Speak roofing 101 - Glossary of roofing terms
Roofing Terminology Glossary
So, you’ve decided to tackle a roofing project. You’ve called a few contractors, and suddenly you’re being hit with a barrage of words like "Klip-Lok," "Flashings," and "Battening." It can feel like they’re speaking a different language.
To help you stay in the driver's seat during your "Tile Off, Metal On" transition, we’ve put together the ultimate homeowner’s glossary. Here is the lingo you need to talk like a pro.
The Big Picture: Roof Types & Shapes
Understanding the skeleton of your roof helps you describe where problems are or what look you want to achieve.
Pitched Roof: Any roof that has a slope (angle) to it.
Skillion Roof: (also known as a shed roof, lean-to, or mono-pitch roof) is a roof that consists of a single, flat, sloping surface. A skillion roof is essentially one plane tilted at an angle.
Hip Roof: A roof where all four sides slope downwards toward the walls. It’s sturdy and great for high-wind areas.
Gable: The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. Think of the classic "A-frame" house shape.
Dutch Gable: A hybrid design. It’s a hip roof with a small gable at the very top. It adds character and allows for better attic ventilation.
Re-roof: The process of removing the old roofing material and installing a brand-new system.
Tile Off, Metal On: A specific type of re-roofing where heavy concrete or terracotta tiles are replaced with lightweight steel sheets.
The Materials: Choosing Your "Skin"
In the world of metal roofing, Colorbond is the gold standard, it’s pre-painted, durable steel designed for harsh climates. But the profile (the shape of the sheets) matters too:
Corrugated Iron: The classic "S" wave profile. It’s timeless, versatile, and fits almost any home style.
Trimdek: A modern profile with bold, trapezoidal ribs. It is excellent for shedding water on roofs with a slight slope.
Spandek: Similar to Trimdek but with a more industrial, square-wave look. It’s incredibly strong and can span longer distances without support.
Klip-Lok: A "concealed fix" system. There are no visible screws because the sheets "clip" together. This is the ultimate choice for very flat roofs to prevent leaks.
Under the Hood: Structure & Comfort
Battening: The timber or steel strips that run horizontally across your rafters. The metal roof sheets are screwed directly into these.
Roof Insulation: Material (usually a "blanket") installed under the metal to regulate temperature and dampen the sound of rain.
Skylights (Velux): Specialized windows installed into the roof to bring in natural light. Velux is a leading brand known for its leak-proof "flashing" kits.
The "Joinery": Ridges, Valleys, and Flashings
These are the most critical components because they keep the water out of the junctions.