NRCA Metal Shingle study plan

Build a one-page comparison table of metal shingle product types (stamped vs. modular panels, aluminum vs. steel vs. copper) listing panel dimensions, exposed exposure width, minimum slope per manufacturer, and weight per square

Define and correctly use at least 15 trade terms in writing: exposure, course, pan, seam, nailing flange, clip, hem, drip edge, valley pan, closure strip, underlayment lap, eave, rake, ridge, hip

Read two manufacturer installation manuals end to end and list every explicit field requirement (fastener type, fastener count per shingle, deck fastener schedule, minimum slope, substrate thickness) in a checklist

Sketch a roof plan of a simple gable with a 6:12 slope and calculate squares, starter course quantity, and ridge cap count using published coverage figures

Identify which listed panel and fastener specifications control the layout math and explain why in three sentences

Sequence the deck-to-finish assembly in writing for a 4:12 and a 3:12 roof, naming each layer and its purpose

Specify deck requirements: sheathing thickness, fastener schedule, gap tolerances, and flatness tolerance, citing where each number comes from

Select an underlayment type for each of three slope and climate scenarios and justify each choice against manufacturer and code minimums

Lay out an ice dam protection membrane zone for a 6:12 roof with a 24-inch eave overhang and describe where the membrane terminates relative to the warm wall line

Explain how underlayment laps, side laps, and end laps change with slope and describe the consequence of reversing a lap

Establish layout control lines for a gable roof: chalk a level line at the eave, mark a perpendicular reference line, and describe how to verify square

Compute course spacing and starter offset for a given panel exposure and confirm the top course lands correctly at the ridge

Write a step-by-step fastening procedure covering fastener placement in the nailing flange, fastener type and length for each substrate, drive depth, and pattern

Diagnose four common alignment failures (stair-stepping, racked courses, oil-canning, uneven exposure) and state the correction for each

Plan a roof-to-wall and roof-to-valley layout so panel edges land on framing rather than in a pan or on a seam

Detail a valley: lay out a woven, open, and closed valley in plan view and state which metal shingle products accept each method

Detail eave and rake edge metal: select drip edge profile, specify underlayment over or under the flange, and state fastener spacing

Detail sidewall, headwall, and step flashing at a roof-to-wall intersection including pan flashing and counterflashing heights

Detail a pipe penetration and a vent boot with the correct collar, sealant, and shingle interface

Explain how thermal movement allowance affects where panels are fixed versus where they float at valleys and walls

Write a fall protection plan for a 7:12 roof naming anchor type, lifeline or rope grab arrangement, and rescue plan, and identify the trigger height that requires protection

List the personal protective equipment and ladder setup requirements for steep-slope metal roofing and state the inspection steps before each use

Describe safe handling and cutting of metal panels: cut method, edge burr control, and metal shaving cleanup to prevent staining

Detail ridge, hip, and closure strip installation so the assembly sheds water and allows ventilation

Identify the hazards specific to metal roofing (electrical contact, wind uplift during staging, sharp edges, heat) and the control for each

Calculate net free ventilation area for a given attic floor area and balance intake and exhaust within the code ratio

Compare ridge vent, static vent, and gable vent options for a metal shingle roof and state the tradeoffs for each

Explain how thermal movement in metal shingles and panels is accommodated at fasteners, clips, and terminations, and describe the failure mode when it is not

Identify moisture management layers and describe what happens to each when a vapor retarder is misplaced or an underlayment is omitted

Diagnose condensation versus leak symptoms from a written scenario and state the corrective action

Build an inspection checklist covering deck, underlayment, ice dam membrane, layout, fasteners, flashing, edge metal, and ventilation, with a pass or fail criterion for each line

Write the punch-list language for five defects found in a written scenario (exposed fasteners, short laps, reversed laps, missing closure, overdriven fasteners) and the repair method for each

Locate the code provisions that govern underlayment, ice dam protection, fastener corrosion resistance, and attic ventilation and summarize each in one sentence

Describe a repair sequence for replacing a damaged metal shingle in the middle of a field without disturbing adjacent courses

Explain how to document an inspection with photos and measurements so it supports a code or warranty position

Take a 60-question timed practice exam across all domains and score it by domain

Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains and rewrite the reference sheet sections that cover them

Recite from memory the key numbers: minimum slope, fastener count per shingle, underlayment lap, ice dam membrane extent, ventilation ratio

Walk through two full scenarios (a re-roof over existing shingles and a new build with two valleys and a sidewall) and list the sequence and the controlling specification for each step

Explain aloud, in under five minutes each, the layout procedure, the valley detail, and the fall protection plan