GAF Roofing Materials & Installation Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of ice and water shield (self-adhering membrane) at roof eaves?
- To improve energy efficiency
- To protect against ice dam water infiltration (Correct answer)
- To serve as a vapor barrier for the attic
- To provide additional fire resistance
Correct answer: To protect against ice dam water infiltration
Ice and water shield creates a watertight seal at eaves and other vulnerable areas to prevent water from ice dams from penetrating under shingles and into the structure.
Question 2: Which method is correct for installing step flashing at a sidewall intersection?
- One continuous piece of flashing bent to match the wall angle
- Individual L-shaped pieces woven with each shingle course (Correct answer)
- Caulk applied along the joint without metal flashing
- Counter flashing only, without step flashing
Correct answer: Individual L-shaped pieces woven with each shingle course
Step flashing uses individual L-shaped pieces installed with each course of shingles to create a series of overlapping barriers that prevent water intrusion at sidewalls.
Question 3: What minimum roof slope is required for standard asphalt shingles without special low-slope modifications?
- 1:12
- 2:12
- 3:12 (Correct answer)
- 4:12
Correct answer: 3:12
Standard asphalt shingles require a minimum slope of 3:12; below this pitch, low-slope modified installation methods with additional underlayment are required.
Question 4: When installing ridge cap shingles, what is the correct direction relative to prevailing winds?
- Into the wind so nails are protected (Correct answer)
- With the wind to prevent uplift
- Perpendicular to the wind direction
- Wind direction does not affect ridge cap installation
Correct answer: Into the wind so nails are protected
Ridge cap shingles are installed starting from the end opposite the prevailing wind so that the exposed laps face away from driving rain, reducing the chance of wind-driven water infiltration.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a cricket or saddle on a roofing system?
- To add structural support at the ridge
- To divert water around wide chimneys or vertical walls (Correct answer)
- To improve attic ventilation near the ridge
- To provide a nailing surface for ridge caps
Correct answer: To divert water around wide chimneys or vertical walls
A cricket is a small peaked structure installed on the high side of a chimney or other projection to divert water around it and prevent pooling.
Question 6: Which roofing material has the longest expected service life under typical US residential conditions?
- 3-tab asphalt shingles
- Architectural asphalt shingles
- Wood shake shingles
- Slate tiles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Slate tiles
Natural slate is the most durable common roofing material, with a lifespan of 75–150+ years under proper installation and maintenance conditions.
Question 7: What is 'open valley' flashing and when is it typically used?
- A valley lined with metal where shingles are trimmed back from the centerline (Correct answer)
- A valley where shingles are woven across from both sides
- A valley sealed only with roofing cement without metal
- A valley used exclusively on low-slope roofs
Correct answer: A valley lined with metal where shingles are trimmed back from the centerline
In open valley installation, metal flashing is exposed in the valley and shingles are trimmed back from the centerline, allowing high water volumes to flow freely.
GAF Roofing Materials & Installation Techniques 3
What is the primary function of ice and water shield (self-adhering membrane) at roof eaves?