Roofing

Question 1

You inspect a 4-year-old asphalt shingle roof. It seems well insulated and the attic is properly ventilated. Roughly 25 percent of shingles show irregular cracks and bubbles in the surface. You report:

a. the shingles are suffering freeze-thaw damage

b. there has been excessive foot traffic on the roof

c. this is a common cosmetic condition that does not affect performance or life expectancy

d. there is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened

e. this is a result of expansion and contraction of waferboard sheathing as a result of changes in humidity

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which of the following is a dead load on the roof structure of the house?

a. rain

b. snow

c. wind

d. a person walking on the roof

e. shingles

Answer 2

E

Question 3

Which factor should have the least influence on the longevity of a roof?

a. exposure to ultraviolet light

b. ventilation

c. use of staples versus nails

d. pitch

e. exposure to wind

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Low-slope is a possible problem with all these materials EXCEPT

a. asphalt shingles.

b. wood shakes.

c. roll roofing

d. fiber cement shingles.

Answer 4

c. Roll roofing can be installed on a flat roof. All of the other materials listed need to be on a sloped roof.

Question 5

Which cedar shingle is most rot resistant?

a. one on a north exposure of a 5 in 12 roof

b. one on a shaded south exposure of a 4 in 12 roof

c. one on a low-sloped roof

d. one in the path of a downspout discharging from a higher roof

e. one on a 12 in 12 roof

Answer 5

E

Question 6

When looking for a sagging roof, it is usually easiest to see this

a. from a ladder at the edge of the roof

b. while standing on the roof

c. from the underside in the attic

d. standing back from a distance

e. from an aerial photograph

Answer 6

D

Question 7

The following materials are all brittle EXCEPT

a. wood.

b. slate.

c. roll roofing.

d. clay.

Answer 7

c. Roll roofing is not brittle. All of the other materials on this list are brittle.

Question 8

When describing roofing materials in a report, which of the following terms are most likely to get you in trouble?

a. asphalt

b. single-ply

c. metal

d. modified bitumen

e. fiber cement

Answer 8

D

Question 9

The typical exposure for a 3-tab conventional asphalt shingle is approximately

a. 5 inches

b. 6 inches

c. 11 inches

d. 12 inches

e. 15 inches

Answer 9

A

Question 10

The most effective material for ice damming eave protection is

a. modified bitumen

b. roofing felt

c. roll roofing

d. metal

e. polyethylene

Answer 10

A

Question 11

The most common base material for an asphalt shingle today is

a. bitument bedding

b. fiberglass mat

c. cotton rag

d. organic felt

e. carbon-based paper

Answer 11

B

Question 12

The granules on a shingle do NOT contribute to the shingle’s

a. ultraviolet protection

b. strength

c. color

d. weight

e. fire resistance

Answer 12

B

Question 13

The following materials are brittle EXCEPT

a. wood

b. slate

c. metal

d. fiber cement

e. clay

Answer 13

C

Question 14

Roof perform all of the following functions EXCEPT

a. providing insulation

b. making an architectural statement

c. supporting mechanical equipment

d. shielding against hail

e. protect from fire

Answer 14

A

Question 15

Most damage from ice damming is the result of

a. the ice expanding and affecting the roof structure

b. the weight of the ice tearing off the gutters

c. the weight of the ice harming the roof structure

d. water backing up under the shingles

e. ice blocking the roof ventilation

Answer 15

D

Question 16

In a wind prone area, the roof with the most wind damage is probably the one

a. with the lowest slope

b. that was re-shingled in cold weather

c. with the fewest nails

d. with two layers of shingles

e. with no underlayment

Answer 16

B

Question 17

Head lap refers to the

a. position of self-sealing strip above the cutouts

b. overhang of the shingles at the eave and the rake

c. overhang of the shingles at the gable

d. amount of shingle exposure at the ridge

e. amount of shingles covering the shingle two rows below

Answer 17

E

Question 18

Fiber-cement shingles

a. are flexible like asphalt shingles

b. don’t last as long as asphalt shingles

c. are a health hazard and should be removed because of their asbestos content

d. are typically installed on battens

e. are lighter than clay

Answer 18

E

Question 19

Eave protection or an ice barrier would most likely be found on houses in _____ part of north america

a. the northern

b. the eastern

c. the southern

d. the western

e. any

Answer 19

A

Question 20

Chimneys in valleys, changes in materials, complex flashings and patched areas are all

a. potential defects

b. faults

c. vulnerable areas

d. poor design

e. specialized zones

Answer 20

C

Question 21

Any of the following are signs of a possible ice damming problem EXCEPT

a. large icicles

b. snow guards

c. roof heating cables

d. damaged roofing at the lower edge

e. siding stains running down the soffit/wall intersection

Answer 21

B

Question 22

An ice dam would most likely occur on a house with

a. R24 insulation, low slope, dark shingles and no roof ventilation

b. R40 insulation, steep slope, light shingles and eave protection

c. R50 insulation, steep slope, dark shingles and a long overhanging soffit

d. R32 insulation, steep slope, light shingles, and bath fans vented in the attic

e. R40 insulation, low slope, dark shingles and a short overhanging soffit

Answer 22

A

Question 23

All of the following are implications of multiple layers of roofing EXCEPT

a. increased weight, which may result in possible deflection

b. flashings not replaced, which may become a weak area

c. sheathing strength weakened by additional nails

d. shingles not drying as quickly, leading to accelerated deterioration

e. wind damage more likely if nails too short to penetrate sheathing

Answer 23

C

Question 24

Which material has the shortest life expectancy?

a. Concrete

b. Fiber cement

c. Slate

d. Roll Roofing

Answer 24

d. Roll roofing has the shortest life expectancy of the common roofing materials.

Question 25

Which material commonly imitates clay?

a. Asphalt shingle

b. Roll roofing

c. Slate

d. Concrete

Answer 25

d. Concrete tiles commonly imitate slate tiles.

Question 26

Ice dams are most likely on roofs

a. with asphalt shingles

b. with low slopes and wide overhangs

c. with low slopes and small overhangs

d. with steep slopes and small overhangs.

e. with steep slopes and wide overhangs

Answer 26

b. Ice dams are common on roofs with low slopes and wide overhangs.

Question 27

Patches on roofs almost always indicate

a. good maintenance

b. prior leakage

c. poor installation

d. multiple layers and roofs

Answer 27

b. Patches on roofs almost always indicate prior leakage.

Question 28

Multiple layers of roofing are most common with

a. clay.

b. slate.

c. wood.

d. asphalt shingles.

Answer 28

d. Multiple layers of roofing are most common with asphalt shingles.

Question 29

A low-slope asphalt shingle application can go down to a slope of

a. 6-in-12.

b. 5-in-12.

c. 4-in-12.

d. 2-in12.

Answer 29

d. A low-sloped shingle application can go down to a slope as low as 2-in-12.

Question 30

Common failure modes for asphalt shingles include all of these EXCEPT

a. spalling

b. blisters.

c. loss of granules.

d. cupping or clawing.

e. cracking

Answer 30

a. Spalling is not a failure mode for asphalt shingles.

Question 31

As asphalt shingles get close to the end of their life, the slots (keyways) between shingle tabs

a. lengthen.

b. narrow.

c. widen.

d. disappear.

e. shorten

Answer 31

c. The slots between asphalt shingles get wider as the shingles get closer to the end of their life.

Question 32

New shingles applied in cold weather may be prone to

a. breaking, because they are brittle.

b. blistering when they warm, because of thermal shock.

c. tabs tearing off, because sealing strips don’t hold.

d. surface cracking, because of organic felt shrinkage.

e. curling (cupping) because of differential drying of the front and back

Answer 32

c. Asphalt shingles applied in cold weather may be prone to tabs tearing off because the sealing strips don’t hold.

Question 33

Roofing problems are most common

a. at the caves.

b. at the ridges.

c. above bathrooms and kitchens.

d. at flashings and roof penetrations.

Answer 33

d. Roofing problems are most common at fastenings and roof penetrations.

Question 34

Two layers of asphalt shingle roofing material

a. are good, because they provide double protection against leaks.

b. may result in a shorter life for the second layer of shingles.

c. improve attic insulation

d. are not permitted due to the extra load on the roof structure.

Answer 34

b. Two layers of shingles may result in a shorter life for the second layer.

Question 35

These are all common wood roof problems EXCEPT

a. slots that are too wide.

b. splitting.

c. rot.

d. burn-through.

Answer 35

a. Slots being too wide is not a common problem on wood floors.

Question 36

On which roof is interlay (or interlayment) most likely to be found?

a. asphalt shingle.

b. wood shingle.

c. wood shake.

d. clay.

Answer 36

c. Interlayment is typically found on wood shakes.

Question 37

No. 1 Blue-grade wood shingles are

a. 100 percent edge-grain.

b. 100 percent heartwood.

c. free from knots (100 percent clear).

d. All of the above.

Answer 37

d. Number 1 blue-grade shingles are 100 percent edge-grain, 100 percent heartwood, and 100 percent clear.

Question 38

The problem with butting adjacent wood shingles too closely together is that

a. attic ventilation is reduced.

b. shingle drying is slowed.

c. leakage is more likely.

d. the shingles may buckle when wet.

Answer 38

d. If wood shingles are butted too tightly together, they may buckle when wet.

Question 39

Flat-grain wood shingles

a. are superior quality.

b. are found only on No. 3 Black grade shingles.

c. can be identified by a flame pattern.

d are more resistant to cupping and curling than edge-grain shingles.

Answer 39

c. Flat-grain wood shingles can be identified by a flame pattern.

Question 40

Moss on a wood roof

a. should never be removed.

b. provides additional protection from ultraviolet light.

c. helps to insulate the wood from thermal shock.

d. holds water against the wood, promoting rot.

Answer 40

d. Moss on a wood roof holds water against the roof, promoting rot.

Question 41

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid wood shingle roof, how many shingles would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 41

c. In a wood shingle roof, you would typically go through 3 layers of shingles.

Question 42

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid slate roof, how many slates would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 42

b. On a slate roof you would typically go through 2 layers of slate.

Question 43

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid Spanish-style clay roof, how many tiles would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 43

a. On a Spanish-style clay roof you would typically go through 1 layer of tile.

Question 44

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, shingle-style flat clay roof, how many tiles would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 44

b. On a shingle-style flat clay roof you would typically go through 2 layers of tile.

Question 45

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, flat interlocking tile roof (concrete or clay), how many tiles would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 45

a. On a flat interlocking tile roof you would typically go through 1 layer.

Question 46

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, fiber cement roof, how many shingles would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 46

A

Question 47

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, wood shake roof, how many shakes would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 47

b. On a wood shake roof you would typically go through 2 layers of wood.

Question 48

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, metal shingle roof, how many shingles would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 48

a. On a metal roof you would typically go through 1 layer of metal.

Question 49

If you drilled a hole through a properly laid, roll roofing installation, how many layers would you go through?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

Answer 49

B

Question 50

All of these are common slate failure modes EXCEPT

a. curling.

b. breakage.

c. delaminating.

d. getting soft or crumbly.

Answer 50

a. Curling is not a failure mode for slate.

Question 51

Slate roofing is all of these EXCEPT

a. very expensive.

b. nailed in place.

c. lain over 30-pound felt underlay.

d. properly repaired with tar.

Answer 51

d. Slate roofing should not be repaired with tar.

Question 52

Dormer flashings may include all of the following EXCEPT

a. stack flashings.

b. ridge flashings.

c. valley flashings.

d. roof/sidewall flashings.

Answer 52

a. Dormer flashings are very different from stack flashings. Stack flashings surround piples.

Question 53

Clay tile roofs are effective shedding-style roofs by themselves under what circumstances?

a. Never-a watertight membrane below is always needed.

b. On low-slope roofs only (less than 4-in-12)

c. On steep-slope roofs only (more than 4-in-12)

d. Only if glazed tile is used.

Answer 53

c. Clay tile roofs are effective shedding systems only if the slope is more than 4-in-12.

Question 54

Concrete tiles may be secured to the roof with any of these EXCEPT

a. nails

b. staples.

c. clips

d. battens.

Answer 54

b. Staples cannot be used to fasten concrete tiles.

Question 55

A standing seam is found on

a. a wood roof.

b. a metal roof.

c. a slate roof.

d. a fiber cement roof.

Answer 55

b. A standing seam can be found on a metal roof.

Question 56

Ice dam evidence includes everything listed here EXCEPT

a. electric heating cables.

b. siding discoloration starting at the soffit.

c. water damage at interior wall/ceiling intersections.

d. water running down along rafters from peak.

Answer 56

d. Ice dam evidence typically does not include water running down along the rafters, because dams form at the bottom of the rafters to begin with.

Question 57

Cutting the points applies to

a. clay.

b. concrete.

c. metal.

d. asphalt shingles.

Answer 57

d. Cutting the points applies to the comers of asphalt shingles at valleys.

Question 58

Mission clay tiles

a. are lower quality than concrete tiles.

b. have top pieces and bottom pieces.

c. are always installed over a waterproof membrane.

d. are prone to splitting.

Answer 58

b. Mission clay tiles have top pieces and bottom pieces.

Question 59

Roll roofing fails

a. after 20 years of life, typically.

b. if it’s not cemented directly to the sheathing.

c. by cracking, buckling, or blistering.

d. if installed on slopes of less than 4-in-12.

Answer 59

c. Roll roofing typically fails by cracking, buckling, or blistering.

Question 60

Metal roofing

a. cannot be installed with an overlap.

b. can never have exposed fasteners.

c. must have a slope greater than 5-in-12.

d. can be installed as shingles or sheets and panels.

Answer 60

d. Metal roofing can be installed as shingles or sheets and panels.

Question 61

Which cedar shingle is most rot-resistant?

a. One on a north exposure of a 5-in-12 roof.

b. One on a low-sloped roof.

c. One in the path of a downspout discharging from a higher roof.

d. One on a 12-in-12 roof.

Answer 61

d. A cedar shingle roof on a 12-in-12 slope is most rot-resistant. It will tend to get rid of its water quickly.

Question 62

The pitch of a valley in a sloped roof with a 4-in-12 pitch is approximately

a. 2-in-12.

b. 3-in-12.

c. 4-in-12.

d. 5-in-12.

Answer 62

b. The pitch of a valley in a 4-in-12 roof is roughly 3-in-12.

Question 63

The valley flashings should widen at the bottom to

a. improve the aesthetics of the roof.

b. make it easier to install the shingles.

c. minimize the risk of ice damming.

d. allow for the greater accumulation of water that collects here.

Answer 63

d. Valley flashings should widen to allow for the greater accumulation of water near the bottom of the valley.

Question 64

Open valley flashings made of roll roofing typically consist of

a. 2 layers, 18 inches wide and 36 inches wide.

b. 2 layers, each 18 inches wide.

c. 2 layers, 12 inches wide and 18 inches wide.

d. 3 layers, each 18 inches wide.

Answer 64

a. Roll roofing valley flashings are typically 2 layers, with the bottom layer being 18 inches wide and the top layer being 36 inches wide.

Question 65

Metal valley flashings should NOT be longer than 10 feet because

a. expansion and contraction may cause buckling.

b. it would not be aesthetically pleasing.

c. longer lengths of metal are too expansive.

d. longer pieces are more difficult to handle.

Answer 65

a. Metal valley flashing sections should be no longer than 10 feet because the expansion and contraction may cause buckling.

Question 66

Considerable wrinkling and tautness of EPMD and PVC roof membranes at wall intersections would typically be caused by

a. improper base flashing detail.

b. shrinkage of the membrane.

c. poor securement of fascia to roof deck.

d. lack of a proper counterflashing.

Answer 66

b. Wrinkling or tautness (sometimes called tenting) is typicaJly caused by membrane shrinkage.

Question 67

The bottom cap flashing for a masonry chimney has a single piece of metal let into the mortar inches. The flashing has to be replaced joint and nailed to the shingle surface so that it won’t lift up. The flashing extends over the shingle surface approximately 4 inches. No leakage is evident inside the home. You tell your client that,

a. “The chimney base flashing has been properly installed.”

b. “The bottom cap flashing should extend down the shingle surface by at least six inches. The flashing has to be replaced.”

c. ‘‘This is not an ideal installation as the nail holes may leak and movement of the roof deck relative to the chimney may pull the flashing out, but it is typical and acceptable.” Because the flashing hasn’t been pulled yet, you recommend monitoring, rather than replacement.

d. “This is not a proper cap flashing, as a hem was not created. The flashing should be replaced.”

Answer 67

c. This is not an ideal installation because you shouldn’t be securing the flashing to both the chimney and the roof. However, it is very common, and if nothing has moved yet it would be recommended to monitor this situation rather than replace it.

Question 68

When walking around the outside of a house, you notice efflorescence on the chimney brickwork just below the roofline. The most likely problem is

a. a blocked chimney flue.

b. the lack of a proper liner for the chimney.

c. a leaking roof flashing.

d. leaking soffits.

e. all of the above

Answer 68

c. The deposit on the chimney brickwork just below the roofline probably means a leaking roof flashing.

Question 69

If a recessed area is noted in the stack flashing around the pipe, this is commonly caused by

a. structural settlement of the house.

b. settlement of the stack.

c. too many nails in the stack flashing.

d. incompatible flashing materials.

Answer 69

b. A low area in the stack flashing around the pipe is commonly a result of the settlement of the stack.

Question 70

Common installation problems with stack flashings include

a. exposed or missing fasteners.

b. the top half of flange exposed above roofing material.

c. flashings being tom during installation.

d. both a and b.

Answer 70

d. Common installation problems with stack flashings include exposed or missing fasteners and exposure of the top half of the flange above the roofing material.

Question 71

Apart from not providing a permanent seal, tarring over metal flashings is NOT desirable because

a. tar and metal are not compatible.

b. this may trap water and accelerate corrosion of the metal.

c. it is difficult to determine the length of the flashing.

d. it is difficult to determine if the flashing is let into masonry.

Answer 71

b. Putting tar on metal flashings may trap water and accelerate the rusting of the metal.

Question 72

Concealed flashings for hips and ridges can include

a. roofing felts

b. ice and water shield.

c. mortar.

d. metal

e. All of the above

Answer 72

e. Concealed flashings for hip and ridge systems can include roofing felts, ice and water shield, and mortar.

Question 73

Ridge flashings can also act as

a. venting systems.

b. rain gutters.

c. lightning protection systems.

d. structural braces

e. None of the above

Answer 73

a. Ridge flashings can also act as venting systems.

Question 74

With concrete or clay tile roofs, common problems with hip and ridge flashings ,include

a. cracked or shrinking mortar.

b. rusted metal.

c. gaps in curved tile hip and ridges.

d. both a and c.

Answer 74

d. Common hip problems with tile roofs include cracked or shrinking mortar and gaps in curved tile pieces.

Question 75

If the flange for a plumbing stack flashing appears to have pulled away from the roof, this would typically be caused by

a. structural settlement of the house.

b. settlement of the stack.

c. incompatible flashing materials.

d. none of the above.

Answer 75

a. Settlement of the house may cause the flange for the plumbing stack flashing to look like it has pulled away from the roof. Actually, the roof is dropping relative to the stack.

Question 76

The most vulnerable areas on roofs are

a. asphalt shingle “cut-outs” or slots.

b. flashing details.

c. gable ends.

d. hips and ridges.

Answer 76

b. The most vulnerable areas on roofs are flashing details.

Question 77

The preferred material for valley flashing is

a. metal.

b. heavy roofing felts.

c. ice and water shield

d. the same material as the field of the roof

Answer 77

a. The preferred material for valley flashing is metal.

Question 78

The counterflashing where the top of a roof meets a wall is the

a. metal skirt that covers the flashing or roofing material below.

b. flashing that extends up from below the roofing material.

c. caulking details at the intersection of the wall surface and roofing material.

d. triangular blocking that allows the roof membrane to 45° bends rather than one 90” bend.

Answer 78

a. Counterflashing at a roof to wall intersection is the metal skirt that covers the flashing or roofing material below.

Question 79

A part of a chimney flashing most prone to leakage is the part

a. protruding through the ridge of the roof.

b. adjacent to the gutters.

c. facing the high side of the roof.

d. facing the eaves.

Answer 79

c. A chimney flashing is most prone to leakage at the high side.

Question 80

Solarium enclosures tend to leak

a. at the seals of the double-glazed glass.

b. where the glass roof meets the glass wall at the eave of the solarium.

c. where the glass roof meets the top of the gable wall of the solarium.

d. at the intersection of the house wall and glass roof.

Answer 80

d. Solarium enclosures tend to leak at the intersection of the house wall and the glass roof.

Question 81

Common valley flashing materials include all of the following EXCEPT

a. galvanized steel.

b. roll roofing.

c. lead.

d. brass.

Answer 81

d. Brass is not a common valley flashing material.

Question 82

If you can’t get onto the roof, you should

a. advise your client of this limitation.

b. make an educated guess of the condition of the roof, based on the age, type, and location of the home.

c. inspect the roof with binoculars, but report the roof as worse than it looks, because you may miss something.

d. inspect the roof only from inside the attic and the interior of the home.

Answer 82

a. If you can’t get onto the roof, you should advise your client of this limitation.

Question 83

All flashings are

a. exposed.

b. concealed.

c. metal.

d. prone to leakage.

Answer 83

d. All flashings are prone to leakage.

Question 84

Flashings are typically located at

a. valleys.

b. roof penetrations.

c. intersections with other materials.

d. All of the above

e. none of the above

Answer 84

d. Flashings are typically located at valleys, roof penetrations, and intersections with other materials.

Question 85

Which of these is the most typical skylight problem?

a. Rust

b. Mechanical damage

c. Leakage

d. Cracked glazing

Answer 85

c. Leakage is the most typical skylight problem.

Question 86

Mechanical damage to skylights is commonly caused by all of the following EXCEPT

a. reroofing activities.

b. building shifting.

c. snow and ice removal.

d. overhanging trees.

e. animals

Answer 86

b. Building shitting usually has no effect on skylights.

Question 87

Double-glazed skylights

a. are hermetically sealed.

b. are vented.

c. will never show condensation between the panes.

d. are either a or b.

Answer 87

d. Double glazed skylights may be hermetically sealed or vented.

Question 88

Which skylight is the best at resisting leakage?

a. skylights with integral curbs

b. curb-less skylights

c. flush-mounted skylights

d. skylights set on site-built curbs

Answer 88

d. Skylights set on site-built curbs are best at resisting leakage.

Question 89

Skylight leakage is most commonly caused by

a. building shifting.

b. poor installation.

c. too steep a roof slope.

d. poor quality skylights.

Answer 89

b. Skylight leakage is most commonly caused by poor installation.

Question 90

The most common solarium problem is

a. excess heat gain in the summer.

b. cracked glass due to normal building settlement.

c. leakage.

d. drafts.

e. excess heat loss in the winter

Answer 90

c. Leakage is the most common solarium problem.

Question 91

Solarium inspections DO NOT include

a. determining whether the roof glazing is tempered.

b. checking the glass/frame joints.

c. looking for excess caulking.

d. looking for streaking inside.

Answer 91

a. It is unnecessary to determine whether glazing is tempered in a solarium.

Question 92

Drip edge flashings are usually

a. metal.

b. ice and water shield.

c. installed at valleys.

d. roll roofing.

Answer 92

a. Drip edge flashings are usually metal.

Question 93

The functions of drip edge flashings include all of these EXCEPT

a. protect the gutters.

b. protect the fascia.

c. direct roof runoff into gutters.

d. direct roof runoff away from the roof.

e. to protect the edge of the roof sheathing

Answer 93

a. Drip edge flashings do not protect gutters.

Question 94

Drip edge flashing

a. is installed over the eave protection or underlayment.

b. cannot be aluminum.

c. has its bottom edge between the gutter and the fascia.

d. has a 45° bend in the bottom 1/2-inch.

Answer 94

d. Drip edge flashing typically has a 45° bend in the bottom half-inch.

Question 95

Drip edge flashing

a. may extend roughly three inches up the roof surface.

b. may extend roughly one inch up the roof surface.

c. is always required along rakes.

d. cannot be used with eave protection.

Answer 95

a. Drip edge flashing may extend three or four inches up the roof surface.

Question 96

Drip edge flashing problems include all of the following EXCEPT

a. rust.

b. copper used as a drip edge.

c. looseness.

d. flashings that are too short

Answer 96

b. It’s just fine to use copper as a drip edge.

Question 97

A drip edge flashing that sits proud above the roof sheathing

a. helps to prevent ice dams.

b. is found only on wood roofs.

c. may trap water on the roof, like a dam.

d. helps to better protect the roof sheathing.

Answer 97

c. A drip edge flashing that sits proud may trap water on the roof, like a dam.

Question 98

Dormer flashings

a. has a valley if it’s a gable dormer.

b. cannot use siding as a valley flashing.

c. are not complex.

d. should not have step (base) flashings

e. should never have the points cut

Answer 98

a. However, dormer flashings don’t necessarily include valley flashings. Shed dormers, for example, do not have valleys.

Question 99

Shed dormers NEVER have

a. base (step) flashings.

b. counterflashings.

c. valley flashings.

d. siding acting as counterflashing

Answer 99

c. Shed dormers never have valley flashings.

Question 100

Valley flashings on dormers

a. should always be metal.

b. discharge onto the field of the roof below.

c. must have a slope greater than 6-in-12.

d. are used instead of roof/sidewall flashings.

e. are not allowed

Answer 100

b. Valley flashings on dormers discharge their water onto the field of the roof below.

Question 101

The dormer siding can act as

a. counterflashing.

b. step (base) flashing.

c. valley flashing.

d. hip flashing

Answer 101

a. Dormer siding can act as counterflashing.

Question 102

A standing seam roof is

a. a wood roof.

b. an asphalt shingle roof.

c. a gravel roof.

d. a metal roof.

Answer 102

d. A standing seam roof is a metal roof.

Question 103

A scupper is

a. a roof-to-wall flashing.

b. movement of the flood coat.

c. a roof drain opening through a wall.

d. a drip edge made with a decorative trim detail.

e. a gravel stop

Answer 103

c. A scupper is a roof drain opening through a wall.

Question 104

If a built-up roof has seams every 12 inches, how many plies are there (not including the dry-laid base)?

a. 2

b. 3

c. 4

d. 5

Answer 104

b. There are three plies in a built-up roof with seams every 12 inches.

Question 105

An inspector should not walk on a roof

a. if it could cause damage or is unsafe.

b. ever.

c. when the owner is home.

d. when it is a flat roof.

Answer 105

a. An inspector should not walk on a roof if it could cause damage to the roof or is unsafe.

Question 106

What are common problems with EPDM roofs?

a. Open seams and flashings

b. Discoloration due to oil

c. Tenting

d. Cracking due to shrinkage

e. All of the above

Answer 106

e. Common EPDM roof problems include open seams and flashings, discoloration due to oil, and tenting.

Question 107

The typical life of roll roofing on a flat roof is

a. 5 years.

b. 10 years.

c. 15 years.

d. 25 years.

Answer 107

a. Roll roofing on a flat roof typically lasts 5 years.

Question 108

Flat roofing systems are

a. shedding systems.

b. watertight systems.

c. evaporation systems.

d. ballasted systems.

Answer 108

b. Most flat roofing systems are water tight systems.

Question 109

Blisters in a built-up roof may be caused by

a. asphalt that is too cold when applied.

b. air or water trapped between the roof sheathing and the membrane.

c. air or water trapped between the plies of the membrane.

d. both b and c.

e. asphalt was troweled rather than mopped

Answer 109

d. Blisters in a built-up roof may be caused by air or water trapped between the sheathing and the membrane, or trapped between plies in the membrane.

Question 110

Which conditions can contribute to slippage of a built-up roof membrane?

a. Wrong type of asphalt used

b. Too many plies

c. Asphalt too thick

d. Both a and c

e. plies layered in the wrong direction

Answer 110

d. The wrong type of asphalt or asphalt that is too thick may result in slippage of a built-up membrane.

Question 111

A ponding roof is any roof that still has water on it

a. 12 hours after a rain.

b. 24 hours after a rain.

c. 36 hours after a rain.

d. 48 hours after a rain.

Answer 111

d. A ponding roof is any roof that still has water on it 48 hours after a rain.

Question 112

Which of the following statements is/are true of a modified bitumen roof?

a. The seams are spaced every 12 inches and the surface has a rubbery feel

b. There is evidence of bleed-out of asphalt at the seams and the seams are spaced every 3 feet.

c. There are no exposed nails.

d. Both b and c are true.

e. the surface feels like a vinyl liner of a swimming pool and there is evident of solvent at the seams

Answer 112

d. Evidence of bleed out at the seams and seams spaced every three feet are common in a 1nodified bitumen roof. The absence of exposed nails is also typical of a modified bitumen roof.

Question 113

Which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

a. With roll roofing, the flashings are often also made of roll roofing.

b. Modified bitumen is more flexible than roll rooting.

c. Roll roofing is another name for modified bitumen.

d. Both a and c are true

e. Roll roofing is more expensive than mod bit.

Answer 113

b. Mod bit is more flexible than roll roofing.

Question 114

One of the following roof membranes feels like rubber. When you stretch it, it rebounds.

a. ABS

b. EPDM

c. PVC

d. Built-up

Answer 114

b. EPDM stretches and rebounds like rubber.

Question 115

Which of the roof membranes may be damaged by oils left from a Freon leak at a roof-mounted air conditioner?

a. PVC

b. Mod bit

c. EPDM

d. roll roofing

Answer 115

c. EPDM can be damaged by oils.

Question 116

Which of the following roof membranes DO NOT require a layer of field-installed gravel to protect it from the sun?

a. Built-up

b. PVC

c. Roll roofing

d. Both b and c

Answer 116

d. PVC roofs and roll roofing do not require additional protection from the sun. This is a bit misleading; roll roofing does require protection, but it is already built into the roofing material.

Question 117

Which roof membrane has had shattering problems when it is cold outside?

a. PVC

b. Mod bit

c. Unprotected roll roofing

d. Built-up

Answer 117

a. PVC has suffered from shattering problems in cold weather.

Question 118

The purpose of a cant strip is

a. to seal the top of a parapet counterflashing.

b. to replace a reglet as the counterflashing.

c. to make the roof membrane less likely to crack at a change in direction.

d. both a and b.

Answer 118

c. A cant strip makes the membrane less likely to crack at a change in direction because it takes two 45° turns instead of one 90° tum.

Question 119

The base flashing on flat roof should

a. extend up the vertical wall above the highest expected depth of water on the roof.

b. extend about 8 to 14 inches above the roof deck.

c. be embedded in a reglet.

d. be both a and b.

Answer 119

d. Base flashing on a flat roof should extend up the wall above the height of water. This is typically 8 to 14 inches above the roof deck.

Question 120

A water stain on a ceiling below a flat roof does not necessarily indicate a leak immediately above, because

a. water can travel between the plies of the roof before emerging on the interior.

b. a flood coat of asphalt is often applied to the roof sheathing below the membrane, which will redirect the water.

c. vapor retarders may carry water some distance horizontally before it leaks through.

d. of reasons a and c.

Answer 120

d. The stain may not indicate a leak immediately above because the water can travel horizontally between the plies of the roof before emerging on the interior, and vapor baniers may carry water horizontally some distance before it leaks through.

Question 121

A parapet wall is

a. the curb wall around the perimeter of a skylight.

b. a perimeter wall which extends above the roofline.

c. an interior wall which meets a flat roof at its top.

d. a wall around a balcony.

Answer 121

b. The parapet wall is a perimeter wall protruding above the rootline.

Question 122

All of the following are common built-up roof problems EXCEPT

a. oil-canning.

b. blisters.

c. alligatoring.

d. ridging.

e. fishmouths

Answer 122

a. Oil canning is not a problem on a built-up roof.

Question 123

Drip edge flashings are found at

a. plumbing stacks.

b. skylights.

c. perimeters.

d. pitch pockets.

Answer 123

c. Drip edge flashings are found at roof perimeters.

Question 124

Ponding water on flat roofs

a. attracts birds that may damage the roof.

b. increases the weight on the roof.

c. increases the severity of a leakage problem.

d. causes both b and c.

Answer 124

d. Ponding water on flat roofs increases the weight on the roof and the severity of a leak when it occurs.

Question 125

Wood decks on roofs may do all of the following EXCEPT

a. protect the roof from ultraviolet light.

b. protect the roof from mechanical damage.

c. make the roof more difficult to inspect and repair.

d. protect the roof from condensation damage.

Answer 125

d. Wood decks do not protect the roof from condensation damage.

Question 126

Exposed felts

a. may wick water into the roof.

b. can cause gravel erosion.

c. replace the flood coat.

d. allow the inspector to determine the number of plies in the roof.

Answer 126

a. Exposed felts may wick water into the roof.

Question 127

Which of the following is NOT a common problem on modified bitumen?

a. Shattering

b. Loss of granules

c. Open seams

d. Surface cracking

e. puncture

Answer 127

a. Shattering is not a common problem on mod bit roofs.

Question 128

Good flat roof flashings do all the following EXCEPT

a. make watertight joints between roofing and other materials.

b. last 50 percent as long as the membrane

c. protect joints from ultraviolet light.

d. protect joints from mechanical damage.

Answer 128

b. Roof flashings should last equally as long as the membrane.

Question 129

A pitch pocket would most likely be used on

a. a skylight.

b. a plumbing stack.

c. an antenna base.

d. a parapet wall taller than 16 inches.

Answer 129

c. A pitch pocket is most likely to be used on an antenna base.

Question 130

Termination bars are sometimes used instead of

a. countertflashings.

b. cant strips.

c. drip edge flashings.

d. copings.

Answer 130

a. Termination bars are sometimes used instead of counterflashings.

Question 131

The top of parapet wall cap flashings

a. should slope down away from the roof.

b. should slope down toward the roof.

c. should be level.

d. shouldn’t matter

e. should be painted

Answer 131

b. The top surface of a parapet wall should slope slightly toward the roof. You don’t want water accumulating on the cap, as this 1nay cause rust. You don’t want water dripping off the cap down the side of the building or onto people below, either.

Question 132

Fasteners for metal counterflashings should

a. never be exposed.

b. always be screwed.

c. never be exposed on horizontal surfaces.

d. always be caulked.

Answer 132

c. Fasteners for metal counterflashings should never be exposed on horizontal surfaces.

Question 133

A reglet is used to

a. attach a counterflashing to a wall.

b. attach a drip edge flashing to a wall.

c. seal around a plumbing stack.

d. seal the heads of fasteners at a wall.

Answer 133

a. Reglets are used to attach counterflashings to walls.

Question 134

Skylights should rest on curbs not less than

a. 4 inches in height.

b. 6 inches in height.

c. 8 inches in height.

d. 10 inches in height

Answer 134

c. Skylight curbs should be eight inches in height.

Question 135

Pitch pockets are NOT desirable because

a. they indicate low quality workmanship.

b. they require frequent maintenance.

c. no one uses pitch any more.

d. they tend to rot easily.

Answer 135

b. Pitch pockets require frequent maintenance to keep them watertight.

Question 136

All of these are a likely cause of an asphalt base flashing sagging EXCEPT

a. inappropriate type of asphalt used

b. dirty substrate.

c. use of too little asphalt.

d. use of improper fasteners

Answer 136

d. Improper fasteners are not a likely cause of sagging for asphalt base flashing.

Question 137

Metal counterflashing that is close to the roof surface, but does not have a hem

a. can cut the roof membrane, due to thermal expansion and contraction

b. is more likely to rust.

c. will require greater maintenance.

d. requires a reglet.

Answer 137

a. A metal flashing without a hem may cut the roof membrane.

Question 138

Using mastic for a minor repair on a modified bitumen roof

a. can cause damage to the surface (incompatible material).

b. is considered a temporary repair.

c. requires ultraviolet protection in the form of aggregate.

d. will cause the granular surface to erode

e. will cause the granular surface to erode

Answer 138

b. Mastic is a temporary repair.

Question 139

For a built-up roof with a wood deck on top, which of these statements are true?

a. Aggregate is required on the surface of the roof.

b. The deck support should be designed such that proper drainage of the roof is not impeded.

c . No gravel is needed because the deck protects the surface from ultraviolet light.

d. Both b and c are true.

Answer 139

d. Deck support should be arranged so that roof drainage is not interfered with. The deck protects the roof surface from ultraviolet light.

Question 140

Which of the following flat roofs have been most susceptible to lifting off in a wind?

a. Modified bitumen

b. Built-up

c. Copper

d. Roll roofing

Answer 140

c. Copper has been traditionally susceptible to wind liftoff on flat roofs.

Question 141

A “flood coat” refers to

a. “spray on” EPDM. This is used in areas where very large volumes of water are expected.

b. a method of sealing modified bitumen roof layers.

c. the layer of asphalt that is applied to the bare wood deck prior to installing the first layer of felts.

d. the layer of asphalt applied over the felts, into which gravel is embedded.

Answer 141

d. A flood coat is a layer of asphalt applied over the felts, into which the gravel is embedded.

Question 142

Blisters on a built-up roof

a. will become vulnerable to UV damage

b. can be repaired by cutting them open, drying, sealing, and covering them with gravel.

c. Both a and b are true.

d. Neither a nor b is true.

Answer 142

c. Blisters on roofs will become sensitive to UV damage because the gravel is typically eroded away from the blister. Blisters can be repaired by cutting them open, drying them, sealing them, and covering them with gravel again.

Question 143

Which material lasts the longest?

a. asphalt shingles

b. slate

c. wood

d. fiber-cement

e. roll roofing

Answer 143

b. slate (or clay)

Question 144

On most steep roofs, exposed fasteners

a. are an aesthetic detail

b. are used for anchorage against wind

c. are a sign of poor installation

d. are a sign of good installation

e. help prevent ice dams

Answer 144

c.

Question 145

All of these are components of asphalt
shingles except

a. sealing strips

b. organic felt

c. fiber glass mats

d. synthetic rubber

e. granule surfacing

Answer 145

D

Question 146

The minimum slope for asphalt shingles in a conventional (not low-slope) application is

a. 6 in 12

b. 5 in 12

c. 4 in 12

d. 3 in 12

e. 2 in 12

Answer 146

C

Question 147

These products are all asphalt based, except for

a. roofer’s mastic

b. roofing cement

c. asphalt cement

d. plastic cement

e. caulking

Answer 147

E

Question 148

The ASHI® Standards require inspectors to

a. walk on steep roofs

b. use binoculars

c. walk on flat roofs

d. report how they inspected the roof

e. inspect the roof from the exterior only

Answer 148

D

Question 149

common Standards require you to -

a. lift up the roof covering

b. describe the type of flashings

c. walk on the roof

d. inspect the skylights

e. inspect antennas

Answer 149

D

Question 150

Good skylight inspections include all of these except -

a. looking from inside the home below the skylight

b. looking at the flashings

c. standing on the glazed section

d. tapping on the glazing

e. lifting up on the edge of the skylight

Answer 150

C

Question 151

Which solariums would be most prone to condensation?

a. a solarium in San Diego

b. a wood framed solarium

c. a solarium off a kitchen

d. a solarium off a living room

e. a solarium facing south

Answer 151

C

Question 152

The presence of step flashing on an asphalt shingle roof can typically be verified by

a. looking at the counter flashing

b. knowing the age of the house

c. knowing the age of the shingles on the roof

d. knowing the number of layers of shingles on the roof

e. lifting the shingles adjacent to the chimney or wall

Answer 152

E

Question 153

At roof to wall flashings, where wood siding is the counter flashing, the siding should be kept

a. less than one inch above the roof

b. one to two inches above the roof

c. two to three inches above the roof

d. three to four inches above the roof

e. four to five inches above the roof

Answer 153

B

Question 154

The purpose of the gravel on a built up tar and gravel roof is to

a. provide ballast to help hold the roof membrane down

b. prevent delamination of the plies

c. protect the membrane from ultraviolet light

d. all of the above

e. (a) and (c) only

Answer 154

E

Question 155

A clue that a new built-up roof was applied over the old flat roof is

a. the roof surface feels spongy under your feet

b. usually there is no gravel because of the additional weight

c. there are two layers of drip edge flashings

d. the felts are delaminating at the edges

e. both layers would be visible if you look down the roof drain

Answer 155

C

Question 156

If a metal roof seems to have many leaks (no specific leakage area) and it only leaks in the winter, you should consider which of the following?

a. ice damming

b. no cant strip at the roof wall intersection

c. condensation on the underside of the metal

d. ponding

e. chimney flashing failure

Answer 156

C

Question 157

Which single-ply membrane is compatible with asphalt?

a. PVC

b. Modified bitumen

c. polystyrene

d. EPDM

e. plastic

Answer 157

B

Question 158

Step flashings should be nailed to

A) the roof.

B) both the wall and the roof.

C) either the wall or the roof.

D) the wall.

Answer 158

C

Question 159

You are examining the side flashing for a masonry chimney. Where the asphalt shingles meet the counter flashing, roofing cement has been applied. Your report should include

a. “It is difficult to say if proper step flashings were installed.”

b. “Roofing cement should only be considered a temporary repair.”

c. “This is not a good building practice.”

d. all of the above

e. none of the above

Answer 159

D

Question 160

Which single-ply system typically uses a base sheet and cap sheet?

a. PVC

b. EPDM

c. metal

d. Mod bit

e. roll roofing

Answer 160

d

Question 161

Where a steeply pitched shingle roof meets a lower pitched shingle roof, the valley may be especially vulnerable to

a. unusually rapid deterioration

b. water penetration under the shingles on the lower pitched side

c. excessive shingle wear adjacent to the valley on the steeper pitched side

d. premature valley flashing wear

e. buckling of the flashing material

Answer 161

b

Question 162

There is a chimney protruding through a roll roofing valley flashing on the roof. You report there may be leakage here because

a. the chimney height is insufficient

b. the chimney obstructs valley drainage

c. the nails from the chimney flashing
penetrate the valley flashing

d. the roofer did not cut the points at the valley

e. the roofer used roll roofing rather than metal

Answer 162

b

Question 163

There are two layers of shingles on the roof, with the most recent installation less than two years old. At the chimney, the original steel flashings are rusted. The shingles are sealed to the older metal with asphalt cement. The roofers should have

a. used caulking instead of asphalt cement

b. installed new flashings

c. stripped off the old shingles first

d. replaced only the flashings that are rusted through

e. none of the above

Answer 163

b

Question 164

If when looking at a slate roof you see ribbons, you should tell your client

a. these may be weak areas and the slate is not high quality

b. these are signs of particularly good, strong slates

c. these slates are definitely from Buckingham, Virginia

d. these slates are rare and tend to be more expensive

e. these slates have changed color because of air pollution

Answer 164

A

Question 165

All of the following statements with respect to laminated asphalt shingles versus regular asphalt shingles are true EXCEPT?

a. they are stronger

b. they are more wind resistant

c. they look more like wood shingles

d. they are heavier

e. they require thicker sheathing

Answer 165

E