Residential Roofing
What the exam tests
Residential Roofing tests steep-slope roof coverings, their installation details, and the difference between storm damage, installation defects, and normal aging. Expect questions on asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, wood shakes and shingles, slate, metal, underlayment, flashing, fasteners, and ventilation.
Core rules and concepts
- Slope: steep-slope is greater than 3:12; low-slope is 3:12 or less. Residential steep-slope assemblies normally require underlayment, and an ice barrier where the adopted code requires it.
- Asphalt shingles: know 3-tab versus laminated construction and the wind ratings. ASTM D3161 classes are A/D/F = 60/90/110 mph; ASTM D7158 classes are D/G/H = 90/120/150 mph. The seal strip is part of the wind-resistance system.
- Tile: clay tile is covered by ASTM C1167 and concrete tile by ASTM C1492. Check for cracked or slipped units, exposed underlayment, broken fasteners, and displaced ridge or hip pieces.
- Wood and slate: look for split or missing units, fastener withdrawal, decay, and broken keyways. Old brittle units may break from foot traffic rather than wind.
- Metal: oil canning is usually cosmetic; fastener pull-out, seam opening, panel deformation, and lifted edge metal are functional concerns.
- Flashing and fasteners: valleys, step flashings, counterflashing, pipe boots, and nail placement explain many leaks that are not storm damage.
Worked example
A 4:12 roof has 15-year-old laminated shingles rated ASTM D3161 Class F (110 mph). After a reported 65 mph gust, tabs are missing on the south slope. Remaining seal strips are still sealed, the missing tabs show no crease or mat tearing typical of uplift, many nails are placed high, the shingles are brittle, and there is no matching debris in the yard. Reasoning: the reported wind is below the assembly rating; true uplift usually leaves evidence of seal-strip release or creasing; high nails reduce wind resistance; and the damage pattern is scattered rather than concentrated at edges, ridges, or gables. The better classification is installation/age-related condition, not wind damage.
Traps that cost marks
Granule loss, algae staining, and blisters are not wind damage. Missing shingles alone do not prove wind; check seal strips, creases, fasteners, and collateral debris. Do not confuse hail fractures with wind tears, and do not overlook foot traffic or prior repairs.
Key points
- Steep slope is >3:12; verify underlayment, ice barrier, flashing, and fasteners before calling wind damage.
- Asphalt wind classes: ASTM D3161 A/D/F = 60/90/110 mph; ASTM D7158 D/G/H = 90/120/150 mph.
- Functional damage impairs weather resistance or service life; cosmetic damage such as granules or stains does not.
- Uplift evidence includes broken seal strips, creased or torn mats, displaced tabs, and matching debris.
- High nails, brittle aged shingles, foot traffic, and installation defects can mimic wind damage.