Roofing and Siding Materials Key Terms

Learn key terms used in the roofing and siding industry

By Sherry Grant

The roofing and siding business is a large and lucrative industry. There are many choices when choosing a roof or siding for a home or a business. A homeowner or corporation needs to have researched information when making choices regarding new roofing or siding. Quality roofing and siding can last for many years with little to no maintenance required by the owner. Review the key terms below to understand some of the basic siding and roofing materials used in the industry.

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is made from exterior grade PVC. It is used for surfacing the outside walls of a frame building. Vinyl siding never needs repainting and it does not peel or rot like wood. Other types of siding include brick, cedar, clapboard, wood, steel, stone and stucco.
Try: This Old House gives you tips on how to correctly judge vinyl siding. Hometime Video Publishing reviews vinyl siding basics such as choosing, preparing, cutting and nailing vinyl siding.

Shingles

Shingles are a roofing material made from wood, asphalt or slate. Tiles of the shingle are laid on the roof in an overlapping pattern to provide water protection. Shingles are ideal for a pitched roof due to the moisture protective tiles.
Try: Roof Genius gives an overview of shingles and the many types of tiles used in the roofing industry. Composition, clay, slate, metal, concrete and wood shingles are covered. Demesne outlines the advantages and disadvantages of different types of roof and house styles.

Roof fasteners

A roof fastener simply fastens a roofing part or element to the roof deck. The type of roof deck delegates the type of fastener used. Types of roofing fasteners include pancake head screws, hand-drive nails, shake/shingle nails and wood or metal studs.
Try: Swan Secure offers a guide to a wide band of staples, nails and screws for fastening roofing materials of all types. Buildings discusses the need for fasteners, how they work and improvements in roof fasteners.

Trigger clips

Trigger clips help install fiber cement siding in a more cost effective manner. The trigger clip aids the worker in hanging cement siding hands free. The time that is saved enables one individual to work as two. The job is finished more quickly and money is saved.
Try: BTC Industries explains the function and benefits of the trigger clip. Click on frequently asked questions for more information on the trigger clip.

Membrane roofing

Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system designed to decrease the pooling of water and leaks affiliated with traditional roofing materials. It is frequently used on roofs that are flat or sloped. Modified bitumen, thermoplastic membrane and thermoset membrane are the three main membrane roofing systems.
Try: WiseGEEK explains membrane roofing and how it works. Ask The Builder by Tim Carter communicates the advantages, materials and inspection of membrane roofing for flat roofs.

Asbestos siding

Asbestos siding is siding made of asbestos which is made from six separate fibrous materials. Asbestos was used in the past for its heat retardant properties. It was mainly placed around water pipes, heat ducts and roofing shingles. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been found to be hazardous and has been proven to cause cancer, disabilities and heart and lung damage.
Try: How To Do Things explains how to remove asbestos siding yourself (if your state allows it) or by a certified professional. Environmental Health & Safety Online outlines steps to take if asbestos siding and/or roofing is found on or in your home. Regulation, repairs and removal are covered in detail.