653 is the North American specification for hot-dip galvanized (zinc-coated) and galvannealed steel sheet used in roofing and construction.
• ASTM A792ASTM A792 is the North American specification for steel sheet hot-dip coated with 55% aluminum-zinc alloy, widely used for metal roofing.
• BREEAMBREEAM is a sustainability assessment and certification method for buildings, first published by the UK's Building Research Establishment in 1990.
• EN 10346EN 10346 is the European standard for continuously hot-dip coated steel sheet, covering zinc, zinc-magnesium, aluminium-zinc and other coatings used in roofing.
• FM 4470FM 4470 is the FM Approvals standard for membrane and liquid-applied roof assemblies, covering fire, wind uplift, hail, leakage and other hazards.
• FM ApprovedFM Approved is a certification mark from FM Approvals showing a product or roof assembly has passed FM's loss-prevention testing and factory audits.
• LEED Heat Island Reduction CreditLEED's Heat Island Reduction credit rewards projects whose roofs and paving reflect sunlight or are vegetated, using Solar Reflectance Index thresholds.
• Metallic Coating Designations (G90, AZ50, Z275)Codes such as G90, AZ55, Z275 or AZM150 state how much zinc or aluminium-zinc coating a steel roofing sheet carries, measured on both sides combined.
• Sheet Metal Gauge and Thickness ConversionGauge is a traditional, non-linear number for sheet thickness used in North America; a higher gauge means thinner metal, and values differ by metal.
• Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) combines a surface's solar reflectance and thermal emittance into one number, where standard black is 0 and standard white is 100.
• Wind Uplift Testing of Metal RoofsMetal roof systems are rated for wind by laboratory tests such as ASTM E1592, UL 580 and UL 1897, which apply suction to full roof assemblies.

Manufacturers

• Cupa PizarrasCupa Pizarras is a Spanish producer of natural roofing slate operating since 1892, part of Cupa Group, with quarries in Galicia and exports to over 60 countries.
• DECRA Roofing SystemsDECRA is a stone-coated steel roofing brand with roots in New Zealand in 1957, manufactured in the US at Corona, California.
• Elevate (formerly Firestone Building Products)Elevate is a North American commercial roofing manufacturer, formerly Firestone Building Products, owned by Holcim from 2021 and part of Amrize since 2025.
• EternitEternit is a fibre-cement trademark from Ludwig Hatschek's process patented in 1900, held in many markets by Belgium's Etex; other firms use it elsewhere.
• HolcimHolcim is a Swiss building-materials group founded in 1912 that built a large North American roofing business before spinning it off as Amrize in 2025.
• Kingspan GroupKingspan is an Irish building-envelope group founded in 1965, known for insulated metal roof and wall panels and, since 2022, a roofing and waterproofing division.
• OndulineOnduline is a French roofing manufacturer founded about 80 years ago, known for lightweight corrugated roofing sheets and present in more than 100 countries.
• Owens CorningOwens Corning is a Toledo, Ohio-based maker of roofing, insulation and glass-fibre composites, formed in 1938 by Owens-Illinois and Corning Glass Works.
• RheinzinkRheinzink is a German producer of titanium zinc for roofing, facades and rainwater systems, founded in 1966 in Datteln and part of the Grillo Group.
• Saint-GobainSaint-Gobain is a French building-materials group founded in 1665 whose roofing interests include CertainTeed and Building Products of Canada.
• SikaSika is a Swiss specialty chemicals company founded in 1910 whose roofing range includes Sarnafil and Sikaplan single-ply membranes and liquid-applied roofing.
• SopremaSoprema is a family-controlled French manufacturer of waterproofing, insulation and green-roof products, founded in 1908 and active in about 90 countries.
• Standard IndustriesStandard Industries is a privately held New York-based industrial group that owns GAF, BMI Group, Siplast and other building-materials businesses.

Organizations & Associations

• BAU (Munich)BAU is a large biennial trade fair in Munich, Germany, for architecture, building materials and systems, organised by Messe München.
• FLL (Landscape Research, Development and Construction Society)FLL is a German research society, founded in 1975 and based in Bonn, whose green roof guidelines are a widely used technical reference.
• FM (FM Global)FM, formerly FM Global, is a U.S.-based mutual commercial property insurer whose research, FM Approvals and data sheets strongly influence low-slope roof design.
• How to Find a Licensed Roofer (by Country)A country-by-country guide to how roofers are licensed or registered, and where homeowners can check a contractor's credentials.
• International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD)The IFD is an international federation of national roofing contractor associations, founded in 1952 and based in Germany.
• International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)IIBEC is a professional body for roof, waterproofing and building enclosure consultants, founded in 1983 as RCI and renamed in 2019.
• Roofing ApprenticeshipStructured training that combines paid work with classroom instruction to qualify roofers; length, content and certification differ widely by country.

History of Roofing

• Global Spread of Corrugated IronHow corrugated galvanised iron travelled from Britain to colonial Australia, Africa, the Americas and Asia, becoming one of the world's most common roofs.
• History of Asbestos Cement RoofingAsbestos cement sheets and slates, patented by Ludwig Hatschek in 1900 and sold as Eternit, roofed buildings worldwide until health risks led to bans.
• History of Built-Up RoofingBuilt-up roofing, the layered 'tar and gravel' roof of felts and bitumen, developed in 19th-century America and dominated flat roofs for decades.
• History of Cool RoofsCool roofs reflect sunlight to stay cooler; research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Cool Roof Rating Council (1998) shaped modern practice.
• History of Copper RoofsCopper has roofed temples, cathedrals and castles for centuries, prized for its long life and the green patina it develops over decades.
• History of Green RoofsFrom Scandinavian sod roofs to the modern German green roof industry of the 1970s and city mandates such as Toronto's 2009 by-law.
• History of RoofingAn overview of how people have covered buildings, from brushwood huts and thatch to fired tiles, slate, metal sheet, asphalt and synthetic membranes.
• History of Roofing Fire RegulationsHow urban fires led cities to ban thatch and wood roofs, from London in 1212 to Boston in 1631 and 1872 and the US push against wood shingles in 1916.
• History of Single-Ply MembranesHow factory-made sheets of synthetic rubber and plastics (EPDM, CSPE, PVC, TPO) replaced much hot-applied built-up roofing on flat roofs.
• History of Standing Seam RoofingStanding seam roofing grew from centuries-old hand-folded joints in copper, lead and zinc sheet into today's machine-formed metal panel systems.
• History of the Geodesic DomeGeodesic domes, spherical frames of triangles, were first built by Walther Bauersfeld in Jena in the 1920s and popularised by Buckminster Fuller after 1948.
• History of Timber Roof FramingHow carpenters moved from simple paired rafters to medieval trusses, hammerbeams and, in modern times, factory-made metal-plate trusses.
• Invention of Corrugated Iron (1829)In 1829 Henry Robinson Palmer of the London Dock Company patented corrugated metal sheets, whose ridges let thin iron span roofs unsupported.
• Pit HouseA dwelling built over a pit dug into the ground, with a roof springing from at or near ground level; found worldwide from the Palaeolithic to the 20th century.
• Prehistoric Shelters and Early ThatchWhat archaeology can and cannot say about the first roofs: brushwood huts, mammoth-bone dwellings and the likely Neolithic origin of straw thatch.
• Prehistory of RoofingHow archaeologists reconstruct the earliest roofs and shelters, from Lower Palaeolithic woodworking to Neolithic longhouses and Bronze Age roundhouses.
• Terne PlateTerne plate is iron or steel sheet coated with a dull lead-tin alloy, historically used for painted roofs; it is no longer produced.
• Tin Roof"Tin roof" historically meant iron sheet coated with tin (tinplate); today it is a colloquial name for almost any sheet-metal roof.

Climate, Hazards & Sustainability

• Attic CondensationMoisture that condenses on the underside of a roof deck or framing, usually from warm indoor air leaking into a cold attic.
• Blue RoofA flat or low-slope roof designed to store rainwater temporarily and release it slowly, reducing peak flows to storm sewers.
• Building-Integrated PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaic products that replace conventional building materials in the roof or facade, generating electricity while forming part of the building envelope.
• Climate Change and RoofingHow a warming climate is expected to change the hazards roofs face, from stronger storms and heavier rain to heat, wildfire and shifting snow.
• Coastal Salt CorrosionAccelerated corrosion of metal roofing, fasteners and flashings caused by salt spray and humidity near the sea.
• Cool Metal RoofingCool metal roofs use reflective, highly emissive finishes that bounce sunlight and shed absorbed heat, lowering roof temperatures and cooling loads.
• Cool RoofA roof with high solar reflectance and high thermal emittance that stays cooler in sunlight, reducing cooling loads and urban heat.
• Earthquakes and RoofsHow roof weight, attachment and bracing affect building performance in earthquakes, and why heavy tile roofs on weak frames are a known risk.
• Ember-Resistant Roof DetailsRoof vents, gutters, closures and edges designed to keep wind-blown embers from igniting debris or entering the building during a wildfire.
• Embodied Carbon of RoofingThe greenhouse gas emissions from making, transporting, installing, maintaining and disposing of roofing materials, as opposed to operating the building.
• Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)A verified document reporting the life cycle environmental impacts of a product, such as a roofing material, using standard rules.
• Green RoofA roof partly or fully covered with vegetation and growing medium over a waterproofing membrane, used for stormwater, cooling and habitat.
• Hail Damage to RoofsDamage caused when hailstones strike roofing: bruising and granule loss on shingles, cracked tiles and slates, dented metal and punctured membranes.
• Heat Island Group (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)A research group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California that studies cool roofs, cool pavements and urban heat islands.
• Hurricane Roof DamageHow tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones) damage roofs, from lost coverings and edges to deck blow-off and wind-driven rain.
• Hurricane TieA metal strap or clip that fastens a rafter or truss to the wall to resist wind uplift; also called a hurricane clip or hurricane strap.
• Metal Roofing RecyclingRecovery of aluminium, steel, copper and zinc roofing at end of life, and the recycled content used in new metal roofing.
• Rainwater Harvesting from RoofsCollecting rain that falls on a roof for storage and reuse, and how the roof material affects the quality of the collected water.
• Roof Drainage DesignPlanning slopes, gutters, drains, scuppers and overflows so that a roof sheds rain quickly, including during intense storms.
• Roof Life-Cycle CostThe total cost of owning a roof over a set period, including installation, maintenance, repairs, energy effects, replacement and disposal.
• Roof Lifespan ComparisonTypical service lives of common roofing materials, from asphalt shingles and membranes to tile, slate and metal, and what shortens or extends them.
• Roof Wind Pressure ZonesAreas of a roof (field, edge, corner) assigned different wind design pressures because suction is strongest near edges and corners.
• Roof-to-Wall ConnectionThe joint that fastens rafters or trusses to the top of the walls; a key link in the load path that keeps a roof on in high winds.
• Roofing Market Size and StatisticsEstimates of the size and growth of the global roofing materials market, with the dates and limits of the figures.
• Roofing Waste and LandfillWaste generated by roof replacement and construction, its share of construction and demolition debris, and ways to reduce it.
• Roofing WorkforceThe people who install and repair roofs, their numbers, pay and outlook, with US Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
• Rooftop Solar PVPhotovoltaic panels mounted on building roofs to generate electricity, and the roofing issues of load, attachment, waterproofing and roof life.
• Rooftop Solar Water HeaterA roof-mounted solar collector and tank that heats domestic water; Israel made them mandatory on most new buildings in 1980.
• Sealed Roof DeckA roof deck whose panel joints are sealed with tape or a self-adhered membrane so rain cannot pass through if the covering is lost.
• Secondary Water BarrierA layer beneath the roof covering that limits water entry if shingles, tiles or panels are torn off in a storm.
• Single-Ply Membrane RecyclingCollection and recycling of PVC, TPO and other thermoplastic roofing membranes, including Europe's Roofcollect scheme.
• Solar ReflectanceThe fraction of incoming sunlight a surface reflects, from 0 (absorbs all) to 1 (reflects all); also called albedo.
• Solar Roof Mounting SystemsRacking that secures solar panels to roofs: penetrating rail systems, seam clamps on metal roofs and ballasted racks on flat roofs.
• Thermal EmittanceHow efficiently a surface releases absorbed heat as infrared radiation, rated from 0 to 1; high values help roofs stay cool.
• Tornado Roof DamageHow tornado winds strip roof coverings, lift decks and remove roof structures, and how the Enhanced Fujita scale uses roof damage to rate tornadoes.
• Urban Heat IslandThe tendency of cities to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, driven partly by dark roofs and pavement that absorb sunlight.
• UV and Heat Degradation of RoofingHow sunlight and heat break down roofing materials over time through photo-oxidation, embrittlement, chalking and loss of protective surfaces.
• Wildfire RoofingRoof design and materials that reduce the chance of a building igniting from embers, radiant heat or flames during a wildfire or bushfire.
• Wind UpliftThe upward suction and pressure that wind exerts on a roof, which must be resisted by the covering, deck, fasteners and framing.

Problems, Repair & Maintenance

• AlligatoringA pattern of shrinkage cracks resembling alligator skin on aged asphalt, coal-tar or coated roof surfaces exposed to sun and heat.
• Animal and Bird Damage to RoofsDamage by squirrels, raccoons, rats, birds, possums and insects that chew, tear or nest in roofs, vents, soffits and attics.
• Attic MouldMould growth on attic sheathing and framing, almost always driven by moisture from indoor air leaks, exhaust ducts or roof leaks.
• Copper Run-Off and StainingRainwater flowing off copper carries dissolved copper that can stain masonry green and corrode aluminium, zinc and zinc-coated steel downstream.
• Creep in Lead and Zinc RoofingCreep is the slow, permanent stretching of soft metals such as lead and zinc under their own weight and repeated thermal movement, causing thinning and tears.
• Emergency Roof TarpingCovering a damaged roof temporarily with a tarp or plastic sheeting to keep water out until permanent repairs can be made.
• Fastener Back-OutGradual loosening of screws or nails so their heads rise above the roof surface, breaking the seal and creating leak points.
• Flashing FailureBreakdown of the metal or membrane pieces that seal a roof at walls, chimneys, valleys and penetrations; a leading cause of roof leaks.
• Galvanic Corrosion and Metal CompatibilityGalvanic corrosion is accelerated attack on one metal when it touches, or is wetted by run-off from, a more noble metal; it governs which roof metals can be combined.
• Granule LossThe shedding of the mineral granules that coat asphalt shingles; normal in small amounts, a warning sign when heavy, patchy or premature.
• Gutter ProblemsCommon faults in roof gutters and downpipes, including clogging, overflow, incorrect pitch, ice build-up, leaking joints and sagging.
• Hail Resistance of Metal RoofsMetal roofs are hard to puncture by hail; many assemblies reach UL 2218 Class 4, though large hailstones can still leave cosmetic dents.
• Lichen on RoofsCrusty, slow-growing patches formed by a fungus and alga partnership that cling tightly to roofs and are hard to remove without damage.
• Membrane ShrinkagePermanent loss of size in some single-ply roof membranes, which can pull on flashings, tear seams and lift edges.
• Metal Roof Noise: Myth and FactMetal roofs over a solid deck and insulation are generally no louder in rain than other roofs; noise is mainly an issue with sheets over open framing.
• Metal Roofs and Lightning: Myth and FactMetal roofs do not attract lightning; strike risk depends on height, terrain and storm frequency, and metal's noncombustibility can reduce fire risk.
• Nail PopsRoofing or deck nails that work upward and lift or puncture the shingle above, creating a bump and a possible leak point.
• Nail SicknessFailure of the nails holding slates or tiles, usually through corrosion, so units slip or fall even though the slates themselves are sound.
• Oil CanningOil canning is visible waviness in the flat areas of metal panels caused by locked-in stress or restrained movement; it is generally cosmetic.
• Red Rust on Metal RoofsIron oxide corrosion on steel roofing that appears once the protective zinc or zinc-aluminium coating has been used up or damaged.
• Ridge Repointing and RebeddingRenewal of the mortar that beds and seals ridge and hip tiles; in the UK, current standards also require mechanical fixing of these tiles.
• Roof Age EstimationMethods for working out how old a roof is, using records, permits, product markings and physical condition.
• Roof Algae (Black Streaks)Dark streaks on roofs, especially asphalt shingles, caused by airborne cyanobacteria commonly identified as Gloeocapsa magma.
• Roof BlisteringRaised bubbles in asphalt shingles or low-slope membranes caused by trapped gas, moisture or volatiles expanding under heat.
• Roof Cleaning MethodsWays of removing algae, moss, lichen and dirt from roofs, chiefly low-pressure soft washing, manual removal and pressure washing.
• Roof Inspection After StormsHow to check a roof safely after wind, hail or heavy rain, document damage, and arrange temporary protection and professional assessment.
• Roof Insurance ClaimsA neutral overview of how property insurance claims for roof damage generally work, including coverage types, depreciation and documentation.
• Roof Leak DetectionThe process of tracing where water actually enters a roof, which is often some distance from where it appears inside the building.
• Roof Maintenance Checklist by SeasonA season-by-season list of routine roof checks and upkeep tasks for homes and low-slope buildings, plus inspections after major storms.
• Roof MossMoss growth on shaded, damp roofs that holds water, lifts shingles and tiles, and blocks drainage if left to build up.
• Roof Repair vs ReplacementThe factors owners and roofers weigh when deciding whether to fix part of a roof or replace the whole covering.
• Roof Rot (Fascia, Soffit and Deck)Fungal decay of roof timbers such as fascia boards, soffits, sheathing and rafter ends, caused by long-term wetting.
• Sagging Roof DeckA visible dip or wave in a roof plane caused by deflecting sheathing, rafters, trusses or ridge, from overload, decay or inadequate framing.
• Seam FailureOpening or separation of the joints between sheets of a roof membrane or metal panel, allowing water into the roof assembly.
• Shingle Curling, Clawing and CuppingDistortion of asphalt shingles in which edges turn up (cupping) or corners and middles lift (clawing), usually from age, heat or moisture.
• Slate DelaminationThe splitting and flaking of roofing slate into thin layers as it weathers, marking the end of an individual slate's service life.
• Slipped and Cracked Roof TilesDisplacement or breakage of clay or concrete roof tiles from failed fixings, impact, foot traffic, frost or movement.
• Thatch Maintenance and DecayThe care cycle of a thatched roof, including periodic ridge replacement, patching, and eventual rethatching as the coatwork wears away.
• White Rust (Wet Storage Stain)A white, powdery zinc corrosion product that forms on galvanised steel kept wet without air, often while panels are bundled in storage.
• Wind DamageRoof damage caused by wind uplift, typically lifted, creased, torn or missing shingles, tiles or panels, often starting at edges.
• Zinc and Copper StripsMetal strips fixed near a roof's ridge whose rain runoff carries metal ions that discourage moss, algae and lichen below.

Tools & Equipment

• Aviation SnipsCompound-lever hand shears for cutting sheet metal, colour-coded by cut direction: red for left, green for right, yellow for straight.
• Chalk LineA reel of string coated in powdered chalk that is stretched and snapped to mark long straight lines for laying shingle courses, battens and panels.
• Drone Roof InspectionUse of small unmanned aircraft with cameras to photograph, measure and map roofs without climbing onto them.
• Electronic Leak Detection (ELD)Methods that use low or high voltage and a conductive layer under a membrane to pinpoint breaches in roofing and waterproofing.
• Hand SeamerA plier-like sheet metal tool with broad flat jaws used to bend, fold, flatten and close edges and seams on flashing and metal roofing.
• Hemming ToolA sheet metal tool that folds a panel edge back on itself, forming the hems used at metal roof eaves, valleys, rakes and trims.
• Hot-Air WelderA tool that blows heated air between overlapping thermoplastic membrane sheets, fusing seams on TPO and PVC roofs.
• Infrared Roof ThermographyThermal imaging of a roof, usually after sunset, to find areas where wet insulation holds heat differently from dry areas.
• Ladder Standoff and Roof Ladder AccessoriesAttachments that hold a ladder away from gutters and walls, extend its rails above the roof edge, or secure it, improving access to roofs.
• Magnetic SweeperA wheeled or hand-held magnet used to pick up dropped roofing nails and metal debris from lawns, driveways and decks after roof work.
• Mechanical and Electric SeamersMotorised or hand-cranked machines that travel along standing seam metal roof panels, folding the seams into single or double locks.
• Moisture Meter (Roofing)A handheld instrument that indicates moisture in roof materials, either through pins that measure resistance or pinless sensors.
• Pitch Gauge and Roofing CalculatorTools and methods for measuring roof slope, expressed as rise per run or degrees, and for converting roof dimensions into material quantities.
• Portable Roll FormerA trailer- or truck-mounted machine that forms metal roofing panels from flat coil on the job site, allowing long continuous panels.
• Roof Jacks and Toe BoardsMetal brackets nailed to a pitched roof to hold planks that give roofers footing and catch materials; toe boards are the planks or cleats they support.
• Roof Moisture SurveyA systematic test of a low-slope roof to locate wet insulation, using infrared, nuclear or impedance scanning verified by core samples.
• Roof Tile Cutting ToolsTools for cutting clay and concrete roof tiles, chiefly angle grinders and saws with diamond blades, plus manual cutters that limit silica dust.
• Roofing Harness and Anchors (Personal Fall Arrest)A full-body harness, connector and roof anchor system that stops a roofer's fall; required in many countries for work at height.
• Roofing Hatchet (Shingling Hatchet)A hammer-hatchet used for hand-nailing and trimming shingles and shakes, often with an adjustable gauge for setting exposure.
• Roofing Hoists and ConveyorsPowered lifts, ladder hoists, conveyors and cranes that move shingles, tiles and other roofing materials from the ground to the roof.
• Roofing KettleA fuel-fired tank that melts and heats asphalt or coal tar for hot-applied built-up roofing and other hot-mopped systems.
• Roofing Nailer (Coil Nailer)A pneumatic or cordless nail gun fed by coils of short, wide-headed nails, used mainly to fasten asphalt shingles and underlayment.
• Roofing Shovel (Tear-Off Tool)A long-handled spade with a notched or serrated blade and a fulcrum heel, used to strip old shingles and nails during tear-off.
• Roofing TorchA propane-fuelled open-flame torch used to melt the bitumen on torch-applied modified bitumen membranes during installation.
• Seam ProbeA small hooked or blunt-pointed hand tool drawn along the edge of welded or taped membrane seams to find unbonded voids.
• Sheet Metal BrakeA bending machine that clamps sheet metal and folds it along a straight line, used to make flashings, trims, drip edges and panels.
• Slate CutterA lever-action shear, often called a guillotine, that trims roofing slates to size and may also punch nail holes.
• Slate RipperA long, thin steel blade with hooked notches used to reach under slates or tiles and cut or pull the hidden nails holding a damaged unit.
• Slater's Hammer and ZaxTraditional slating hand tools: the slater's hammer drives nails, punches holes and trims slate; the zax is a bladed cutter with a punch point.
• Utility Knife with Hook BladeA retractable or fixed utility knife fitted with hook-shaped blades for pull-cutting asphalt shingles, roofing felt and membranes.