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InterNACHI Roof Inspector study materials
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InterNACHI Roof Inspector practice questions

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Question 1Roofing materials and components

When inspecting an asphalt shingle roof, which component is installed beneath the shingles along the eaves to prevent water from backing up under the shingle courses?

  1. Ice barrier membrane Correct answer.
  2. Ridge cap
  3. Underlayment
  4. Drip edge

Explanation

An ice barrier membrane is a self-adhering waterproof layer installed along the eaves and in valleys to stop water that backs up from entering the roof deck. Standard underlayment is not waterproof enough for ice-dam protection, so the membrane is applied first at these vulnerable locations.

Question 2Roofing materials and components

A roof inspection reveals that the asphalt shingles have lost most of their mineral granules and the exposed mat is visible. What is the most significant consequence of this condition for the homeowner?

  1. Reduced roof dead load
  2. Increased attic ventilation
  3. Improved wind uplift resistance
  4. Accelerated deterioration of the shingle mat Correct answer.

Explanation

Mineral granules shield the asphalt and fiberglass mat from ultraviolet light and mechanical wear. Once they are lost and the mat is exposed, UV degradation and weathering proceed rapidly, shortening the roof's service life. Granule loss does not increase wind resistance or improve ventilation.

Question 3Roofing materials and components

Which roof covering material is commonly installed in a double-coverage pattern so that each unit overlaps two courses below, providing redundancy against moisture intrusion?

  1. Clay barrel tiles
  2. Asphalt three-tab shingles
  3. Standing-seam metal panels
  4. Wood shakes Correct answer.

Explanation

Wood shakes are typically laid in a double-coverage pattern, meaning each shake overlaps the two courses below it, so any single shake failure does not open a direct path to the deck. This redundancy is characteristic of shake installation. Metal panels and three-tab shingles use different overlap strategies.

Question 4Roofing materials and components

What is the primary function of a roof underlayment beneath asphalt shingles?

  1. To insulate the attic space
  2. To support the weight of the shingles
  3. To fasten the shingles to the roof deck
  4. To provide a secondary moisture barrier and separate shingles from the deck Correct answer.

Explanation

Underlayment acts as a secondary weather barrier that sheds water that gets past the shingles and prevents direct contact between shingles and the deck. It is not a structural or fastening element and provides negligible insulation value.

Question 5Roofing materials and components

During a roof inspection, you observe that the ridge of an asphalt shingle roof is capped with pre-manufactured ridge shingles. What is the main purpose of this ridge cap?

  1. To cover the hip and ridge intersections and shed water at the peak Correct answer.
  2. To reinforce the roof deck at the peak
  3. To increase attic ventilation
  4. To support the weight of the shingles below

Explanation

Ridge caps are bent shingle units that cover the vulnerable intersection at the ridge or hip, shedding water away from the joint where two roof planes meet. They are not ventilation devices or structural reinforcement.

Question 6Roofing materials and components

Which metal is most commonly used for residential roof flashings because it resists corrosion while remaining highly malleable for bending around roof penetrations?

  1. Aluminum Correct answer.
  2. Lead-coated copper
  3. Cast iron
  4. Galvanized steel

Explanation

Aluminum flashing is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily bent to conform to roof penetrations and valleys, making it a common choice for residential flashing. Cast iron is brittle and heavy, and lead-coated copper is used but is costlier and less common.

Question 7Roofing materials and components

What does the term 'pitch' refer to when describing a roof?

  1. The spacing of the roof rafters
  2. The width of the eave overhang
  3. The slope of the roof expressed as rise over run Correct answer.
  4. The thickness of the roof sheathing

Explanation

Pitch (or slope) describes the incline of a roof surface as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. It is independent of sheathing thickness, rafter spacing, and overhang dimensions, which are separate construction details.

Question 8Roofing materials and components

Which of the following best describes the appearance of a hip roof?

  1. A roof with a slope of less than 2:12
  2. A single sloping plane attached to a taller wall
  3. Two sloping planes that meet at a central ridge with gable ends
  4. All sides slope downward to the walls with no vertical gable ends Correct answer.

Explanation

A hip roof slopes down on all sides toward the exterior walls, with no vertical gable ends, and its planes meet at hips and a ridge. Gable roofs, by contrast, have two sloping planes and vertical triangular end walls.

Question 9Roofing materials and components

A roof has a slope of 4:12. How much vertical rise occurs over a horizontal run of 12 feet?

  1. 8 feet
  2. 4 feet Correct answer.
  3. 2 feet
  4. 6 feet

Explanation

A 4:12 slope means 4 units of vertical rise for every 12 units of horizontal run. Over a 12-foot run, the rise is therefore 4 feet.

Question 10Roofing materials and components

An inspector finds that the step flashing along a sidewall where a roof meets a vertical wall is installed without being integrated into the wall cladding. What is the most likely result?

  1. The shingles will not adhere to the wall
  2. Attic ventilation will be blocked
  3. The roof deck will lose structural support
  4. Water can migrate behind the flashing and into the wall assembly Correct answer.

Explanation

Step flashing must be layered with the wall cladding or siding so that water sheds over it rather than behind it. If the flashing is not integrated into the cladding, water running down the wall can pass behind the flashing and enter the wall assembly.

Question 11Roofing materials and components

In a valley where two roof planes meet, which flashing method relies on an open metal channel to carry water away and is commonly used with tile or where debris accumulation is a concern?

  1. Open valley Correct answer.
  2. Closed-cut valley
  3. Cricket valley
  4. Woven valley

Explanation

An open valley exposes a metal pan along the center of the valley so water flows directly in the channel, and it is easier to clear of debris. Closed-cut and woven valleys conceal the flashing beneath shingle courses, while a cricket is a diverter used above a chimney.

Question 12Roofing materials and components

An inspector observes that fasteners on a standing-seam metal roof are exposed and the panels are lapped rather than raised at the seams. Which installation characteristic does this suggest?

  1. A structural standing-seam system
  2. A through-fastened metal panel system Correct answer.
  3. A concealed-fastener standing-seam system
  4. A batten-seam system

Explanation

Through-fastened metal panels are attached with exposed screws driven through the panel face and rely on lapped seams, unlike standing-seam systems where seams are raised and fasteners are concealed. The presence of exposed fasteners and lapped panels identifies the through-fastened type.

Question 13Roofing materials and components

What is the purpose of a cricket (saddle) installed on the uphill side of a chimney?

  1. To divert water around the chimney and prevent ponding or leakage Correct answer.
  2. To provide combustion air to the chimney
  3. To support the chimney's weight
  4. To anchor the chimney flashing to the deck

Explanation

A cricket is a small peaked roof built on the uphill side of a chimney to shed water around it, preventing water from pooling against the chimney and forcing it into the flashing. It does not support the chimney or supply combustion air.

Question 14Roofing materials and components

During inspection, you find that the drip edge at the eaves is installed over the underlayment rather than beneath it. Why is this considered a defect?

  1. It blocks attic ventilation at the soffit
  2. It reduces the wind uplift rating of the shingles
  3. It prevents the shingles from lying flat
  4. It allows water to get behind the drip edge and under the underlayment Correct answer.

Explanation

At the eaves, the underlayment should lap over the drip edge so water draining down the underlayment sheds onto the metal and off the roof. When the drip edge is placed over the underlayment, water can run behind the metal edge and wick into the fascia or deck.

Question 15Roofing materials and components

Which type of roof covering is typically installed over a minimum slope of 2.5:12 and uses interlocking or overlapping panels with concealed fasteners, often on low-slope commercial roofs?

  1. Wood shingles
  2. Asphalt three-tab shingles
  3. Standing-seam metal Correct answer.
  4. Clay tile

Explanation

Standing-seam metal roofing can be used on low slopes (commonly down to about 2.5:12 or lower with proper seams) and uses concealed fasteners within the raised seams. Shingles and tile generally require steeper minimum slopes unless special underlayment systems are used.

Question 16Roofing materials and components

An inspector notices that the soffit vents on a house are blocked by attic insulation. What effect does this have on the roof assembly?

  1. It increases the wind uplift resistance of the shingles
  2. It increases the risk of moisture buildup and ice damming Correct answer.
  3. It improves the effectiveness of the ridge vent
  4. It reduces the dead load on the roof structure

Explanation

Soffit vents supply intake air for attic ventilation; if insulation blocks them, the attic cannot exhaust moisture properly, raising humidity and contributing to condensation and ice damming. Blocking intake vents does not improve ridge vent performance.

Question 17Roofing materials and components

Which roof component is designed to allow water that enters behind siding or above flashing to drain out at the roof-wall intersection?

  1. Ridge vent
  2. Felt underlayment
  3. Kick-out flashing Correct answer.
  4. Hip cap

Explanation

Kick-out flashing is a diverter at the bottom of a wall-roof intersection that directs water away from the wall and out onto the roof, preventing it from running down inside the wall. Ridge vents, underlayment, and hip caps serve different functions.

Question 18Roofing materials and components

A homeowner reports that a shingle roof installed on a 3:12 slope is leaking. Which installation factor is most likely to contribute to the leak on this low-slope roof?

  1. The use of ridge caps instead of hip caps
  2. The use of a single layer of standard underlayment instead of a double layer or low-slope system Correct answer.
  3. The presence of soffit vents
  4. The use of aluminum drip edge

Explanation

Asphalt shingles on slopes below about 4:12 need enhanced underlayment (often a double layer or self-adhering membrane) because water moves more slowly and can back up under shingle laps. A single standard layer is inadequate for this low slope, increasing leak risk.

Question 19Roofing materials and components

Which term describes the horizontal distance a roof overhangs beyond the exterior wall?

  1. Fascia
  2. Soffit
  3. Rake
  4. Overhang Correct answer.

Explanation

The overhang is the horizontal projection of the roof beyond the supporting wall. The rake is the sloped edge at a gable, the soffit is the underside surface, and the fascia is the trim at the eave edge.

Question 20Roofing materials and components

An inspector finds that a masonry chimney taller than 30 inches wide has no cricket on its uphill side. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. This is acceptable because crickets are only needed on chimneys wider than 48 inches
  2. This is a defect only if the roof slope is below 2:12
  3. This is a defect because chimneys wider than 30 inches should have a cricket to divert water Correct answer.
  4. This is acceptable because the chimney flashing alone handles all water

Explanation

A cricket is generally required on the uphill side of chimneys wider than 30 inches to divert water around the obstruction and prevent ponding against the flashing. The absence of a cricket on a wide chimney is a recognized defect.

Question 21Roofing materials and components

Two roofers debate whether to install a self-adhering ice barrier membrane over the entire roof deck versus only at the eaves and valleys. Which statement best reflects accepted practice?

  1. It should be installed only at the ridge
  2. It should cover the entire deck on every roof regardless of climate
  3. It is typically required only at the eaves and in valleys where ice damming occurs Correct answer.
  4. It replaces the need for underlayment entirely

Explanation

Ice barrier membrane is generally required at the eaves (extending up from the edge) and in valleys, the locations most vulnerable to ice-dam backup. Full-deck coverage is not standard practice everywhere, and the membrane supplements rather than replaces underlayment.

Question 22Roofing materials and components

An inspector observes diagonal cracking and displacement in the roof sheathing panels, with visible gaps at the panel edges. Which condition is the most probable cause?

  1. Improperly installed ridge vent
  2. Excessive attic insulation
  3. Normal expansion of the shingles
  4. Inadequate panel spacing or fastener withdrawal allowing movement Correct answer.

Explanation

Roof sheathing panels require proper edge spacing and adequate fastening; if panels are butted too tightly or fasteners withdraw, the panels can move and crack or displace. Shingle expansion, insulation, and ridge vents do not cause sheathing panel cracking.

Question 23Roofing materials and components

A metal roof is being inspected after several years in a coastal environment. White powdery deposits and pitting are visible on the panels. Which factor most likely explains this deterioration?

  1. Excessive roof slope
  2. Galvanic corrosion caused by dissimilar metals or salt exposure Correct answer.
  3. Insufficient attic ventilation
  4. Improperly installed ridge cap

Explanation

Coastal salt exposure and contact between dissimilar metals can drive galvanic corrosion, producing powdery deposits and pitting on metal panels. Ventilation, ridge caps, and slope do not cause this type of surface corrosion.

Question 24Roofing materials and components

An inspector is evaluating a roof with a slope of 12:12. Which statement about walking and inspecting this roof is most accurate?

  1. It is a flat roof with no slope
  2. It requires no fall protection because the slope is high
  3. It is a low-slope roof that can be walked safely without special equipment
  4. It is a steep-slope roof requiring appropriate safety measures and may be unsafe to walk Correct answer.

Explanation

A 12:12 slope is a steep-slope roof (45 degrees), which is generally unsafe to walk without proper fall protection and specialized techniques. Inspectors should recognize steep-slope conditions and use appropriate safety measures or alternative inspection methods.

Question 25Roofing materials and components

A roof inspection reveals that the flashing around a plumbing vent stack is cracked and pulling away from the pipe. What is the most appropriate conclusion?

  1. The roof deck is overloaded
  2. The attic ventilation is excessive
  3. A potential water entry point exists at the vent penetration Correct answer.
  4. The vent stack is structurally inadequate

Explanation

Cracked or separated vent-stack flashing creates a direct path for water to enter the roof assembly around the pipe penetration. This is a defect requiring repair, not evidence of structural inadequacy or ventilation problems.

Question 26Roofing materials and components

Which asphalt shingle component is embedded in the coating to increase resistance to ultraviolet degradation and weathering?

  1. The mineral granules Correct answer.
  2. The asphalt coating
  3. The self-sealing adhesive strip
  4. The fiberglass mat

Explanation

Mineral granules are applied to the asphalt coating to shield the asphalt from ultraviolet light, which would otherwise oxidize and embrittle the shingle prematurely. The granules also add color and surface texture.

Question 27Roofing materials and components

When inspecting a roof covered with concrete or clay tiles, which condition is most likely to indicate that the underlayment has failed?

  1. Loose tiles at the eave overhang
  2. Broken tiles scattered along the ridge line
  3. Water staining on the sheathing visible from the attic Correct answer.
  4. Uniform fading of the tile color across the roof plane

Explanation

Tile roofs rely on the underlayment as the primary water barrier because the tiles themselves shed most water but are not fully watertight. Staining or decay of the sheathing seen from the attic indicates that water has passed the underlayment, which is the layer that should have kept the deck dry.

Question 28Roofing materials and components

Which characteristic distinguishes a wood shake from a wood shingle?

  1. Shakes are always installed with a keyway, while shingles are not.
  2. Shingles are made only from cedar, while shakes are made only from pine.
  3. Shingles are installed with nails, while shakes are installed only with staples.
  4. Shakes are split or sawn to a thicker, more textured profile, while shingles are sawn to a thinner, more uniform taper. Correct answer.

Explanation

Shakes are typically split from the log, producing a rough, thick, textured surface, or sawn to a heavy profile. Shingles are sawn to a thinner, more uniform shape with a taper that allows them to lie flat and shed water.

Question 29Roofing materials and components

An inspector observes that the ridge of a gable roof has no ridge vent and the soffit vents are open. Which statement best describes the ventilation condition?

  1. The roof has balanced intake and exhaust ventilation.
  2. The roof is sealed and does not require ventilation because it has soffit vents.
  3. The roof has intake ventilation but lacks a high exhaust path, so attic heat and moisture may not be effectively removed. Correct answer.
  4. The roof has exhaust ventilation but no intake, creating a negative pressure in the attic.

Explanation

Effective attic ventilation requires both intake at the low points, such as soffits, and exhaust at the high points, such as a ridge vent. With soffit vents open but no ridge vent, air can enter but has no dedicated high outlet, so heat and moisture may accumulate.

Question 30Roofing materials and components

Which type of underlayment is most appropriate beneath a steep-slope asphalt shingle roof where the deck will be covered for several weeks before shingles are installed?

  1. A self-adhering ice barrier membrane over the entire deck
  2. A polyethylene vapor barrier
  3. A synthetic polymer underlayment rated for prolonged exposure Correct answer.
  4. A single layer of 15-pound asphalt-saturated felt

Explanation

Synthetic underlayments are typically more tear-resistant and resistant to UV exposure than felt, making them suitable when the roof will remain uncovered for an extended period. Felt can wrinkle and degrade when exposed to weather for weeks.

Question 31Roofing materials and components

What is the primary function of a roof valley?

  1. To provide a decorative break between roof planes
  2. To allow ventilation air to enter the attic
  3. To support the ridge board at the peak of the roof
  4. To collect and channel water from two intersecting roof planes to the gutter or eave Correct answer.

Explanation

A valley is formed where two roof planes meet at an inside angle, and it concentrates runoff from both planes. Proper valley flashing is essential to carry that water safely to the eave without leaking into the structure.

Question 32Roofing materials and components

During an inspection of a low-slope roof, you observe widespread blistering of the built-up roofing membrane. Which condition is the most likely cause?

  1. Insufficient gravel surfacing
  2. Moisture trapped between the plies during installation Correct answer.
  3. Use of too many plies in the membrane
  4. Excessive slope of the roof deck

Explanation

Blisters in built-up roofing typically form when moisture or air is trapped between plies or between the membrane and the deck. Solar heating vaporizes the moisture, and the resulting pressure pushes the plies apart, creating a blister.

Question 33Roofing materials and components

Which component is installed at the eave to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter?

  1. The rake edge
  2. The drip edge Correct answer.
  3. The valley flashing
  4. The ridge cap

Explanation

Drip edge is a metal flashing installed along the eave and rake edges to shed water clear of the fascia and into the gutter. At the eave, it is typically installed under the underlayment and over the fascia.

Question 34Roofing materials and components

An inspector finds that a plumbing vent stack on a shingle roof has a lead boot that is torn at the top where it meets the pipe. What is the most likely consequence?

  1. The vent pipe may become clogged with debris.
  2. The shingles around the boot will begin to curl upward.
  3. Water can enter the attic space around the pipe during rain. Correct answer.
  4. The vent stack may separate from the drain line below.

Explanation

The boot seals the penetration where the vent pipe passes through the roof. A tear at the top of the boot breaks that seal, allowing rainwater to run down the pipe and into the attic or wall cavity.

Question 35Roofing materials and components

Which statement accurately describes the installation of step flashing at a sidewall?

  1. Step flashing is installed only at the eave and not along the vertical wall.
  2. Step flashing consists of individual L-shaped pieces interwoven with each course of roof covering. Correct answer.
  3. Step flashing is nailed through its face to the wall sheathing.
  4. Step flashing is installed in one continuous piece along the entire wall.

Explanation

Step flashing is made up of individual pieces, each bent to form an L that extends onto the roof deck and up the wall. Each piece is installed with the roof covering course so that water is shed stepwise down the wall.

Question 36Roofing materials and components

What is the purpose of a kick-out flashing at the bottom of a roof-to-wall intersection?

  1. To provide a vent opening for the wall cavity
  2. To divert water away from the wall and into the gutter Correct answer.
  3. To anchor the gutter to the fascia
  4. To support the bottom edge of the siding

Explanation

Kick-out flashing is installed at the lower end of a step-flashed wall intersection to direct water out and away from the wall, preventing it from running down the wall and into the siding or foundation.

Question 37Roofing materials and components

Which of the following best describes the appearance of a gable roof?

  1. A single sloping plane draining to one side
  2. Two sloping planes on each side of a ridge, with the lower plane steeper than the upper
  3. Two sloping planes meeting at a ridge, with triangular gable ends Correct answer.
  4. Four sloping planes meeting at a central point

Explanation

A gable roof has two sloping planes that meet at a ridge, and the end walls form triangles beneath the roof edges. This is the most common roof form on residential buildings.

Question 38Roofing materials and components

A metal roof on a coastal home shows white, powdery deposits and pitting on the panels. Which metal is most likely to exhibit this type of corrosion?

  1. Stainless steel
  2. Aluminum Correct answer.
  3. Copper
  4. Lead-coated copper

Explanation

Aluminum is susceptible to chloride-induced corrosion in coastal environments, which appears as white powdery deposits and pitting. Copper, stainless steel, and lead-coated copper are more resistant to salt spray.

Question 39Roofing materials and components

Which condition would most likely cause premature failure of a built-up roof membrane at a drain?

  1. The roof has a gravel surface.
  2. The membrane is turned up into the drain clamping ring.
  3. The drain strainer is missing and debris has clogged the leader. Correct answer.
  4. The drain is set at the low point of the roof.

Explanation

A missing strainer allows leaves and debris to enter and clog the leader, causing water to pond at the drain. Prolonged ponding stresses the membrane and flashing and can lead to leaks and premature failure.

Question 40Roofing materials and components

Which statement about the installation of asphalt shingles on a roof with a slope of 4:12 is correct?

  1. A single layer of underlayment is required, and shingles may be installed with standard fastening. Correct answer.
  2. Shingles must be installed with six nails per shingle regardless of wind zone.
  3. No underlayment is required because the slope is steep enough.
  4. A double layer of underlayment is required, and shingles must be hand-sealed.

Explanation

For slopes between 4:12 and 6:12, a single layer of underlayment is typically acceptable under asphalt shingles, and standard fastening applies. Double underlayment is generally required for slopes below 4:12.

Question 41Roofing materials and components

What is the primary purpose of a ridge vent on a shingle roof?

  1. To increase the structural rigidity of the roof at the peak
  2. To allow hot, moist air to exhaust from the attic at the highest point Correct answer.
  3. To provide a mounting surface for the ridge cap shingles
  4. To prevent water from entering at the ridge during wind-driven rain

Explanation

A ridge vent is a continuous exhaust vent installed at the peak of the roof. Because hot air rises, the ridge is the most effective location to exhaust attic heat and moisture, working in conjunction with soffit intake vents.

Question 42Roofing materials and components

An inspector observes that the shingles on a roof are curling and clawing, and the roof is approximately 15 years old. Which factor is most likely contributing to this condition?

  1. Excessive roof slope
  2. Installation of a drip edge
  3. Inadequate attic ventilation Correct answer.
  4. Use of too many fasteners

Explanation

Poor attic ventilation allows heat and moisture to build up, accelerating the deterioration of asphalt shingles and causing them to curl and claw. This is a common cause of premature shingle failure.

Question 43Roofing materials and components

Which type of roof covering is typically installed on a slope as low as 2:12 when installed with a double layer of underlayment?

  1. Wood shakes
  2. Standing-seam metal panels Correct answer.
  3. Clay tiles
  4. Asphalt shingles

Explanation

Standing-seam metal roofs can be installed on slopes as low as 2:12 when a double layer of underlayment is used, because the raised seams and concealed fasteners provide good water shedding. Asphalt shingles generally require a minimum slope of 2:12 with special underlayment, but 4:12 is more typical.

Question 44Roofing materials and components

What is the function of a cricket on the uphill side of a chimney?

  1. To divert water around the chimney and prevent ponding Correct answer.
  2. To provide a vent for the chimney flue
  3. To support the chimney flashing
  4. To anchor the chimney to the roof structure

Explanation

A cricket is a small, sloped roof structure built on the uphill side of a chimney wider than 30 inches. It diverts water around the chimney, preventing it from pooling against the flashing and causing leaks.

Question 45Roofing materials and components

During a roof inspection, you observe that the roof sheathing is sagging between rafters. Which is the most likely cause?

  1. The underlayment is installed incorrectly.
  2. The sheathing panels are too thin for the rafter spacing. Correct answer.
  3. The roof has a ridge vent.
  4. The shingles are installed with too few nails.

Explanation

Sagging between rafters typically indicates that the sheathing is too thin or the rafter spacing is too wide for the load. This can lead to structural problems and should be noted in the inspection report.

Question 46Roofing materials and components

Which statement about the installation of ice barrier membrane is correct?

  1. It is installed over the shingles at the eaves.
  2. It is installed only at the eaves and in valleys. Correct answer.
  3. It is installed under the underlayment at the eaves and in valleys.
  4. It is installed over the entire roof deck in all climates.

Explanation

Ice barrier membrane is typically installed along the eaves and in valleys, where ice dams are most likely to form. It is applied directly to the roof deck and under the underlayment to provide a waterproof barrier.

Question 47Roofing materials and components

An inspector finds that a masonry chimney is 40 inches wide and has no cricket. What is the correct observation?

  1. This is acceptable because chimneys wider than 30 inches do not require a cricket.
  2. A cricket is never required for masonry chimneys.
  3. A cricket is required for chimneys wider than 30 inches, so its absence is a defect. Correct answer.
  4. A cricket is required only for chimneys taller than 30 inches.

Explanation

Building codes generally require a cricket on the uphill side of a chimney wider than 30 inches to divert water around it. A 40-inch-wide chimney without a cricket is therefore a defect that can lead to water intrusion.

Question 48Roofing materials and components

Which component is used to seal the joint between a roof and a vertical wall where the roof slope is steep?

  1. Step flashing Correct answer.
  2. Valley flashing
  3. Apron flashing
  4. Cricket

Explanation

Step flashing is used where a sloping roof meets a vertical wall, with individual pieces interwoven with the roof covering to shed water. Apron flashing is used at the base of a chimney or wall on a low-slope roof.

Question 49Roofing materials and components

A roof has a slope of 6:12. What is the angle of the roof in degrees, approximately?

  1. 26.6 degrees Correct answer.
  2. 18.4 degrees
  3. 33.7 degrees
  4. 45 degrees

Explanation

The slope 6:12 means 6 units of rise for every 12 units of run, so the tangent of the angle is 0.5. The arctangent of 0.5 is approximately 26.6 degrees.

Question 50Roofing materials and components

Which statement best describes the purpose of a roof underlayment?

  1. To insulate the roof deck
  2. To add structural strength to the roof sheathing
  3. To provide a smooth surface for the roof covering
  4. To provide a secondary water barrier and protect the roof deck before the covering is installed Correct answer.

Explanation

Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof layer installed over the roof deck and under the roof covering. It provides a secondary barrier against water intrusion and protects the deck from weather during construction.