NRCA ProCertified Asphalt Shingle Installer flashcards

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

OSHA fall protection threshold

Residential roofers must use fall protection when working 6 feet or more above a lower level, per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).

Guardrail height requirement

Top rail must be 42 inches (±3 inches) above the walking surface, with a midrail at 21 inches; must withstand 200 pounds of force.

PFAS anchor strength

Personal fall arrest anchor points must support 5,000 pounds per worker or be designed with a safety factor of at least 2 by a qualified person.

Ladder extension above roof

Extension ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the roof edge and be secured at the top; use a 4:1 angle (1 foot out for every 4 feet up).

Roof deck minimum thickness

Roof sheathing must be at least 3/8-inch nominal, but many shingle manufacturers require 15/32-inch or 1/2-inch plywood or OSB; verify manufacturer requirements.

Attic ventilation ratio

Provide 1 square foot of net free ventilating area per 150 square feet of attic floor space; use 1/300 when a vapor retarder is present and balanced intake/exhaust is provided.

Ice dam membrane placement

In areas with average January temperatures of 30°F or below, install self-adhering membrane from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.

Drip edge installation rule

At eaves, place underlayment over the drip edge; at gables, place drip edge over the underlayment, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.

Shingle fastener type

Use galvanized, zinc-coated, or aluminum roofing nails with a minimum 3/8-inch head and 12-gauge shank; staples only if allowed by manufacturer and code.

Nail placement on shingles

Drive nails 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the top edge of the exposure line (adhesive strip area) and 1 inch from each end; nails must be straight and flush.

Number of nails per shingle

Use 4 nails per shingle on slopes less than 4:12 and 6 nails on slopes of 4:12 or steeper; high-wind areas require 6 nails and a specific pattern.

Starter course overhang

Starter shingles must overhang the drip edge by 1/4 to 3/8 inch; use a manufacturer-approved starter strip, not cut-up regular shingles unless approved.

Valley flashing width

Open valleys require a minimum 24-inch-wide metal flashing centered in the valley; some manufacturers require 36 inches; never nail through the center of the flashing.

Step flashing dimensions

Use L-shaped step flashing of at least 4 inches by 4 inches by 8 inches at sidewalls; each piece must extend 4 inches up the wall and 4 inches onto the roof, overlapped 2 inches.

Chimney cricket requirement

Install a cricket (saddle) on the back side of chimneys wider than 30 inches to divert water around the chimney and prevent leaks.

Pipe boot installation

Slide a neoprene or lead boot over the pipe, set the flange in asphalt cement, and fasten with nails; the top half goes under the shingle above, bottom half over the shingle below.

Kick-out flashing purpose

At the bottom of a sidewall, a kick-out flashing diverts water away from the wall; it must extend at least 4 inches above the roof and be sealed to the wall.

Balanced attic ventilation

Provide at least 50% of the required net free ventilating area as intake (soffit) vents and the remainder as exhaust (ridge or gable) vents.

Soffit vent clearance

Use baffles to maintain a 1-inch clear air channel between insulation and the roof deck; blocked soffits reduce intake and can cause moisture problems.

Wood moisture content

Roof deck must be dry before installing underlayment and shingles; verify wood moisture content is below 19% using a moisture meter.

Vapor retarder placement

In cold climates, install a vapor retarder on the warm side of the insulation (typically the ceiling); in warm, humid climates, follow local code requirements.

Manufacturer instructions priority

Always follow the shingle manufacturer's written installation instructions; they are the primary source for nailing patterns, exposure, underlayment, and warranty conditions.

ASTM shingle standards

Asphalt shingles must meet ASTM D3462 (glass felt) or ASTM D225; underlayment must meet ASTM D226 or D4869; fasteners must meet ASTM F1667.

Wind resistance classification

Shingles are classified by wind resistance (e.g., Class D, G, or H) per ASTM D3161 or UL 997; installation must match the required nailing pattern and adhesive application.

Fire rating of shingles

Asphalt shingles are typically Class A, B, or C per UL 790 or ASTM E108; the roof assembly rating depends on the shingles, underlayment, and deck combination.

Warranty voidance risks

Failure to follow manufacturer instructions (e.g., using fewer nails, improper underlayment, or installing in cold weather without sealant) can void the warranty.

Nail pop defect

A nail pop occurs when a fastener backs out of the deck and lifts the shingle; it can cause leaks and wind damage; repair by resetting or replacing the nail and sealing.

Overdriven nail defect

An overdriven nail breaks the shingle mat, reducing wind resistance and creating a leak path; nails must be driven flush, not into the shingle surface.

Hail damage identification

Look for circular bruises or soft spots on shingles; hail hits may remove granules and expose asphalt; mark and photograph damage for insurance claims.

Leak detection methods

Use water tests or infrared cameras to locate leaks; check the attic side for water stains; common leak points are valleys, penetrations, and sidewalls.

Written contract elements

A roofing contract should include scope of work, materials (manufacturer, product line, color), start and completion dates, payment schedule, warranty terms, and cancellation rights.

Change order requirement

Any change to scope, materials, or schedule must be documented in a written change order signed by both parties before work proceeds.