Axiom 360
Roofing & Solar Glossary

This glossary defines essential roofing, solar, and energy terms to help you understand Axiom 360’s expert services.

A

Asphalt Roof Installation
A common residential roofing method using asphalt shingles known for affordability and ease of installation.

Attic Ventilation
The flow of air through the attic space to reduce heat and moisture buildup, helping prolong the life of the roof and improve energy efficiency.

B

Battery Storage
A system that stores excess solar energy for later use, improving energy independence and resilience during outages.

C

California Solar Incentives
Programs designed to encourage the adoption of solar energy in California through rebates, tax credits, and performance-based incentives.

Cool Roof
A roofing system designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs, improving building comfort and energy efficiency.

Commercial Roof Coatings
Protective layers applied to commercial roofs to extend life, improve reflectivity, and enhance waterproofing.

Commercial Roofing Systems
Durable roofing systems used in commercial buildings, such as TPO, EPDM, and metal, designed for longevity and performance.

Commercial Solar Power
Large-scale solar systems designed to offset energy costs and reduce carbon footprints for businesses and commercial properties.

E

Emergency Roof Repair
Immediate services provided to fix severe roof damage due to storms, fallen debris, or leaks.

Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to perform the same task, reducing utility bills and environmental impact.

Energy Storage
Technologies like batteries that store energy generated during peak production for use at a later time.

F

Federal Solar Tax Incentives
U.S. government incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners and businesses to deduct a percentage of solar installation costs from federal taxes.

H

Home Battery Storage
A residential energy solution that stores solar power for use during nighttime or outages, enhancing reliability and energy savings.

I

Incentives
Programs offered by governments or utilities to encourage energy-efficient upgrades or renewable energy adoption, including rebates, tax credits, and grants.

Installation (Commercial Solar)
The professional setup of solar power systems for commercial buildings, tailored for energy demand and structural layout.

M

Metal Roof Installation
Durable, energy-efficient roofing made from steel, aluminum, or copper, known for longevity and weather resistance.

Microinverter
A small inverter installed on each solar panel to convert DC to AC electricity, improving system efficiency and monitoring.

N

Net Metering
A billing arrangement where solar system owners receive credit for excess electricity sent back to the grid.

P

Photovoltaic (PV)
Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells, forming the foundation of most solar panels.

R

Recoverable Depreciation
The difference between your roof’s replacement cost and its depreciated value at the time of damage.

Reflectivity
The ability of a roof surface to reflect sunlight, a key factor in energy-efficient and cool roof systems.

Residential Roof Repair
Fixing damage or wear on residential roofs to extend lifespan and maintain protection.

Residential Roof Replacement
Replacing the entire roof of a home, typically due to age, damage, or inefficiency.

Residential Solar
Solar systems designed for home energy use, typically mounted on rooftops to reduce grid dependency.

Roof Inspections
Professional evaluations to identify issues like leaks, wear, or structural damage, often conducted before repairs or insurance claims.

Roof Replacement with Solar Panels
A strategic approach where homeowners install a new roof and solar system simultaneously for better efficiency and long-term cost savings.

Roof Styles
Different architectural roof designs, such as gable, hip, and flat, each affecting ventilation, aesthetics, and solar compatibility.

S

Solar Panel Installation
The process of mounting and connecting solar panels to a home’s or business’s electrical system.

Solar Power Installation
Complete setup of solar energy systems, including panels, inverters, and connection to the grid or battery.

Solar Shingles (CertainTeed)
Photovoltaic roofing shingles that blend with asphalt roofs while generating electricity, using durable monocrystalline solar technology.

T

TPO Roofing
A thermoplastic single-ply membrane known for durability, heat reflection, and common use in commercial flat roofs.

Thermal Bridging
Occurs when heat transfers through less insulated building components, reducing energy efficiency.

U

Underlayment
A protective layer installed beneath roofing materials to provide an additional barrier against water infiltration.

Utility-Scale Solar
Large solar power facilities that generate electricity for sale to utilities, rather than for on-site use.

V

Ventilation
The process of allowing air to circulate through a roofing system or attic space to reduce moisture and heat buildup.

Volt
The unit of electric potential used to describe the output or capacity of solar panels and systems.

W

Watt
A unit of power that measures the rate of energy transfer; used to describe the output of solar panels (e.g., 300-watt panel).

Warranty
A guarantee provided by manufacturers or installers covering materials and/or workmanship for a specified period.

Weatherproofing
Techniques and materials used to protect buildings from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.

Z

Zero Net Energy (ZNE)
A building design where the total amount of energy used annually is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy generated on-site.