What term is used to describe the weather-resistant surface of a roof?

The term used to describe the weather-resistant surface of a roof is "covering." This element is essential as it provides protection against various weather elements, including rain, snow, and wind, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the building beneath. The roofing covering is often made from materials designed to repel water and withstand environmental conditions, making it crucial for maintaining a safe and dry interior space.

While "supporting structure" refers to the structural components of a roof that bear loads and provide stability, and "decking" typically refers to the surface layer that supports the covering material, these terms do not fully capture the role of the roof's outermost layer in protecting against weather conditions. "Skin" can sometimes refer to the outer protective layer in various contexts, but in roofing terminology, "covering" is the more precise term for the functional weather-resistant surface.