Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Roofing Systems and Materials 5

Question 1

What does a home inspector look for when evaluating roof ventilation adequacy using the 1:150 rule?

Accepted Answer

One square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic floor area without a vapor barrier

Answer

The 1:150 ratio requires 1 square foot of net free ventilation area for every 150 square feet of attic floor space when no vapor barrier is present.

Question 2

Which condition is a home inspector MOST likely to find in a roof with insufficient attic ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Premature shingle aging and potential for ice dam formation

Answer

Poor attic ventilation traps heat and moisture, causing shingles to age prematurely from heat below and increasing the risk of ice dams in cold climates.

Question 3

What is the term for the triangular roof shape formed when two gable roofs intersect at a right angle?

Accepted Answer

Intersecting gable (cross gable)

Answer

An intersecting or cross-gable roof is formed when two gable roof sections meet perpendicularly, creating a valley where they intersect.

Question 4

A home inspector finds that roof shingles have been installed over two existing layers of roofing. What concern should be documented?

Accepted Answer

Excess weight and possible building code violation limiting re-roofing layers

Answer

Most building codes limit roofs to two layers of asphalt shingles; a third layer adds excessive weight and prevents proper inspection of the deck.

Question 5

What type of roof damage is most commonly associated with hailstorm events on asphalt shingle roofs?

Accepted Answer

Bruised or dented shingles with localized granule loss creating soft spots

Answer

Hail impact bruises asphalt shingles, knocking off granules and creating soft spots in the mat that accelerate water infiltration and shingle failure.

Home Inspector Test Practice Test

Home Inspector Test Practice Test

Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Roofing Systems and Materials 5