Glossary of Colorado Roofing Codes Terms 

IBC – International Building Code

IRC – International Residential Code

IECC – International Energy Conservation Code

ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials

Sheathing – Flat panels onto which shingles are attached. It helps to keep the rafters properly spaced and holds the entire roof together.

Drip Edge – Flashing that protects the edges of the roof and it ensures that runoff drains into the gutters.

Flashing – Material, usually aliminium or galvanized steel, used over joints to maintain a watertight roof.

Rake/Gable Metal Edging – Metal edging designed to finish off the edge of the roof that provides a watertight seal on a roof.

Ice/Water Shield – Roofing underlayment that provides leak protection against wind driven rain and ice.

Valley – The Vee shaped metal channels that run up and down the ‘folds’ of a roof.

Closed Valley – Shingles on one or both sides of the roof extend across the valley onto the adjacent roof slope.

Open Valley – Shingles do not extend across the valley. Usually a sheet of metal is fastened to the roof deck to protect the valley.

Kickout Flashing – Special flashing that divert water away from the cladding and into the gutter.

Chimney Crickets – A structure designed to divert water around the high side of a chimney.

Ridge Cap – Special tiles, usually of the same material as the rest of the roof, that cover the peak of the roof and play a critical role in maintaining a watertight roof.