Other Skilled Trades Roofing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum recommended slope for asphalt shingles according to most building codes?
- 1:12
- 2:12 (Correct answer)
- 4:12
- 6:12
Correct answer: 2:12
Most building codes require a minimum slope of 2:12 (2 inches of rise per 12 inches of run) for standard asphalt shingle installation.
Question 2: What material is most commonly used as an underlayment beneath asphalt shingles?
- Tar paper (15 lb felt) (Correct answer)
- Foam board insulation
- House wrap
- Plywood sheeting
Correct answer: Tar paper (15 lb felt)
15 lb roofing felt (tar paper) is the standard underlayment used beneath asphalt shingles to provide a secondary moisture barrier.
Question 3: A 'square' of roofing material covers how many square feet?
- 10 sq ft
- 50 sq ft
- 100 sq ft (Correct answer)
- 200 sq ft
Correct answer: 100 sq ft
One roofing square equals 100 square feet; it is the standard unit used to estimate and purchase roofing materials.
Question 4: What is the purpose of flashing in a roofing system?
- To add decorative trim along eaves
- To prevent water infiltration at joints and transitions (Correct answer)
- To increase ventilation under the deck
- To hold shingles in place against wind
Correct answer: To prevent water infiltration at joints and transitions
Flashing is metal (usually galvanized steel or aluminum) installed at roof transitions, valleys, and penetrations to redirect water away from vulnerable joints.
Question 5: Which type of roof valley method weaves shingles from both roof planes together across the valley?
- Open valley
- Closed-cut valley
- Woven valley (Correct answer)
- Step-flashed valley
Correct answer: Woven valley
In a woven valley, shingles from alternating roof planes are layered over each other, creating an interwoven pattern for a seamless appearance.
Question 6: What is the standard exposure (amount of shingle visible) for a 3-tab asphalt shingle with a 12-inch height?
- 3 inches
- 5 inches (Correct answer)
- 7 inches
- 9 inches
Correct answer: 5 inches
Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles are 12 inches tall and installed with a 5-inch exposure, providing a 2-inch overlap from the course above.
Question 7: What is the primary function of a drip edge on a roof?
- To secure the first course of shingles
- To direct water off the roof edge and away from the fascia (Correct answer)
- To provide extra insulation at the eave
- To anchor the gutter system to the roof deck
Correct answer: To direct water off the roof edge and away from the fascia
Drip edge is a metal flashing installed at roof edges that channels water away from the fascia board and into the gutter, preventing wood rot.
Other Skilled Trades Roofing 1
What is the minimum recommended slope for asphalt shingles according to most building codes?