Roofing Glossary — Columbus Roof Cost

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Z

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3-Tab Shingles

A flat, single-layer asphalt shingle with cutouts forming three tabs. The lowest-cost, thinnest, shortest-warranty asphalt option.

A

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Claim payout based on replacement cost minus depreciation for the roof's age/wear — you receive less than the full replacement cost up front.

Adjuster

The insurer's representative who inspects the roof and determines claim scope and payout. A reputable roofer often meets the adjuster on site.

Allowance

A budgeted dollar figure placeholder in the contract for an item not yet selected (e.g., tile, fixtures). If your final selection costs more than the allowance, you pay the difference — scrutinize low allowances in bids.

Apprentice

A trade worker learning a craft through a structured program of paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction under journeymen, the standard path into the skilled trades.

See also: U.S. DOL — Apprenticeship.gov

Architect of Record

The licensed architect legally responsible for the design documents submitted for permit, certifying the design meets applicable codes and standards.

Architectural Shingles

Dimensional, multi-layer asphalt shingles — thicker, heavier, longer-warranted, and the current residential standard over 3-tab.

As-Built Drawings

Updated drawings that reflect the project exactly as constructed, including all field changes — invaluable for future remodels and locating concealed utilities.

See also: Wikipedia — As-Built Drawing

Asphalt Shingle

The dominant U.S. residential roof covering — a fiberglass-mat shingle coated in asphalt and mineral granules. Economical, with 3-tab and architectural grades.

Assignment of Benefits (AOB)

A document transferring the homeowner's claim rights to the contractor. Convenient but ripe for abuse — read carefully before signing.

See also: Wikipedia — Assignment (Law)

Attic Ventilation

Balanced intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge) airflow that controls attic heat and moisture, extending shingle life and preventing ice dams and mold.

B

Beam

A primary horizontal member that carries loads from joists or framing across a span to posts or walls. Opening up a floor plan usually means adding a sized beam.

See also: Wikipedia — Beam (Structure)

Beam Pocket

The recess in a wall or foundation that receives and bears the end of a beam. Cutting in new beam pockets is part of the cost when opening a load-bearing wall.

See also: Wikipedia — Beam (Structure)

Bid

A contractor's formal price proposal for a defined scope of work. Always compare multiple bids on the same written scope so you are comparing like for like, not just bottom-line numbers.

Blistering / Cupping

Shingle surface bubbling (blistering) or edge curling (cupping) from heat and poor attic ventilation — signs of aging or a ventilation problem.

Bond

A surety bond is a guarantee from a third party that the contractor will complete the work (performance bond) or pay subs and suppliers (payment bond). Bonding is a sign of contractor financial stability.

Box / Static Vent

Individual non-powered roof exhaust vents ('turtle vents') used where a continuous ridge vent isn't feasible.

Building Code

The set of minimum legal standards for safe construction adopted by your jurisdiction (in Ohio, based on the International Residential Code). Work must meet code to pass inspection and protect resale.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

A low-slope roof of alternating bitumen and felt plies topped with gravel — the traditional 'tar and gravel' flat roof.

C

Carpenter

A skilled tradesperson who constructs, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures from wood and other materials — framing, trim, cabinetry, and finish work.

Caulk

A flexible sealant used to close gaps and joints against air and water (around trim, tubs, counters). The right caulk for the location matters — kitchen/bath joints need a mildew-resistant silicone.

Cement Board

A rigid cement-based panel used as a stable, water-durable substrate for tile in wet areas — preferred over drywall behind tile in showers and on counters.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

A document issued by the building department certifying a structure complies with code and is safe to occupy. Often required after major remodels and before a property can be legally sold.

Certified Installer

A contractor credentialed by a shingle manufacturer, required to offer that maker's enhanced system warranties.

Change Order

A written, signed amendment that adds, removes, or modifies work after the contract is signed, adjusting price and schedule accordingly. Verbal changes are the leading cause of remodel disputes — get every change in writing.

Chimney Flashing

The system of base, step, and counter flashing plus a cricket that waterproofs a chimney. One of the most failure-prone roof details.

Clay / Concrete Tile

Heavy, very durable tile roofing common in warm climates; requires engineered structural support for the weight.

Closed Valley

A valley where shingles are woven or cut over the center. Common and economical but more leak-sensitive than an open metal valley.

Compliance

Meeting all applicable codes, permit conditions, and regulations for the work performed. Documented compliance is what protects you at resale and with insurers.

See also: Merriam-Webster — Compliance

Concrete

A mix of cement, aggregate, and water that cures into a hard structural material used for footings, slabs, and foundations. Curing time affects schedule on any structural work.

Condensation / Attic Moisture

Moisture-laden house air condensing on cold roof decking, causing mold and rot. A ventilation and air-sealing problem, not always a roof leak.

Contingency Budget

A reserve (typically 10–15% of project cost) set aside for hidden conditions and surprises uncovered once work begins. The line clients most want to skip and most often need.

Contract

The legally binding agreement between owner and contractor that defines scope, price, schedule, and responsibilities. A remodel should never start on a handshake — the contract is your primary protection.

Contract Documents

The full set of papers that together form the agreement — the signed contract, drawings, specifications, scope of work, allowances, and any addenda. All of it governs the job, not just the signature page.

Cool Roof

A roof with high solar reflectance and emittance that lowers roof temperature and cooling costs; rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council.

Coping

The protective cap on top of a parapet wall that sheds water off both sides. Failed coping is a major parapet leak source.

Cost-Plus vs. Fixed-Price

Two contract structures: fixed-price (lump sum, contractor bears overrun risk) versus cost-plus (owner pays actual costs plus a fee, owner bears overrun risk). Each shifts risk and pricing transparency differently.

Counter Flashing

Flashing set into a masonry joint (chimney/parapet) that laps over step or base flashing to seal the top edge.

Cover Board

A rigid board over insulation on a low-slope roof providing a durable substrate for the membrane and better impact resistance.

Crawl Space

A shallow accessible void below the floor (instead of a basement or slab) housing structure, plumbing, and ducts. Its condition affects access cost and moisture risk on remodels.

Cricket / Saddle

A small peaked structure built behind a chimney or wide penetration to divert water around it. Code-required above a chimney width threshold.

D

Debris Container / Dumpster

The roll-off container for construction waste. Placement, permits for street placement, and haul-away are real line items and logistics on any sizeable remodel.

Decking

The structural panel surface (plywood/OSB) fastened to rafters or trusses that everything else is attached to. Rotted decking is replaced before re-roofing.

Decking Replacement

Replacing deteriorated roof sheathing during a tear-off — a common change-order cost only revealed once the old roof is off.

Deductible

The amount the homeowner pays before insurance contributes. Some policies carry a separate, higher wind/hail deductible.

Demolition

The controlled removal of existing finishes and structure to prepare for new work. A clean, properly contained demo is where most hidden conditions (rot, old wiring, mold) are first uncovered.

Design-Build

A delivery method where one entity handles both design and construction under a single contract, giving the owner one point of responsibility and tighter cost/design feedback.

Designer / Luxury Shingle

Premium heavyweight asphalt shingles mimicking slate or shake, the top asphalt tier in cost and appearance.

Dormer

A roofed projection with a window through the roof slope, adding light and headroom — and several extra flashing/leak details.

Draw Schedule

The agreed timeline of payments tied to completed project milestones rather than calendar dates. A fair draw schedule keeps payments slightly behind the work completed, never ahead of it.

Drawing Set

The coordinated package of plans — floor plans, elevations, sections, and details — that defines the design and governs construction and permitting.

Drip Edge

Metal edging at eaves and rakes that directs water into the gutter and off the fascia. Code-required and a frequent omission on cheap roofs.

Drywall

Gypsum panel wall and ceiling material (also called sheetrock) that is hung, taped, mudded, and finished. Any wall opened during a remodel needs drywall repair and finish.

Dust Containment

Temporary barriers, zip walls, and negative-air setups that keep demolition and sanding dust out of occupied areas. Standard practice for live-in remodels and required where lead is present.

E

Easement

A recorded legal right for someone else (often a utility) to use part of your land. Building over an easement can force removal at your expense — check the survey before adding structures.

Eave

The lower roof edge that overhangs the wall. Ice-and-water protection, drip edge, and gutters all key off the eave.

Egress

A code-required path of exit from a space in an emergency. Bedrooms and finished basements require a compliant egress window or door of minimum size and reachable height.

Electrician

A licensed tradesperson who installs and maintains wiring, panels, circuits, and devices to code. Remodels that add circuits or move panels require a licensed electrician and inspection.

Elevation

A flat, straight-on drawing of one face of a structure or wall (e.g., a kitchen wall elevation) showing heights and vertical relationships that a plan view cannot.

EPDM Membrane

A synthetic rubber single-ply membrane (black or white) for low-slope roofs — durable and economical, seamed with tape or adhesive.

Excavation

Earth removal for foundations, footings, or utilities. Regulated for cave-in safety and requires utility locating before digging.

Exposed-Fastener Metal Roof

Metal panels screwed through the face — economical but the gaskets age and need periodic fastener service. Common on outbuildings and budget roofs.

F

Fascia

The board at the eave covering rafter tails and carrying the gutter. Rot here is usually a sign of gutter or drip-edge failure.

Felt Paper

Traditional asphalt-saturated underlayment (#15/#30). Largely superseded by synthetic underlayment, which is lighter and tear-resistant.

Field Shingles

The main shingles covering the broad roof area, as distinct from starter, hip, and ridge-cap shingles.

Finish Schedule

A table in the drawings specifying the exact finish for every surface in every room — flooring, wall, ceiling, trim — so selections are documented, not assumed.

Flashing

Thin water-resistant material installed at joints and transitions (roof-to-wall, around windows and penetrations) to direct water away and prevent leaks into the assembly.

Floor Plan

A scaled overhead view of a level showing walls, rooms, openings, and fixture locations. The primary drawing for understanding layout and flow.

Footing

The widened concrete base below a foundation wall or post that spreads the structure's load over enough soil to prevent settling. New structural posts require their own footings.

Foreman

The lead worker who directs a specific crew or trade on site, working alongside the team while ensuring the work meets plan and schedule.

Foundation

The structure (slab, crawl space, or basement) that transfers the building's load to the ground. Foundation condition underlies the feasibility and cost of major remodels.

Framing

The skeleton of wood or steel members — studs, joists, rafters, beams — that gives a structure its shape and carries its loads before finishes go on.

Furring

Thin strips fastened to a wall or ceiling to create a level, plumb nailing surface or an air gap before finish material is applied — common over masonry or uneven framing.

G

Gable

The triangular wall section under the ends of a pitched roof; a gable roof is the classic two-slope form.

Galvalume

A zinc-aluminum-coated steel substrate giving metal roofing strong corrosion resistance; a common base for residential metal panels.

General Contractor (GC)

The party responsible for the overall project — scheduling, hiring and managing subcontractors, pulling permits, and delivering the finished job. Your single point of accountability.

Grading

Shaping the ground around a structure so water drains away from the foundation. Poor grading is a leading cause of basement and crawl-space water problems.

Granule Loss

Shedding of protective surface granules from age, hail, or foot traffic, exposing asphalt to UV and accelerating failure.

Granules

The mineral coating on asphalt shingles that protects the asphalt from UV and adds color. Granule loss is a key wear and hail-damage indicator.

Grout

The material that fills and seals joints between tiles. Sanded, unsanded, and epoxy grouts differ in durability and stain resistance — epoxy is the premium choice in wet, high-use areas.

H

Hail Damage

Impact bruising and granule loss that shortens shingle life. The defining peril behind most roof insurance claims; assessed by a trained inspector or adjuster.

Hard Costs

The tangible construction costs — labor, materials, equipment — as opposed to soft costs like design fees, permits, and financing. Hard costs are the bulk of a remodel budget.

Hazard

A condition or activity with potential to cause harm — electrical, structural, dust, fall, or material (lead, asbestos). Identifying hazards before demo drives containment and cost.

Header

A horizontal structural member spanning the top of an opening (door, window, cased opening) that transfers the load above around the opening to the supports on each side.

Hip

The external angle where two sloping roof planes meet, running from ridge to eave. Hip roofs shed wind well but use more material.

Hip & Ridge Cap

Specialized shingles that wrap and seal the roof's hips and ridges. Upgraded caps improve wind rating and appearance.

I

Ice & Water Shield

A self-adhered waterproof membrane at eaves, valleys, and penetrations that blocks ice-dam and wind-driven-rain leaks. Code-required at eaves in cold climates.

Ice Dam

A ridge of ice at the eave from attic heat melting and refreezing snow, forcing water back under shingles. Fixed by air-sealing, insulation, ventilation, and ice-and-water membrane.

Impact-Rated Shingle

A Class 4 (UL 2218) hail-resistant shingle that may earn an insurance premium discount in hail-prone regions.

Inspection

A code official's review of work at defined stages (rough-in, framing, final) to verify compliance before the next phase can proceed. Failed inspections stop the job until corrected.

Insulation

Material that resists heat flow, rated by R-value, installed in walls, ceilings, and floors. Opened walls are the opportunity to upgrade insulation while it is accessible.

Insulation Baffle

A chute at the eave keeping insulation from blocking soffit-vent airflow into the attic.

J

Joist

One of the repetitive horizontal members that support a floor or ceiling, spanning between beams or walls. Joist size, spacing, and direction govern what you can cut or load.

K

Knee Wall

A short wall, typically under a sloped roof or supporting a counter or railing, that is less than full ceiling height.

L

Lien

A legal claim against your property for unpaid work or materials. A mechanic's lien filed by an unpaid subcontractor can cloud your title even if you already paid the general contractor.

Lien Waiver

A signed document in which a contractor or supplier gives up the right to file a lien for a given payment. Collect lien waivers with each payment to protect against double-payment claims.

Liquidated Damages

A pre-agreed dollar amount the contractor owes the owner for each day a project runs past the contracted completion date. Must be a reasonable estimate of actual loss, not a penalty.

Load-Bearing Wall

A wall that carries weight from the structure above down to the foundation. Removing or opening one requires an engineered beam and posts — never assume a wall is non-bearing.

See also: Wikipedia — Load-Bearing Wall

Low-Slope vs. Steep-Slope

The dividing line (about 3:12) that determines whether shingles can be used or a membrane system is required.

M

Manufacturer Warranty

Coverage on the shingles/system from the maker. Enhanced/system warranties require all-matched components and certified-installer registration.

Modified Bitumen

A rolled, polymer-modified asphalt membrane for low-slope roofs, torch- or self-adhered. A common residential flat-roof system.

Mortar

A cement-based paste used to bond masonry or, as thinset, to adhere tile to a substrate. Different mixes are rated for different applications and exposures.

See also: Wikipedia — Mortar (Masonry)

N

Nail Pop

A fastener backing out and tenting or puncturing a shingle, creating a leak. Common from improper nailing or deck movement.

O

Ohio Matching Law

Ohio guidance that insurers reasonably match repaired/replaced materials so a roof isn't left visibly mismatched after a partial claim.

Open Valley

A valley finished with exposed metal flashing down the center — durable and fast-draining, a premium detail.

See also: Wikipedia — Flashing (Valley)

OSB

Oriented strand board — an engineered panel of compressed wood strands and resin, commonly used for sheathing and subfloor. Cheaper than plywood but less moisture-tolerant.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration — the federal agency setting and enforcing job-site safety standards. A contractor's safety record is a meaningful screening signal.

Overlay / Re-Cover

Installing new shingles over one existing layer. Cheaper and faster but hides deck problems, voids some warranties, and code limits it to two total layers.

P

Parapet

A low wall extending above a (usually flat) roofline. Its cap and counter-flashing are common low-slope leak points.

Partition

A non-load-bearing interior wall that divides space but carries no structural load above it. Generally simpler and cheaper to move than a bearing wall.

Penetration

Any object passing through the roof (vent, pipe, skylight, chimney). Every penetration is a deliberate hole that must be flashed to stay watertight.

Permit

Official jurisdiction authorization to perform regulated work, triggering required inspections. Unpermitted remodels can force teardown, block sale, and void insurance — always confirm permits are pulled.

Pipe Boot

The flexible flashing collar sealing a plumbing vent pipe. The rubber gasket is a top failure point — cracked boots are a very common leak source.

Plumber

A licensed tradesperson who installs and repairs water supply, drain-waste-vent, and gas piping to code. Relocating fixtures or running new lines is licensed, inspected work.

Plywood

An engineered panel of thin wood veneers glued in cross-grain layers for strength and stability. Preferred over OSB for cabinet boxes and where moisture exposure is a concern.

Ponding Water

Standing water on a low-slope roof 48+ hours after rain. Accelerates membrane failure and adds structural load; corrected with slope or drainage.

Power / Solar Attic Fan

A motorized attic exhaust fan. Useful where passive venting is inadequate, but can backdraft or pull conditioned air if intake is insufficient.

Primer

A preparatory coating that seals the surface and helps the finish coat adhere and cover evenly. Skipping primer over new drywall or stains causes finish failures.

Project Manager (PM)

The person who plans, coordinates, and oversees the project day to day — schedule, budget, subs, and communication with the owner. On smaller jobs the GC and PM may be the same person.

Public Adjuster

A licensed adjuster the homeowner hires (for a fee) to represent their interests in a claim, independent of the insurer.

Punch List

The final list of incomplete or deficient items the contractor must correct before the job is considered done and final payment is released. Walk the project and build this list together.

PVC Membrane

A single-ply thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams and strong chemical/grease resistance, used on low-slope roofs.

R

Rake

The sloped edge of a gable roof from eave to ridge. Rake edge gets drip edge and is a wind-uplift starting point.

Recoverable Depreciation

The depreciation amount the insurer withholds initially and pays once the roof is replaced and documented under an RCV policy.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Coverage paying the full cost to replace the roof without depreciation, typically releasing recoverable depreciation after work is completed.

Retainage

A percentage of each payment (often 5–10%) the owner withholds until the project is satisfactorily completed, providing leverage to ensure the job is finished and punch-listed.

RFI (Request for Information)

A formal written question from the builder to the designer or owner to clarify drawings or specs before proceeding. RFIs create a paper trail that prevents costly assumptions.

Ridge

The horizontal top line where two roof planes meet — the highest point and a key ventilation location (ridge vent).

Ridge Vent

A continuous exhaust vent along the ridge that lets hot, moist attic air escape. The preferred exhaust in a balanced system.

Roof Drain / Scupper

Low-slope roof drainage — an internal drain or an edge scupper. Undersized or clogged drainage causes ponding and structural overload.

Roof Estimate / Measurement Report

Aerial or measured takeoff (squares, pitch, features) used to price a roof accurately and order the right material and waste.

Roof Inspection

A professional condition assessment estimating remaining life and finding damage — recommended before buying a home, filing a claim, or budgeting replacement.

Roof Jack / Vent Flashing

Metal flashing around roof penetrations (vents, exhausts) integrating them into the shingle water-shedding plane.

Roof Leak Tracing

Diagnosing the entry point, which is usually uphill of the interior stain — most leaks originate at flashings and penetrations, not the field.

Roof Life Expectancy

Typical service life by material — ~15–30 yr architectural asphalt, 40–70 yr metal, 75–150 yr slate — driven heavily by ventilation and install quality.

Roof Maintenance Plan

Scheduled inspections and minor repairs (sealant, boots, debris, gutters) that materially extend roof life and preserve warranty coverage.

Roof Pitch / Slope

The steepness of the roof, expressed as rise-over-run (e.g., 6:12). Pitch drives material choice, labor, safety, and material quantity (the 'square' count).

Roofing Nails / Fastening

Correct nail type, length, count, and placement (in the nail line) per the shingle spec — the difference between a code/wind-rated roof and a blow-off.

Roofing Permit

The jurisdiction permit for a re-roof, triggering inspection of decking, ice-and-water, and layer count. Unpermitted roofs can complicate resale and claims.

Rough Opening

The framed gap left in a wall to receive a window, door, or unit, sized slightly larger than the product to allow shimming and squaring during installation.

Rough-In

The stage where plumbing, electrical, and HVAC lines are run inside open walls and floors before insulation and drywall. Rough-in must pass inspection before walls are closed.

S

Scaffold

A temporary elevated work platform system. Proper scaffolding is a regulated safety item on multi-story exterior and high-ceiling interior work.

Scope of Work

The detailed written description of exactly what the contractor will and will not do on the project. The single most important document for preventing misunderstandings and 'I thought that was included' arguments.

Sealant

A material applied to a surface or joint to block the passage of water, air, or stains. Stone counters, grout, and exterior penetrations are commonly sealed.

Section (Drawing)

A drawing showing the structure as if sliced vertically, revealing how floors, walls, and roof assemble and stack — used to communicate construction detail.

Setback

The minimum required distance between a structure and the property line, street, or other features. Setbacks constrain where additions, decks, and detached structures can be placed.

Sheathing

The structural panel layer (plywood or OSB) attached to studs or rafters that braces the frame and provides a base for siding, roofing, or finishes.

Skylight Flashing

The manufacturer-specific flashing kit sealing a skylight to the roof. Reusing old or generic flashing on a new skylight is a frequent leak cause.

Slab

A poured concrete floor or foundation surface. Moving plumbing in a slab-on-grade home means saw-cutting and patching concrete — a significant cost driver.

Slate Roof

Natural stone roofing lasting a century-plus — the most durable and costly residential roof, requiring reinforced structure and specialist labor.

Soffit

The finished underside of the roof overhang that houses intake ventilation and closes the eave.

Soffit Vent

Intake vents in the eave soffit feeding the ventilation path. Blocked soffit vents (often by insulation) defeat the whole system.

Square

The roofing unit of area = 100 sq ft. Roofs are estimated and priced by the square, plus a waste factor.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

A metal roof of vertical panels joined by raised, concealed-fastener seams. Long-lived and low-maintenance; a premium system.

Starter Strip

The first adhesive course at the eave/rake that seals and anchors the first shingles against wind uplift.

Step Flashing

Overlapping L-shaped metal pieces woven into shingle courses where a roof meets a sidewall. Missing/reused step flashing is a leading wall-leak cause.

Stop-Work Order

An official order halting construction, usually for working without a permit or a code/safety violation. Work cannot resume until the issue is resolved and the order is lifted.

Storm Chaser

An out-of-area contractor soliciting door-to-door after storms. The reason to vet licensing, local references, and warranty backing before signing.

Stud

A vertical framing member in a wall (typically 2x4 or 2x6) spaced 16 or 24 inches on center, forming the structure to which sheathing and drywall attach.

Subcontractor

A specialized trade (electrician, plumber, tile setter) hired by the general contractor to perform a portion of the work. You contract with the GC, not the subs.

Subfloor

The structural sheet material (plywood or OSB) fastened over floor joists that everything else — underlayment and finish flooring — is built on. Squeaks and unevenness usually start here.

Submittal

Product data, samples, or shop drawings the contractor submits for approval before ordering or installing, confirming what will actually be used matches the specification.

Superintendent

The on-site supervisor who runs the field operation — directing crews, sequencing trades, and enforcing safety and quality at the job site.

Supplement (Claim)

An adjustment requesting additional payment for damage or code items discovered after the original estimate (e.g., rotten decking found at tear-off).

Synthetic / Composite Shingle

Polymer shingles imitating slate or shake at lighter weight and lower cost than the natural materials, with strong impact ratings.

Synthetic Underlayment

A woven polymer underlayment — lighter, stronger, and more slip- and tear-resistant than felt; the modern standard.

T

Takeoff

The process of measuring quantities of materials and labor from the drawings to build an estimate. Accurate takeoffs are the foundation of an accurate bid.

Tapered Insulation

Insulation cut to build slope on a flat roof so water drains to the drains/scuppers instead of ponding.

Tear-Off

Complete removal of the old roof to the deck before re-roofing — allows deck inspection and a proper new system. The recommended approach over overlay.

TPO Membrane

A single-ply thermoplastic membrane for low-slope roofs — heat-welded seams, reflective white surface, widely used today.

U

Underlayment (Roof)

The water-resistant layer between deck and shingles — felt or synthetic — that backstops the roof covering.

V

Valley

The internal angle where two roof planes meet, channeling heavy water flow. A leak-prone area requiring careful flashing (open or closed valley).

Value Engineering

Reviewing the design to find lower-cost ways to achieve the same function and quality — substituting materials or methods to bring a project back within budget without gutting its goals.

See also: Wikipedia — Value Engineering

Vapor Barrier

A material that limits moisture diffusion through an assembly to control condensation. Correct placement is climate-dependent — wrong-side vapor barriers trap moisture and cause rot.

Variance

Official permission to deviate from a zoning requirement (e.g., to build closer to a property line than the setback allows). Requires application and usually a hearing.

Veneer

A thin layer of a finish material bonded to a cheaper substrate — wood veneer on cabinet panels, stone or brick veneer on walls — delivering the look without the solid-material cost.

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Gases emitted by some paints, finishes, and adhesives that affect indoor air quality. Low- and zero-VOC products are widely available and recommended for occupied remodels.

W

Wind Damage

Lifted, creased, or torn-off shingles from high wind. Coverage hinges on the roof's wind rating and proper installation.

Wind Rating

The wind speed a shingle is tested to resist (e.g., 110/130 mph), dependent on shingle grade and correct nailing/starter detailing.

Wood Shake / Shingle Roof

Split (shake) or sawn (shingle) cedar roofing — a natural look with high maintenance and fire-rating considerations.

Workmanship Warranty

The roofer's own guarantee on installation labor (separate from the material warranty). Length and the contractor's longevity to honor it matter most.

Z

Zoning

Local laws governing how land may be used and what can be built where, including size, height, and setback limits. Additions and footprint changes often require zoning review.