5 min read
This glossary covers the terms you’re most likely to see or hear on a roofing quote. The terms are broken down by what you need to know when making a decision and then other helpful terms for context.
GAF Timberline HDZ / ULTRA HDZ — The brand and model of shingle being installed. HDZ is the standard; ULTRA HDZ is the Class 4 hail-rated upgrade.
Class 4 Hail Rated — The highest impact resistance rating for shingles. May qualify you for a homeowner’s insurance discount — worth asking your insurer about.
Architectural / Laminated Shingles — The style of shingle used today. Two layers bonded together for a dimensional look and added durability over older 3-tab shingles.
Starter Strip (Pro Start) — The first row of shingles installed at the edge of the roof. GAF Pro Start is Campo’s standard starter strip. Prevents wind from lifting the first course.
Cap Shingles / Ridge Cap — Shingles that cover the peak of your roof (the ridge). Come in two versions — see Seal-A-Ridge and Timbertex below.
Seal-A-Ridge — GAF’s standard hip and ridge cap shingle. Installed at the peak and hips of your roof for a clean, finished look and a watertight seal where two slopes meet.
Timbertex (Premium Ridge Cap) — GAF’s premium ridge cap shingle and an upgrade over Seal-A-Ridge. Thicker profile with a more architectural, finished appearance. Included in the Ultra package.
Ice and Water Shield (StormGuard) — A waterproof membrane applied under shingles at vulnerable areas — eaves, valleys, and walls. Critical in NE Ohio winters for preventing leaks from ice dams.
Ice Dam — When snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the cold eave edge, forcing water back up under shingles. Ice and water shield is your primary defense.
FeltBuster Synthetic Underlayment — GAF’s standard synthetic underlayment. A protective layer installed over the roof deck under shingles. Stronger and more water-resistant than traditional felt paper.
Tiger Paw Premium Deck Protection (Ultra Upgrade) — GAF’s upgraded synthetic underlayment, included in the Ultra package. Heavier and more durable than FeltBuster, with better tear resistance and walkability for the crew during installation.
Drip Edge — A metal strip installed at roof edges that directs water into the gutters and protects the fascia board underneath from rot.
Flashing — Metal pieces that seal the joints where your roof meets walls, chimneys, and other penetrations. The most common source of leaks when they fail or are improperly installed.
Step Flashing — Individual metal pieces installed where the roof meets a sidewall, such as at a dormer. Installed one piece per shingle course.
Apron / Counter Flashing — Flashing at the front of a chimney. Counter flashing overlaps the base (apron) flashing to create a waterproof seal.
Kickout Diverter — A small but critical piece installed at the bottom of a sidewall where the roof ends. Directs water into the gutter rather than behind the siding, preventing hidden wall damage.
Valley — Where two roof planes meet and form a channel. A high-volume water runoff area. Campo installs either an aluminum open valley or a closed-cut shingle valley depending on the roof design.
Open Valley vs. Closed-Cut Valley — Open valley uses a metal channel running down the center — visible and very durable. Closed-cut valley covers the metal with shingles on one side for a cleaner look. Both are effective when properly installed.
Roof Deck / Decking — The wood surface (usually plywood or OSB) that all roofing materials are nailed to. Inspected during tear-off and replaced if soft, rotted, or damaged.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) — A common decking material made from compressed wood chips and glue. Used as an alternative to plywood. Solid and cost-effective when kept dry.
Tear-Off — Removing the existing roof down to the bare deck before installing new materials. Required for a proper installation and to inspect the deck underneath.
Sheathing Re-nail — If the deck boards have pulled away from the rafters over time, they are re-nailed before new roofing goes on. Ensures a solid nailing surface.
Crickets — A small peaked structure installed behind a chimney or large roof projection to divert water around it. Prevents pooling and leaks at the back of chimneys — especially important on wider chimneys.
Soffit — The underside of your roof overhang. Vented soffit allows fresh air into the attic, which is essential for preventing ice dams and moisture buildup.
Fascia — The vertical board at the roof edge that the gutters attach to. Campo wraps it in aluminum coil for a clean, low-maintenance finish that won’t rot or need painting.
Seamless Gutters — Gutters fabricated in one continuous piece on-site, reducing the number of joints where leaks can develop. Campo installs 5” aluminum seamless gutters.
Gutter Covers (AluRex) — Continuous hanging covers that keep debris out while allowing water in. An optional upgrade that reduces gutter cleaning and prevents clogs.
Roof Louvers / Box Vents — Rectangular rooftop vents that allow hot air to escape from the attic. Work alongside soffit vents to keep attic temperature regulated and extend shingle life.
Equipter (“No Mess” Dumpster) — A self-propelled debris container that positions directly alongside your roofline to catch old shingles and materials as they come off. Keeps your yard, driveway, and landscaping clean during tear-off. Campo includes this on every job.
GAF Golden Pledge — GAF’s strongest warranty. Covers both materials (50-year non-prorated) and workmanship (25 years). Only available through certified contractors like Campo.
WindProven™ — GAF’s unlimited wind speed warranty. No cap on wind speed covered for the life of the roof, when installed with qualifying GAF products.
StainGuard Plus™ — GAF’s algae resistance warranty. Prevents the dark streaking that is common on NE Ohio roofs due to humidity and tree cover.
Campo 5-Year Workmanship Warranty — Campo’s own labor warranty covering all installed siding, soffit, trim, shutters, and gutters.
Helpful background context. These won’t change your decisions but help you understand what’s happening on your roof.
Square (SQ) — A roofing unit of measurement. One square = 100 square feet of roof surface. Used to calculate material quantities and price estimates.
Eave — The horizontal lower edge of the roof that overhangs the wall. Where ice dams typically form in winter.
Rake Edge — The sloped diagonal edge of a gable-style roof. Drip edge and starter strip are installed here as well as at the eaves.
Ridge — The peak of the roof where two slopes meet. Covered by cap shingles and a continuous ridge vent.
Ridge Vent (Snow Country) — A continuous vent running the full length of the ridge that allows hot attic air to escape. Works with soffit vents to regulate attic temperature year-round.
Hip Roof — A roof with four sloping sides that all slope down to the walls. More wind-resistant than a gable roof and common in NE Ohio.
Gable Roof — The classic triangular roof shape with two sloping sides and a vertical wall (gable) at each end.
Dormer — A window or structure that projects outward from a sloped roof, adding light and space inside while creating additional flashing points that need to be sealed.
Exposure — The portion of a shingle visible after installation. Affects the finished look of the roof.
Algae / Roof Staining — Dark streaks on shingles caused by algae growth. Very common in NE Ohio due to humidity. StainGuard Plus shingles resist this with copper-infused granules.
Blow-Off — When wind lifts and removes shingles. Prevented by proper nailing, hand-sealing in high-wind areas, and using a wind-rated shingle like GAF Timberline HDZ.
Buckling / Cupping — When shingles ripple or curl after installation. Usually caused by moisture in the deck, improper installation, or being layered over an existing roof rather than torn off.
Housewrap — A breathable membrane installed over wall sheathing before siding goes on. Keeps bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor to escape, protecting the wall structure.
Fan Fold — Thin foam insulation sometimes installed under new siding for added insulation value and to create a smooth, flat surface for the new siding to lay against.
Penetration Blocking — Foam or caulk installed around pipes, wires, meters, and other items that pass through the siding. Seals the wall against air and water infiltration.
Telegraphing — When shingles installed over an uneven surface show the bumps or ridges underneath. A key reason Campo performs a full tear-off rather than layering new shingles over old.
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