CA C-39 Roofing Contractor study plan
CA C-39 Roofing Contractor · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Roofing Systems, Materials, and Installation Methods
Classify the major low-slope and steep-slope roof systems by membrane type, slope range, and typical substrate
List the physical and performance properties (tensile, elongation, fire rating, reflectivity, temperature limits) for at least eight common roofing materials
Sequence the installation steps for a steep-slope asphalt shingle assembly from underlayment through ridge cap
Identify the function of each flashing type: step, counter, valley, base, cricket, and drip edge
Your checkpoint
A one-page comparison matrix covering six roof systems against four performance attributes, hand-written or typed, with no gaps.
Roofing Systems, Materials, and Installation Methods & Roof Framing, Sheathing, and Structural Considerations
Describe the installation sequence for single-ply (TPO/EPDM/PVC), modified bitumen, sprayed polyurethane foam, concrete tile, and standing-seam metal
Calculate required seam overlap, fastener spacing, and fastener count per square for three membrane types
Draw and label five critical flashing details (wall base, valley, pipe boot, curb, headwall) with correct layer order and lap direction
Trace the vertical load path from roof covering to foundation for a simple gable assembly
Your checkpoint
A labeled set of five hand-drawn flashing details showing correct shingle-course and membrane lap sequence, checked against a manufacturer's published detail.
Roof Framing, Sheathing, and Structural Considerations
Compute rafter length, ridge height, and slope from span and pitch using the Pythagorean theorem without a reference table
Apply dead load and snow load values to select rafter size and spacing from a span table
Select sheathing thickness, panel orientation, and fastener schedule for a given rafter spacing and edge support condition
Explain the roles of collar ties, ridge beams, hip and valley framing, and ceiling/rafter ties in resisting load and thrust
Identify the causes and repair approaches for sagging, bowed, or rotted roof framing and sheathing
Your checkpoint
A ten-problem worked calculation set (rafter lengths, loads, sheathing selection) with shown work, scored at 80% or higher on self-check.
Roof Framing, Sheathing, and Structural Considerations & Roofing Systems, Materials, and Installation Methods
Re-solve every missed problem from the Week 3 calculation set and write the correct method beside each
Deck-inspect a hypothetical attic scenario and write a deficiency list of framing, sheathing, and ventilation issues
Answer 40 mixed practice questions on systems, materials, and framing without notes, then review all misses
Summarize the top ten error patterns you found across Domains 1 and 2 in a single ranked list
Your checkpoint
A 40-question mixed diagnostic on Domains 1 and 2 completed cold, with a written error log scoring 75% or better.
Estimating, Plans, and Specifications
Perform a full quantity takeoff from a provided roof plan: squares, ridge, hip, valley, eave, rake, and drip edge linear footage
Apply waste factors by product type and justify each percentage used
Read a written specification section and extract the submittal, warranty, and material requirements into a checklist
Build a bid by combining material, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit, then calculate the break-even and target price
Convert a plan's slope and dimensions into actual roof area using the pitch multiplier
Your checkpoint
A complete written takeoff and priced bid for a hypothetical 30-square re-roof, including waste, overhead, markup, and a one-paragraph scope narrative.
Safety, Codes, and Industry Standards
State the OSHA fall-protection trigger height, the accepted systems, and the training and inspection requirements for each
Identify code requirements for attic and roof ventilation ratios, roof covering fire classification, and fastener type and spacing
Write a job hazard analysis for ladder placement, roof edge work, and material hoisting
Distinguish permit, inspection, and manufacturer-warranty requirements that affect a re-roof scope
Your checkpoint
A written JHA plus fall-protection plan for a two-story tear-off and re-roof, listing hazards, controls, and the responsible person per task.
Business Management, Contract Law, and Project Administration
Draft the eight contract clauses a roofing contract must contain, including scope, change orders, payment, and warranty exclusions
Calculate retainage, progress billing amounts, and final payment for a sample project schedule of values
Explain preliminary notice, mechanic's lien, and stop-notice timelines and who must receive each document
Compare general liability, workers' compensation, and builder's risk coverage for a subcontractor
Describe the change-order and dispute-resolution process from written request through closeout
Your checkpoint
A sample eight-clause roofing contract plus a completed progress-billing worksheet with retainage calculated correctly.
Roofing Systems, Materials, and Installation Methods & Roof Framing, Sheathing, and Structural Considerations & Estimating, Plans, and Specifications & Safety, Codes, and Industry Standards & Business Management, Contract Law, and Project Administration
Complete a full-length 100-question timed practice exam covering all five domains
Re-study the two weakest domains identified by the practice exam, using condensed notes only
Recite the key formulas and thresholds (rafter length, squares, waste, fall protection heights, ventilation ratios, lien timelines) from memory
Assemble a final one-page master sheet of the twenty facts you are most likely to forget
Your checkpoint
A timed 100-question practice exam scored at 80% or higher, with a one-page master fact sheet written from your own error log.
Milestones
Week 4: Score 75% or higher on the 40-question Domains 1-2 diagnostic and produce a written error log naming each mistake type.
Week 6: Produce both the priced 30-square bid and the written fall-protection JHA, and confirm you can state OSHA's fall-protection trigger height and the attic ventilation ratio from memory.
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on a timed 100-question mixed exam and hold a completed one-page master fact sheet for final review.