Roof Estimate / Measurement Report

Roofing terms · plain-language definition, with its source

Roofing terms · definition

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

Source: Wikipedia — Aerial Measurement/Survey

  • Square

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

  • Takeoff

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

  • Roof Inspection

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

  • Roof Drain / Scupper

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

  • Roof Jack / Vent Flashing

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

  • Ridge Vent

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

  • Roof Leak Tracing

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

  • Ridge

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

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