Shingle roofing is one of the most popular roofing systems because it's versatile, durable and cost-effective. Complementing this system, ridge vents play a critical role in improving ventilation and ensuring the longevity of the roof.
This article delves into the components, benefits, and installation considerations for shingle roofing and ridge vents.

  What is Shingle Roofing? Shingle roofing is a roofing system comprised of overlapping elements, typically flat and rectangular, that cover the entirety of a roof's surface. These elements, called shingles, come in various materials, including asphalt, wood, metal, and slate, with asphalt shingles being the most common due to their affordability and reliability.

Types of Shingles

Our comprehensive Glossary for Roofing Terms; covering materials, techniques, components and industry jargon:

Aggregate:   Crushed stone, gravel, or other granular materials used as a surface for built-up roofs.

Algae:   Plant-like organisms that can grow on roofing surfaces, often seen as dark streaks on shingles.

Asphalt:   A bituminous substance used in roofing materials for waterproofing.

Attic:   The space directly beneath the roof of a building, often used for storage.

Base Flashing:   The portion of flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct water away from the roof.

Bitumen:   A generic term for asphalt or tar-based roofing products.

Blistering:   Bubbles or raised areas on roofing surfaces caused by trapped moisture or air.

Built-Up Roof (BUR):   A roofing system made up of multiple layers of felt and bitumen.

Caulking:   A material used to seal joints or cracks in roofing materials.

Chimney Cricket:   A peaked construction at the back of a chimney to divert water.

Cladding:   Material covering the exterior of a roof or wall for protection and aesthetics.

Cool Roof:   A roof designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.

Cornice:   The horizontal overhang or decorative molding at the edge of the roof.

Deck:   The structural base beneath the roofing system.

Dormer:   A structure projecting from the roof, usually containing a window.

Drip Edge:   A metal edging at the eaves to direct water away from the fascia.

Dry-In:   The process of making a roof watertight temporarily during construction.

Eaves:   The lower edges of a roof that extend beyond the wall.

EPDM:   Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber membrane used in low-slope roofing.

Edge Flashing:   Flashing installed along the perimeter of the roof to prevent water intrusion.

Energy Star Roofing:   Roofing materials meeting specific energy efficiency standards.

Fascia:   A vertical edge board beneath the roof's edge, often used to mount gutters.

Fasteners:   Nails, screws, or staples used to attach roofing materials to the deck.

Flashing:   Thin material (metal or plastic) used to prevent water from seeping through roof joints.

Flat Roof:   A roof with minimal or no slope.

Gable:   The triangular upper portion of a wall formed by a pitched roof.

Gutter:   A channel at the roof's edge that collects and directs rainwater.

Granules:   Small ceramic-coated minerals applied to asphalt shingles for UV protection.

Hip:   The external angle where two sloping roof sides meet.

Hurricane Strap:   A metal connector used to secure the roof to the structure.

HVAC Vent:   A pipe or vent system that exhausts heat or air conditioning from inside the building.

Ice Dam:   A ridge of ice at the eaves caused by melting snow refreezing, leading to water backup.

Insulation:   Material used to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.

Interlocking Shingles:   Shingles designed to lock together for added wind resistance.

Joist:   Horizontal framing members that support the roof deck.

Junction Box:   A container used to house and protect electrical connections on a roof.

Kick-Out Flashing:   A small piece of flashing that diverts water away from walls at roof edges.

Knee Wall:   A short wall beneath the slope of the roof, often found in attics.

Laminated Shingles:   Multi-layered shingles, also called architectural shingles, with added texture and durability.

Louver:   A vent with slats to allow air circulation while keeping out debris.

Membrane Roofing:   A continuous layer of material used in flat or low-slope roofs for waterproofing.

Modified Bitumen:   Asphalt roofing material reinforced with polymers for improved performance.

Moss:   Green plant growth that can occur on roofing surfaces in moist environments.

Nail-Pop:   A roofing nail that has backed out of the deck, causing a bump in the shingle.

Non-Vented Roof:   A roof designed without ventilation openings.

Overhang:   The portion of the roof extending beyond the wall for protection.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board):   A type of engineered wood used for roof decking.

Parapet:   A low wall along the edge of a roof, often used for safety or aesthetics.

Pitch:   The angle or slope of a roof, expressed as a ratio or degree.

Plumbing Vent:   A pipe that extends through the roof to ventilate the plumbing system.

Quoin:   Cornerstones or details used for architectural emphasis, occasionally applied to roofing edges.

Rafter:   Sloped framing members that support the roof deck.

Ridge:   The horizontal peak where two roof slopes meet.

Roof Vent:   An opening designed to allow air circulation in the attic.

Runoff:   Rainwater or melted snow that flows off the roof.

Saddle:   A small roof structure used to divert water around obstructions like chimneys.

Shingles:   Overlapping roofing materials, often made of asphalt, wood, or slate.

Skylight:   A window installed in the roof for natural light.

Soffit:   The underside of the roof overhang.

Tear-Off:   The removal of old roofing material before installing new material.

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin):   A single-ply roofing membrane used on flat roofs.

Truss:   A framework of beams supporting the roof.

Underlayment:   A protective layer between the roof deck and the shingles.

UV Degradation:   Damage caused to roofing materials by prolonged sun exposure.

Valley:   The internal angle where two sloping roof sections meet.

Ventilation:   Systems that allow airflow to prevent heat and moisture buildup.

Vapor Barrier:   A material that prevents moisture penetration.

Water Shield:   A protective underlayment that prevents water infiltration.

Weathering:   The natural wear of roofing materials over time due to the elements.

Wind Uplift:   The force of wind that can lift roofing materials from the deck.

Z-Flashing:   Metal flashing shaped like a "Z" used to cover joints or seams.

Understanding why flat roofs have become popular in modern construction (residential and commercial properties) while helping property owners understand flat roof installations.

Benefits of Flat Roofs: