The Roofing Compendium A-Z

A - Abutment

An Abutment is the junction where a roof slope meets a vertical wall or chimney stack. Proper waterproofing at an abutment requires professional leadwork to withstand the coastal weather in Torbay.

B - Batten

Battens are the horizontal timber strips fixed to the rafters that provide the fixing point for your slates or tiles. Raven Roofing uses pressure-treated timber to ensure structural longevity.

C - Course

A Course is a single horizontal row of tiles or slates. Traditional "double-lap" slating involves overlapping courses to ensure a watertight seal on South Devon properties.

D - Drip Edge

The Drip Edge is a metal or plastic component installed along the eaves to direct water into the gutter, preventing water from flowing behind the fascia board.

E - Eaves

Eaves are the lower edges of a roof that overhang the walls. This is the primary site for guttering and fascia installations across Paignton.

F - Flashing

Flashing refers to lead or metal sheets used to weatherproof joints and prevent water ingress. Specialist lead flashing is a core Raven Roofing Services specialism.

G - Gable

A Gable is the triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. It is the site for dry-verge system upgrades.

H - Headlap

Headlap is the distance by which one slate or tile overlaps the fixing course below. Correct headlap calculation is critical for pitched roofing in exposed coastal regions.

I - Insulation

Thermal Insulation boards are used in warm deck roofing systems to prevent heat loss and eliminate internal condensation.

J - Joist

A Joist is a horizontal structural timber supporting the roof deck. Joist integrity is meticulously checked during any flat roof rebuild.

K - Kerb

A Kerb is a raised frame used on flat roofs to support a roof light or skylight, ensuring a watertight integration with the torch-on felt system.

L - Leadwork

Leadwork involves the technical shaping and installation of lead sheets to weatherproof joints. Raven Roofing Services provides master-standard leadwork across Brixham and Torquay.

M - Mortar

Mortar is the mix used to "point" ridge tiles and chimney stacks. We provide traditional lime mortar options for heritage properties in Totnes.

N - Nail Sickness

Nail Sickness is the decay of the nails holding natural slates in place. It is a common cause of roof failure in Torquay's older Victorian villas.

O - Over-Fascia Vent

An Over-Fascia Vent is a discrete ventilation strip installed on the fascia board. It is a modern British Standard essential for preventing timber rot in South Devon.

P - Pitch

The Pitch refers to the angle or slope of a roof. Pitch determines the material choice for any pitched roof rebuild.

Q - Quarry Slate

Quarry Slate is natural stone slate extracted for use as a premium, heritage roofing material with a lifespan exceeding 75 years.

R - Ridge Tile

A Ridge Tile covers the peak where two slopes meet. We offer both traditional pointing and dry-ridge mechanical fixing systems.

S - Soffit

The Soffit is the horizontal board found underneath the roof overhang. It provides a finished look and houses essential eave ventilation.

T - Torch-on Felt

Torch-on Felt is a three-layer bitumen flat roofing system bonded with a propane torch. It is the primary recommendation for flat roofs in Paignton.

U - Underlay

Breathable Underlay is a modern membrane installed beneath tiles to allow water vapour to escape while providing secondary protection from rain.

V - Valley

A Valley is the internal angle formed where two roof pitches meet. Specialist Leadwork valleys are required to channel high volumes of water safely.

W - Weathering

Weathering is the technical term for components (like lead aprons) designed to shed water from a junction. Expert weathering is standard in every Raven Roofing installation.

X, Y, Z - Structural Terms

X-bracing provides structural cross-support. Yardage is used for material estimates. Zinc is a modern alternative for specialist metal weathering.