Built-Up Roofing(BUR) - Roof Coverings Flashcards
What is another name for Built-Up Roofing (BUR)?
A) Rubber roofing
B) Tar-and-gravel roofing
C) Thermoplastic roofing
D) Composite shingle roofing
Answer: B) Tar-and-gravel roofing
Where is BUR most commonly found?
A) Modern residential homes
B) Steep-sloped roofs
C) Older flat roofs and commercial buildings
D) Metal-framed structures
Answer: C) Older flat roofs and commercial buildings
What is a key characteristic of BUR installation?
A) It uses interlocking clay tiles
B) It consists of multiple layers (plys)
C) It is installed with mechanical fasteners only
D) It does not require maintenance
Answer: B) It consists of multiple layers (plys)
What is the minimum slope recommended for BUR installation?
A) 1:12
B) 2:12
C) 3:12
D) 4:12
Answer: C) 3:12
What is the purpose of adding ballast or granules to a BUR system?
A) Aesthetic appeal
B) Increase weight for wind resistance
C) Prevent asphalt degradation from UV exposure
D) Improve insulation
Answer: C) Prevent asphalt degradation from UV exposure
What is the term used to describe small cracks or fissures in BUR surfaces?
A) Blistering
B) Ponding
C) Alligatoring
D) Buckling
Answer: C) Alligatoring
What issue occurs when moisture becomes trapped between BUR layers?
A) Shrinkage
B) Blistering
C) Mineral loss
D) Expansion
Answer: B) Blistering
What is the purpose of scuppers on a BUR roof?
A) Provide extra ventilation
B) Reinforce flashing areas
C) Act as auxiliary drains for excess water
D) Secure insulation layers
Answer: C) Act as auxiliary drains for excess water
What should an inspector note when inspecting a BUR system?
A) Type of material and presence of ballast
B) Presence of cracks or alligatoring
C) Evidence of ponding or blocked drains
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
How does the number of plys affect BUR longevity?
A) More plys generally mean a longer-lasting roof
B) Fewer plys improve durability
C) The number of plys does not impact lifespan
D) BUR only has one layer
Answer: A) More plys generally mean a longer-lasting roof
What happens to BUR when installed on a slope greater than 3:12?
A) The asphalt and ballast may migrate downward
B) It improves durability
C) It becomes fire-resistant
D) It increases drainage efficiency
Answer: A) The asphalt and ballast may migrate downward
How is each layer of BUR adhered to the roof?
A) Nailed down
B) Hot-mopped with asphalt or bitumen
C) Screwed into the deck
D) Attached with adhesive strips
Answer: B) Hot-mopped with asphalt or bitumen (torched down)
What materials may be used for the topcoat of a BUR system?
A) Plain asphalt
B) Mineral granules
C) Crushed stone or slag (ballast)
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
What feature is common on BUR systems with parapet walls?
A) Ridge vents
B) Skylights
C) Internal drains and scuppers
D) Aluminum flashing
Answer: C) Internal drains and scuppers
What does “alligatoring” refer to in BUR?
A) Loss of granules
B) Small cracks or fissures on the surface
C) Large blisters forming
D) Water ponding on the roof
Answer: B) Small cracks or fissures on the surface
What causes alligatoring in BUR?
A) Expansion and contraction of dried-out asphalt
B) Nail pops
C) Poor ventilation
D) Excessive roof weight
Answer: A) Expansion and contraction of dried-out asphalt
What problem occurs when the granules or ballast layer wears away on a BUR roof?
A) Ponding
B) Mineral loss
C) Blistering
D) Nail pops
Answer: B) Mineral loss
What is a sign of ponding on a BUR roof?
A) Discoloration of the ballast
B) Rings of dirt left behind when water evaporates
C) Increased roof temperature
D) Loss of adhesion between plys
Answer: B) Rings of dirt left behind when water evaporates
What can cause ponding on a BUR roof?
A) Too many layers of roof covering
B) Improper slope toward drains
C) Settlement over time
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Why is standing water on a BUR system a concern?
A) It increases roof weight
B) It may lead to leaks and structural damage
C) It accelerates asphalt deterioration
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
What should an inspector report when inspecting a BUR roof?
A) Type of material and presence of ballast
B) Presence of cracks or alligatoring
C) Evidence of ponding or blocked drains
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Where are leaks likely to occur on a BUR system?
A) Directly under visible damage
B) In the middle of the roof
C) At parapet walls, flashing areas, and seams
D) Near vents only
Answer: C) At parapet walls, flashing areas, and seams
Flat Roof: Membrane
What materials are commonly used in membrane roofing systems?
A) Metal and asphalt
B) Rubber and plastic-based materials
C) Wood and clay tiles
D) Concrete and shingles
Answer: B) Rubber and plastic-based materials
Flat Roof: Membrane
Where are membrane roofing systems typically used?
A) Residential homes
B) Commercial buildings, apartments, and condos
C) Steep-pitched roofs
D) Garages
Answer: B) Commercial buildings, apartments, and condos
Flat Roof: Membrane
What is a common characteristic of membrane roofing systems?
A) They are multi-ply layers
B) They use only one type of material in a single-ply system
C) They require frequent coating with tar
D) They are made of metal
Answer: B) They use only one type of material in a single-ply system
Flat Roof: Membrane
What was the earliest material used for membrane roofing systems?
A) Asphalt sheets
B) PVC sheets (polyvinyl chloride)
C) Modified bitumen
D) Metal sheeting
Answer: B) PVC sheets (polyvinyl chloride)
Flat Roof: Membrane
What was a major issue with the early PVC membrane systems?
A) They did not resist water properly
B) They were prone to failure from UV radiation and shrinkage
C) They were too expensive
D) They were difficult to install
Answer: B) They were prone to failure from UV radiation and shrinkage
Flat Roof: Membrane
How are membrane roofing sheets typically joined together?
A) By welding them with a torch
B) By chemically bonding or gluing
C) By using nails and screws
D) By using clips and locks
Answer: B) By chemically bonding or gluing
Flat Roof: Membrane
What should an inspector do when evaluating a building with a membrane roof?
A) Perform a detailed inspection and make repairs if necessary
B) Report on the roof condition immediately
C) Defer the evaluation to a licensed commercial roofing contractor
D) Attempt to walk on the roof to assess its condition
Answer: C) Defer the evaluation to a licensed commercial roofing contractor
Flat Roof: Membrane
What is an issue that may be found in membrane roofs, specifically with PVC sheets?
A) Water evaporating quickly from the surface
B) Separation of joints or tapes
C) Increased durability with age
D) Lack of any visible damage
Answer: B) Separation of joints or tapes
Flat Roof: Membrane
What might happen if the membrane roof covering develops wrinkles?
A) The roof will become more energy-efficient
B) Water penetration could occur, leading to damage
C) The roof will become stronger
D) The wrinkles enhance the aesthetic appeal
Answer: B) Water penetration could occur, leading to damage
Flat Roof: Membrane
What should be avoided when inspecting mobile homes with rubber membrane roofs?
A) Using a ladder
B) Walking directly on the roof
C) Looking for wrinkles and cracks
D) Inspecting the flashings
Answer: B) Walking directly on the roof
Flat Roof: Membrane
What is a risk when walking on an old rubber membrane roof?
A) It may tear easily because it becomes brittle over time
B) It may cause water damage
C) The roof will become harder and more resistant
D) It will enhance the overall integrity of the roof
Answer: A) It may tear easily because it becomes brittle over time
Flat Roof:
What should be reported when inspecting a mobile home’s rubber membrane roof?
A) Only visual cracks on the edges
B) Tears or cracking, deficient flashings, signs of ponding, ripples, or shrinkage
C) The color of the roof surface
D) If the roof is made of metal
Answer: B) Tears or cracking, deficient flashings, signs of ponding, ripples, or shrinkage