ASHI Exterior & Roofing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of ice and water shield membrane installed at roof eaves?
- Improve the wind resistance of the first shingle course
- Provide a waterproof barrier against ice dam water infiltration (Correct answer)
- Increase the thermal insulation value of the roof assembly
- Protect the underlayment from UV exposure
Correct answer: Provide a waterproof barrier against ice dam water infiltration
Ice and water shield is a self-adhering waterproof membrane that prevents water backed up behind ice dams from infiltrating the roof deck.
Question 2: During an exterior inspection, an inspector finds that downspout extensions are missing. Why is this reported as a deficiency?
- Extensions are required by all local building codes
- Water discharges too close to the foundation, risking water intrusion (Correct answer)
- Missing extensions void the gutter warranty
- Downspouts without extensions are a tripping hazard only
Correct answer: Water discharges too close to the foundation, risking water intrusion
Without extensions, downspouts discharge water immediately adjacent to the foundation, increasing the risk of basement or crawlspace water intrusion.
Question 3: A home inspector observes that roof valley flashing appears to be open (exposed metal) rather than closed (covered by shingles). What should the inspector note?
- This is a deficiency requiring immediate replacement
- Open valleys are an acceptable method if properly installed (Correct answer)
- Closed valleys are the only approved installation method
- Open valleys are only acceptable on low-slope roofs
Correct answer: Open valleys are an acceptable method if properly installed
Open metal valley flashing is an acceptable and often preferable installation method when properly installed with correct materials and dimensions.
Question 4: What is the significance of 'fish-mouthing' observed on asphalt shingles?
- It indicates the shingles were installed in cold weather without warming
- The shingle tabs have lifted and curled at the butt edges, indicating aging or improper sealing (Correct answer)
- Fish-mouthing describes hail impact craters on the shingle surface
- It is a style variation in architectural shingles only
Correct answer: The shingle tabs have lifted and curled at the butt edges, indicating aging or improper sealing
Fish-mouthing occurs when shingle tab edges curl upward, creating an opening that can allow wind uplift and water infiltration, indicating material aging.
Question 5: Which exterior condition most directly indicates that the home has inadequate grading away from the foundation?
- Efflorescence on the exterior foundation wall (Correct answer)
- Stair-step cracking in brick veneer at the corners
- Vegetation growing against the foundation wall
- Paint peeling on the lower portion of exterior siding
Correct answer: Efflorescence on the exterior foundation wall
Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on foundation walls indicates moisture moving through the masonry, often caused by water pooling against the foundation due to flat or negative grading.
Question 6: An inspector sees that aluminum flashing has been installed in direct contact with masonry mortar containing Portland cement. What is the concern?
- Aluminum expands more than masonry in heat, causing stress
- Alkaline cement causes galvanic corrosion of aluminum flashing (Correct answer)
- Aluminum flashing is not approved for chimney applications
- The contact reduces the flashing's fire resistance rating
Correct answer: Alkaline cement causes galvanic corrosion of aluminum flashing
Portland cement mortar is highly alkaline and causes accelerated corrosion of aluminum flashing through a chemical reaction, compromising its waterproofing effectiveness.
Question 7: What roofing condition is described when shingles lose their flat position and develop a raised center with edges that remain flat, forming a 'tent' shape?
- Cupping
- Clawing (Correct answer)
- Ridging
- Blistering
Correct answer: Clawing
Clawing occurs when shingle centers remain flat while edges curl downward or the center raises up, indicating moisture damage or age-related failure.
ASHI Exterior & Roofing 4
What is the primary function of ice and water shield membrane installed at roof eaves?