Glossary
Roofing terms, in plain English
Can’t tell a valley clip from a stinkpipe? Here’s what the words in your quote mean.
- Barge Board
- A board fixed to the gable end of a roof to provide support and protect against weather damage.
- Barge Cover
- A protective metal cover made from Colorbond steel, installed over barge boards to shield them from weather damage and eliminate the need for repainting.
- Bedding
- A sand and cement mixture used to secure ridge caps or tiles onto the roof structure, providing a stable base for pointing.
- Box Gutters
- A metal rectangular gutter system installed between two roof sections or along the edge of a flat roof to collect rainwater. These gutters are recessed and often lined to prevent water leakage. More →
- Capillary Action
- The movement of water through narrow spaces, such as under a flashing, due to surface tension, which can cause leaks if not properly sealed.
- Concealed Gutter Bracket
- A hidden bracket used to secure gutters, providing a cleaner aesthetic and improved water flow.
- Downpipe Nozzle
- The opening of a downpipe that connects to the gutter, designed to channel water efficiently into the downpipe.
- Downpipe Spreader
- A fitting at the end of a downpipe that distributes water across roof tiles instead of directly onto one spot, preventing erosion or overflow.
- Dutch Gable End
- A combination of a gable roof and a hip roof, where the gable is placed on top of the hip roof, adding architectural interest and additional attic space.
- Extension Flashing
- Additional flashing material added to extend coverage and ensure proper sealing under roof tiles or around penetrations.
- External Corner Bracket
- A metal fitting used to join two sections of a gutter system at an external angle (e.g., 90 degrees). It ensures the connection is watertight and securely held in place.
- Fall Restraint Harness
- Safety equipment worn by workers to prevent falls while performing tasks at height, ensuring compliance with WHS (Work Health and Safety) regulations.
- Finial
- A decorative feature or ornament placed at the apex of a roof or gable to enhance its appearance.
- Galvanised Clip
- A metal clip coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, used to secure tiles in valleys or other roof areas.
- Gutterline
- The path along the roof edge where gutters are installed to collect and direct rainwater away from the structure.
- Internal Corner Bracket
- A metal fitting used to join two sections of a gutter system at an internal angle (e.g., 90 degrees). It ensures water flows properly around the corner and prevents leaks.
- Linear Meter (L/m)
- A measurement unit used to quantify the length of materials like bird spikes, flashing, or gutters required for installation.
- Manhole Access
- An interior access point, often through a ceiling hatch, used to enter a roof space when external ladder access is unavailable.
- Nailing Strip
- A strip of material added to support and secure installations like barge covers to timber or other surfaces.
- Pointing
- The application of a flexible mortar or compound over the bedding to seal and secure ridge caps, ensuring a watertight finish and accommodating slight roof movements. More →
- Rebedding
- The process of removing old bedding and applying fresh sand and cement mixture to resecure ridge caps before repointing. More →
- Repointing
- The process of applying fresh mortar to the joints of ridge caps or tiles to restore their seal and ensure water resistance. More →
- Ridge Cap
- A curved or angled tile placed along the ridge of a roof to seal the joint between two slopes, protecting against water entry.
- Sarking
- A reflective, waterproof membrane installed under roof tiles or metal roofing to improve insulation and prevent water ingress in case of tile failure.
- Starter Cap
- The initial ridge cap or tile at the end of a roof ridge, often used as an anchor point for subsequent caps and requiring precise bedding and pointing.
- Stink Pipe
- A vent pipe that releases sewer gases from a plumbing system. Proper flashing and sealing prevent water ingress. More →
- Stop End
- A fitting installed at the end of a gutter to prevent water from flowing out, ensuring it is directed to downpipes.
- Valley Iron
- A metal channel installed along roof valleys to guide water into the gutters; can be protected with rust-resistant paint. More →
- Valley Termination
- The point where a valley iron meets the gutter system, often requiring flashing to prevent water leakage. More →
- Wakaflex Flashing
- A flexible, lead-free roofing flashing material used to seal around roof penetrations or along roof valleys. More →
- Weepholes
- Small openings in ridge caps or flashing to allow trapped moisture or water to escape, preventing damage.