Roofing & Siding Glossary: What Home-Owners Should Know

Above: Ice damming cause by poor attic insulation. This can lead to a variety of serious issues for your home.

When you’re talking with a roofing or siding contractor, it can sometimes feel like a different language. To help make sense of it, we’ve put together a glossary of common roofing and siding terms. These are the words you’ll often hear during an inspection, estimate, or repair — explained in clear, homeowner-friendly language, with a focus on what they mean for homes in Canada’s cold climate.

Roofing Terms

SoffitThe soffit is the underside of your roof’s overhang (the area you see when you look up at the edge of your roof). Vented soffits allow fresh air to flow into the attic, which helps regulate temperature, reduce condensation, and prevent ice damming in winter.

EavesThe eaves are the lower edges of your roof that extend beyond the walls of your home. In snowy climates, eaves are often where ice dams form, so proper insulation and ventilation are critical to prevent water backup and roof damage.

FasciaThe fascia is the vertical board that runs along the roof edge, directly behind the gutters. It gives your roof a finished look and helps hold gutters in place. Strong fascia boards are especially important in Canada, where gutters must carry the weight of heavy snow and ice.

Ice DamsThese occur when heat escapes from your home, melts the snow on your roof, and the water refreezes at the eaves. Ice dams can cause leaks and damage shingles, insulation, and drywall. Proper attic insulation and ventilation are the best defenses.

UnderlaymentA protective layer installed beneath shingles. In cold climates, self-adhesive ice-and-water shield underlayment is often applied along eaves and valleys to guard against leaks caused by ice dams.

FlashingThin metal pieces installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys to prevent water from seeping into the roof. Correct flashing is especially important during freeze-thaw cycles common in Canada.

R-ValueA measurement of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean better insulation, which is key to keeping heating costs down in Canadian winters.

Siding Terms

CladdingThe outer material that covers your home’s exterior walls, such as vinyl siding, fiber cement, or wood. In a cold climate, durable cladding protects against snow, ice, and wind while adding insulation value.

House WrapA water-resistant barrier applied underneath siding. It helps stop cold air drafts and prevents moisture from getting inside walls, reducing the risk of mold growth.

Lap SidingA siding style where horizontal boards overlap each other. The overlap creates a weatherproof barrier against rain and snow.

Soffit VentsOpenings in the soffit that allow air into the attic. Combined with roof vents, they help balance temperature and humidity, which is especially important to prevent frost buildup in Canadian attics.

Thermal BridgingThis occurs when heat escapes through poorly insulated parts of the wall (like studs). Insulated siding and spray foam can help minimize heat loss, saving homeowners money on energy bills.

Why This Matters for Canadian Homeowners

Understanding these terms makes it easier to see how every part of your roof and siding system works together — to protect your home from the elements, improve energy efficiency, and keep your family comfortable through long winters. When you know the language, you’re better prepared to make smart choices about repairs, replacements, and upgrades.

👉 At Pristine Roofing & Siding, we’re happy to walk you through these terms during your next inspection or project. If you’d like advice tailored to your home, reach out anytime — we’re here to help.