GAF Roof System Design & Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a drip edge on a roof system?
- To hold shingles in place at the ridge
- To direct water away from the fascia into the gutter (Correct answer)
- To seal the roof deck at the eaves
- To provide ventilation at the eaves
Correct answer: To direct water away from the fascia into the gutter
Drip edge directs water runoff away from the fascia board and into the gutter, preventing water damage to the underlying structure.
Question 2: When inspecting a roof for hail damage, which characteristic distinguishes functional damage from cosmetic damage on asphalt shingles?
- Discoloration of the shingle surface
- Loss of granules exposing the mat or fiberglass substrate (Correct answer)
- Minor surface scuffing with no granule loss
- Slight indentation without granule displacement
Correct answer: Loss of granules exposing the mat or fiberglass substrate
Functional hail damage occurs when granule loss exposes the underlying mat or fiberglass, compromising the shingle's ability to protect the roof.
Question 3: What is the minimum recommended slope for standard three-tab asphalt shingles per most manufacturer guidelines?
- 1:12
- 2:12 (Correct answer)
- 4:12
- 6:12
Correct answer: 2:12
Standard asphalt shingles typically require a minimum slope of 2:12 (2 inches of rise per 12 inches of run) for proper water drainage.
Question 4: In GAF's roofing system, what is the function of the starter strip at the eaves?
- To add an extra layer of insulation at the eaves
- To seal the tabs of the first course of shingles and prevent wind uplift (Correct answer)
- To provide a nailer base for gutter installation
- To act as the primary ice dam protection layer
Correct answer: To seal the tabs of the first course of shingles and prevent wind uplift
The starter strip seals the tab cutouts of the first shingle course, preventing wind-driven rain from entering beneath the shingles and providing uplift resistance.
Question 5: Which type of valley flashing method involves shingles from both roof planes being woven together at the valley?
- Open valley
- Closed-cut valley
- Woven valley (Correct answer)
- Metal valley
Correct answer: Woven valley
A woven valley interweaves shingles from both roof planes, creating a continuous surface without exposed flashing metal.
Question 6: What does a 'crickets' or 'saddle' installation behind a chimney accomplish in roof design?
- Provides structural support for the chimney
- Diverts water around the chimney to prevent ponding and leaks (Correct answer)
- Allows for chimney expansion and contraction
- Improves the aesthetic appearance of the chimney junction
Correct answer: Diverts water around the chimney to prevent ponding and leaks
A cricket or saddle is a peaked water-diverting structure built behind wide chimneys to redirect water around the chimney and prevent ponding.
Question 7: During a pre-installation inspection, what condition would require replacement of the roof deck before new shingles are installed?
- Minor surface discoloration of the plywood
- Soft spots, rot, or delamination in the deck sheathing (Correct answer)
- Nail pops less than 1/4 inch above the surface
- Slight waviness visible from the eave
Correct answer: Soft spots, rot, or delamination in the deck sheathing
Soft spots, rot, or delamination compromise the deck's structural integrity and nail-holding ability, requiring replacement before new roofing is applied.
GAF Roof System Design & Inspection 2
What is the primary purpose of a drip edge on a roof system?