Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Roofing Systems and Materials 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a clay tile roof, a home inspector finds several cracked tiles. What is the most appropriate recommendation?
- Replace the entire roof immediately
- Seal cracks with roofing caulk as a permanent fix
- Have a qualified roofer replace cracked tiles promptly (Correct answer)
- Monitor cracks annually without immediate action
Correct answer: Have a qualified roofer replace cracked tiles promptly
Cracked clay tiles should be replaced by a qualified roofer because cracks allow water infiltration that can damage the underlayment and structure below.
Question 2: What is the term for the horizontal boards or sheet material that form the outer covering of a roof to which shingles are attached?
- Fascia
- Soffit
- Roof deck (sheathing) (Correct answer)
- Purlins
Correct answer: Roof deck (sheathing)
The roof deck or sheathing is the structural surface (typically OSB or plywood) fastened to the rafters over which underlayment and shingles are applied.
Question 3: Which of the following conditions would a home inspector report as a deficiency in chimney flashing?
- Flashing painted to match brick color
- Counter flashing embedded in mortar joints
- Step flashing sealed with caulk instead of being properly lapped (Correct answer)
- Use of lead-coated copper flashing
Correct answer: Step flashing sealed with caulk instead of being properly lapped
Step flashing must physically lap over the adjacent shingles — relying solely on caulk is not a proper installation and will fail as sealants degrade.
Question 4: A home inspector sees moss growing on the north-facing slope of a roof. What is the primary structural concern?
- Moss adds weight that can break shingles
- Moss retains moisture that accelerates shingle deterioration and decay (Correct answer)
- Moss indicates improper attic ventilation only
- Moss growth is cosmetic and poses no structural risk
Correct answer: Moss retains moisture that accelerates shingle deterioration and decay
Moss holds moisture against the roof surface, accelerating the breakdown of shingle granules and potentially causing wood rot in the underlying deck.
Question 5: What is the correct installation sequence for pipe boot (plumbing stack) flashing?
- Install boot over shingles below, then shingle over the top portion of the boot (Correct answer)
- Install boot under all surrounding shingles
- Caulk the pipe penetration without a boot flashing
- Install boot only on low-slope roofs
Correct answer: Install boot over shingles below, then shingle over the top portion of the boot
Pipe boots are installed so shingles below overlap the boot's base, while shingles above slide under the top of the boot flange to create a water-shedding overlap.
Question 6: What minimum number of nails per shingle is typically required for standard 3-tab asphalt shingles in normal wind zones?
- 2 nails
- 4 nails (Correct answer)
- 6 nails
- 8 nails
Correct answer: 4 nails
Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles require a minimum of 4 nails per shingle for adequate wind resistance in normal wind zones.
Question 7: A home inspector observes that drip edge flashing is missing at the eaves. What is the primary concern?
- Loss of curb appeal
- Water can wick back under the shingles and rot the fascia and deck edge (Correct answer)
- Improper attic ventilation
- Reduced fire resistance of the roof assembly
Correct answer: Water can wick back under the shingles and rot the fascia and deck edge
Without drip edge flashing, capillary action can draw water back under the shingles at the eave, saturating and rotting the fascia board and roof deck edge.
Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Roofing Systems and Materials 4
When inspecting a clay tile roof, a home inspector finds several cracked tiles.
What is the most appropriate recommendation?