Roofing Glossary of Terms





Roof Vent Pipe Field of Roof System Ridge Flashing Hip Soffit Gable Rake Drip Edge Valley Gutters Underlayment Eave Vent
Cross VentilationThe effect of air moving through a roof cavity between vents.
Edge VentingThe installation of vent material along a roof edge (e.g., Starter Vent) as part of a ventilation system. Edge vent material should be used in conjunction with other venting material (e.g., ridge vent) as it not intended for use by itself.
Exhaust VentA device used to vent air from the roof cavity with vents that are installed on or near the higher portions of the roof such as the ridge.
Intake VentilationThe part of a ventilation system used to draw fresh air in. Usually vents installed in the soffit or along the eaves of a building.
Moisture Relief VentA vent installed through the roofing membrane to relieve moisture vapor pressure that has been trapped within the roofing system.
Net Free Vent AreaThe area permitting unrestricted air flow.
Ridge VentAn exhaust venting device located at the ridge of a roof that works in conjunction with a starter or under eave soffit vent and is used to ventilate attics. Ridge vents and their cooperative starter or soffit vents should be installed at a 1:1 ratio in order to function properly.
Soffit VentAn intake ventilation device located in the soffit. An exhaust vent should be installed on or near the ridge of the roof to work in conjunction with the soffit vent in order to properly ventilate the attic space. The ratio of intake vent area to exhaust vent area should be 1:1.
Solvent(1) A liquid capable of dissolving other substances such as bitumen. <BR><BR>(2) A liquid that is part of a substance and is used to make that substance easier to work with. Once applied, the solvent evaporates and leaves the working characteristics of the substance. Examples are solvent-based adhesives and solvent-based mastics.
Solvent WeldTo weld materials using a liquid solvent.
VentAn opening or device used to permit air or vapors to exit an enclosed structure.
Vent PipeA vertical pipe of relatively small dimensions which protrudes through a roof to provide for the ventilation of gasses.
Ventilation Short CircuitThe disruption of air flow in an intake-exhaust ventilation system. For instance, if vents such as turbine vents or gable vents are placed in between the intake vents and exhaust vents (such as soffit and ridge vents) then the draw created by the Stack Effect will be disrupted and the ventilation system will be much less effective.
VentilatorA device that circulates fresh air and expels stale air.




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