Roofing Terms
- Tear-off
- The complete removal of existing roofing materials down to the deck before a new system is installed. See our roof replacement process.
- Deck (roof deck)
- The structural surface — usually plywood or OSB — that roofing materials are installed over.
- Underlayment
- A water-resistant layer installed over the deck and under the shingles, providing a secondary barrier against water.
- Drip edge
- Metal flashing installed at the roof edge to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters.
- Ridge vent
- A ventilation strip installed along the roof peak that allows warm, moist air to escape the attic.
- Architectural shingles
- A thicker, layered asphalt shingle designed for durability and a dimensional appearance.
Commercial Roofing Terms
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
- A durable, energy-efficient single-ply membrane used on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. See our commercial roofing guide.
- Low-slope roof
- A roof with a slight pitch — not fully flat — that relies on membranes rather than shingles to shed water.
- Membrane
- A continuous waterproof layer, like TPO, that covers flat and low-slope roofs.
Gutter Terms
- Seamless gutters
- Gutters custom-fabricated on site to the exact roofline length, eliminating most leak-prone seams. See our seamless gutter guide.
- Downspout
- The vertical pipe that carries water from the gutter down and away from the foundation.
- Fascia
- The board running along the lower edge of the roof where gutters are attached.
- Leaf guard
- A gutter protection system that keeps leaves and debris out, reducing cleaning frequency.
Concrete & Floor Coating Terms
- Surface preparation
- Cleaning and mechanically preparing concrete so a coating bonds properly — the most important step in a lasting floor. See our floor coating process.
- Flake coating
- A decorative system that broadcasts colored flakes into the coating for texture, depth, and a durable finish.
- Solid-color epoxy
- A uniform, single-color epoxy finish for a clean, consistent look.
- Metallic epoxy
- A premium decorative finish with metallic pigments that create layered depth and movement.
- Topcoat
- A clear protective layer applied over the coating system for added durability and abrasion resistance.
Warranty & Process Terms
- Lifetime warranty
- BST Contracting's labor warranty on roof replacements and commercial roofing projects.
- Manufacturer warranty
- A warranty from the material manufacturer covering product defects, separate from the contractor's labor warranty.
- Free estimate
- A no-cost, no-obligation on-site evaluation and proposal provided by BST for every project.
Why Choose BST Contracting?
- Licensed & Insured Local Contractor
- Over 20 Years of Industry Experience
- Premium Materials & Professional Installation
- Lifetime Warranty on Roof Replacements
- Residential, Commercial & Industrial Expertise
- 5-Star Rated Craftsmanship
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "seamless" mean for gutters?
Seamless gutters are custom-fabricated on site to the exact roofline length, eliminating most leak-prone seams found in sectional gutters.
What is the difference between underlayment and shingles?
Underlayment is a water-resistant layer over the deck; shingles are the visible outer roofing material installed on top of the underlayment.
What is surface preparation and why does it matter?
Surface preparation is cleaning and mechanically preparing concrete so a coating bonds properly. It is the most important step in a lasting floor coating.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a free, no-obligation estimate from BST Contracting today.