If you’re planning a roof repair, replacement, or just trying to understand what your contractor is talking about, the roofing world can feel like a second language. We’ve written this straightforward, no-nonsense guide so homeowners in Indianapolis and the surrounding communities can make smarter decisions, ask better questions, and avoid costly misunderstandings.
We’ll explain each term, why it matters, and what we watch for on every job. If you ever want us to walk your roof and explain these in person, we’ll come out for a free inspection that’s how we do business in Indy.
Why learning these terms helps you
Knowing the basics helps you read an estimate without being confused. Compare materials and warranties. Spot red flags during an inspection. It helps you make confident decisions when insurance or storm damage is involved.
Now let’s get to the terms.
Roofing Materials
1. Asphalt Shingles
The most common choice for Indiana homes affordable, dependable, and available in lots of colors and styles. Many local roofers (including us) install GAF or comparable architectural shingles for the best mix of warranty and performance. Asphalt remains the go-to for most residential roofs in our area.
2. Metal Roofing
Panels or metal shingles that last longer than most asphalt roofs. Great for durability and wind resistance, but costs and installation techniques differ from shingle roofs.
3. Wood Shake / Cedar Shake
Natural, rustic roofing typically used for historic or specialty homes. Requires careful maintenance and is less common in new typical Indy installs.
4. Flat Roofing Membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC)
Found on commercial buildings and some modern homes each membrane material has its pros and cons for durability, seams, and heat reflection.
Roof shapes & basic structure
5. Gable / Hip / Valley
These are roof shapes and intersections. A gable is the classic triangle; a hip slopes on all sides; a valley is where two slopes meet and create a channel for water.
6. Ridge
The highest horizontal line of a roof where two slopes meet ridge caps are special pieces that cover and protect that area.
7. Truss / Rafters / Sheathing (Decking)
The bones of the roof: trusses and rafters are the framing members; sheathing (decking) is the plywood or OSB board fastened on top of that frame and serves as the base for underlayment and shingles. Proper sheathing and truss work are critical if they’re compromised, a new roof can’t perform.
Weatherproofing & underlayers
8. Underlayment
The layer installed over decking and under the shingles. It’s a secondary barrier against water and wind-driven rain think of it as insurance beneath your shingles. High-quality synthetic underlayments last longer and handle Indy’s freeze/thaw cycles better than traditional felt.
9. Ice & Water Shield
A self-adhesive waterproof membrane installed at valleys, eaves, and around roof penetrations. In cold climates, ice & water shield prevents damage from ice dams and concentrated water. We recommend it in vulnerable locations on every local roof.
10. Flashing
Thin metal pieces (often aluminum or galvanized steel) installed at roof intersections, chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights to keep water from getting under roofing materials. Flashing detail and installation quality are frequent causes of leaks when done incorrectly. Always check flashing when inspecting a roof.
11. Drip Edge
Metal strips installed on the eaves and rakes that direct water into the gutter and protect the roof edge from water damage. It’s a small part but skipping it can shorten the life of the fascia and soffit.
Ventilation, insulation & attic health (why your roof breathes)
12. Ridge Vent / Soffit Vent / Ventilation
A balanced ventilation system pulls cool air in low (soffit) and pushes warm, moist air out high (ridge vent). Proper ventilation helps prevent ice dams, reduces attic heat in summer, and extends shingle life. We check attic ventilation and insulation on every inspection because ventilation is often the root cause of many “roof problems.”
13. Attic Insulation
Not a roof component per se, but critical for roof performance. Proper insulation reduces energy bills and protects against condensation that can rot decking.
Measurements and math
14. Square (in roofing)
A roofing “square” equals 100 square feet of roof area. Contractors use squares when calculating material and labor. If your roofer says, “your roof is 25 squares,” that means 2,500 square feet. Knowing what a square means helps you read estimates and compare bids accurately.
15. Pitch (or Slope)
Roof pitch is the ratio of rise over run (for example, 4/12 to 4 inches of rise for each 12 inches of run). Pitch affects material choice, safety requirements, and labor costs.
16. Gauge (for metal roofs)
A measurement of metal thickness the lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal. Thicker gauges are stronger but heavier and might cost more.
Installation & repair terms
17. Tear-off vs. Overlay
Tear-off: removing the old roof down to decking before installing new material. Overlay: installing new shingles over one layer of existing shingles. Tear-offs are often better long-term overlays hide hidden damage and shorten the lifespan of the new roof but overlays can be cheaper short term.
18. Starter Strip / Ridge Cap / Hip Cap
Special shingles and underlayment pieces that begin the shingle rows at eaves (starter) and finish the ridge or hips. These details protect edges and keep wind from lifting shingles.
19. Fasteners & Nailing Pattern
The type, length, and placement of nails matters. Proper nailing pattern per the manufacturer ensures wind resistance and warranty compliance. Bad nailing is an easy spot for problems later.
20. Warranty vs. Labor Warranty
Material warranty (from the shingle maker) protects against manufacturing defects; labor warranty (from the contractor) covers installation issues. Materials and labor warranties are separate always get both in writing and understand the time frames and what voids them.
How these terms matter in the real world
When we inspect roofs in Marion County, we frequently see poor attic ventilation and incomplete flashing details causing recurring leaks. That’s why we emphasize ventilation checks and flashings in our inspection reports.
During hail season, customers ask about “impact resistant” shingles and whether their insurance will cover a replacement. Knowing the difference between an impact rating and a manufacturer’s warranty helps homeowners set expectations and avoid surprise out-of-pocket expenses.
A quick homeowners checklist
- Are you licensed and insured? (we always are check proof).
- Will you do a tear-off or overlay? Which do you recommend and why?
- What underlayment and ice & water protection will you install? (ask for brand/type).
- How will you handle flashing around chimneys and skylights? (ask to see photos of prior work).
- What warranties do you provide materials and labor? Get everything in writing.
- What ventilation and insulation recommendations do you have for my attic? (proper ventilation saves money and prevents damage).
Answers to common questions
My insurance says, “we’ll pay for a new roof.” Should I accept the first check?
Not until you verify the estimate covers code upgrades, proper underlayment, flashing, and ventilation. We’ll help review insurance estimates and document any damage thoroughly so you’re not left paying for upgrades that your insurer should cover.
Does my roof need ridge vents?
If your attic lacks proper intake and exhaust, ridge vents are a smart, low-profile way to improve airflow and prolong shingle life. We inspect and recommend solutions tailored to your attic.
How often should I inspect my roof?
Annually, and after any major storm. Regular inspections catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems.
Final thoughts and how to use this guide
Keep this article bookmarked as your quick reference. When you get a quote, read it line by line and match the terms above to what the contract says. If you see missing items like no ice & water shield at vulnerable areas, no mention of flashing replacement, or no ventilation plan ask questions. A good roofer will explain and show you photos from their previous jobs.
If you live in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, or any surrounding community and want a friendly, professional inspection, we’ll be there. We’ll explain each term in plain English on your roof, show you what’s working and what’s not, and give you a no-pressure estimate. That’s how Stay Dry Roofing helps homeowners protect their biggest investment.