MA Roofing Contractor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

780 CMR

The Massachusetts State Building Code, which adopts the IBC and IRC with Massachusetts amendments and is enforced statewide by local building officials.

Two-layer reroof limit

Code allows a new roof covering over a maximum of one existing layer, for a total of two layers; a third layer requires removal of all existing coverings to the deck.

Ice barrier extension

In Massachusetts, a self-adhering waterproofing membrane must extend from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the heated building.

25 percent reroof rule

When 25 percent or more of a roof is replaced within 12 months, the entire roof must be brought into compliance with current code requirements.

Minimum steep-slope threshold

Roof coverings such as asphalt shingles require a minimum slope of 2:12; below that slope, a listed low-slope roof assembly must be used.

Double underlayment zone

On slopes from 2:12 to 4:12, asphalt shingles must be installed over two layers of underlayment instead of the single layer required on steeper roofs.

Standing seam minimum slope

Standing seam metal roof panels can be installed on slopes lower than through-fastened panels, often as low as 1:12 when the manufacturer's listed assembly permits.

Built-up roofing plies

Built-up roofing is a low-slope membrane made of at least two plies of felt or fabric set in bitumen, often surfaced with gravel, and requires a minimum slope around 1:4.

Sheathing panel edge gap

Wood structural panel roof sheathing must be spaced about 1/8 inch at panel edges to allow for expansion and prevent buckling.

Step flashing

Corrosion-resistant metal flashing installed in steps along a sidewall, with each piece lapped over the shingle course and under the next, to shed water.

Drip edge placement

Corrosion-resistant drip edge is installed under the underlayment at eaves and over the underlayment at rakes, directing water away from the fascia.

Valley flashing width

Valley flashing must be at least 12 inches wide, or wider per the manufacturer, and is installed over the underlayment beneath the roof covering.

Roof live load minimum

The code requires a minimum roof live load of 20 psf for ordinary roofs and 12 psf for certain low-slope roofs, in addition to dead, snow, and wind loads.

Slope factor formula

The roof area multiplier equals the square root of 1 plus the rise over run squared; a 6:12 roof has a factor of about 1.118.

Roof dead load

The weight of the roof covering and assembly, roughly 2 to 4 psf for asphalt shingles and 6 to 20 psf for tile or slate, must be included in structural design.

Collar ties and rafter thrust

Collar ties or ceiling joists tie opposing rafters together to resist the outward thrust that a sloped roof places on the supporting walls.

Class A roof covering

A roof covering listed as Class A under ASTM E108 or UL 790 is effective against severe fire exposure and passes a 2-hour fire test.

Class C roof covering

A Class C roof covering is effective against light fire exposure and passes only a 10-minute fire test, making it the least fire-resistant class.

Assembly fire rating

The fire classification applies to the entire roof assembly, including deck and underlayment, not just the top surface of the covering.

Occupancy separation

Fire separation between different occupancies or buildings is governed by 780 CMR Chapters 6 and 7 and depends on occupancy group and construction type.

Attic vent ratio

Attic ventilation requires at least 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic floor area, or 1:300 with a vapor barrier and balanced vents.

Intake and exhaust balance

At least 50 percent of the required attic vent area should be intake vents at the soffits, balanced with exhaust vents at the ridge or gables.

Vent space baffle

Baffles at the eaves keep insulation at least 1 inch away from the roof sheathing so soffit intake vents remain open and air can flow.

Air sealing ceiling plane

Gaps around chimneys, recessed lights, plumbing penetrations, and top plates must be sealed to stop warm moist air from entering the attic and causing condensation.

Chapter 93A

Massachusetts consumer protection statute that prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade and allows actual damages, multiple damages, and attorney's fees.

Home improvement contract

For work over $500, a written contract must list the contractor's name, address, license number, scope, materials, price, payment schedule, and dates.

Three-day rescission

Massachusetts gives consumers three business days to cancel certain home solicitation contracts, and the written notice of this right must be provided.

Construction Supervisor License

A CSL issued by the BBRS is required to supervise construction, alteration, repair, or demolition above certain thresholds, and must be renewed every two years.

CSL continuing education

Licensed construction supervisors must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education per two-year renewal cycle, including code and safety topics.

Unlicensed practice

Supervising work that requires a license without holding one is prohibited and subject to fines and cease-and-desist orders from the state.

OSHA fall protection trigger

Fall protection is required for construction employees working 6 feet or more above a lower level, under 29 CFR 1926.501.

Fall arrest anchorage

Personal fall arrest anchorage must support at least 5,000 pounds per employee, and the system must limit arresting force to 1,800 pounds.