Roof Sailing Roof Sailing Certification and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a manufacturer's system approval (like FM Global or UL) mean for a commercial roofing assembly?
- It means the individual materials are approved but the system is not tested
- It means the complete assembled system has been tested and meets specific performance criteria for fire, wind, and waterproofing (Correct answer)
- It is a voluntary decoration — not used in building code compliance
- It applies only to residential roofing products
Correct answer: It means the complete assembled system has been tested and meets specific performance criteria for fire, wind, and waterproofing
FM Global and UL system approvals certify that the entire roofing assembly — not just components — meets tested performance standards for fire, wind, and water resistance.
Question 2: What is a roofing permit required for in most US jurisdictions?
- Only new construction, not replacements
- Any roofing work that involves structural components or full replacement — varying by jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- Only commercial roofing projects over 10,000 sq ft
- Only when asbestos is present
Correct answer: Any roofing work that involves structural components or full replacement — varying by jurisdiction
Most jurisdictions require permits for full roof replacements or structural work; requirements vary by locality, and contractors must verify local rules before starting.
Question 3: What is the 'right of rescission' that homeowners have when signing roofing contracts in many US states?
- The right to demand a lower price after work begins
- The right to cancel a contract within 3 business days of signing, common in home improvement law (Correct answer)
- The right to withhold final payment pending inspection
- The right to replace a contractor mid-project
Correct answer: The right to cancel a contract within 3 business days of signing, common in home improvement law
Many US states extend the FTC's 3-day cooling-off rule to home improvement contracts, allowing homeowners to cancel within 3 business days of signing without penalty.
Question 4: Which organization publishes the SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual referenced by roofers for flashing details?
- National Roofing Contractors Association
- Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) (Correct answer)
- International Code Council
- American Institute of Architects
Correct answer: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
SMACNA publishes the Architectural Sheet Metal Manual, the industry standard reference for proper flashing, coping, gutter, and sheet metal detail specifications.
Question 5: What does a roofing manufacturer's NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranty typically cover?
- Manufacturer defects in materials only
- Both manufacturer defects and contractor workmanship errors, with no cap on repair/replacement cost (Correct answer)
- Labor costs only with a $10,000 limit
- Hail and wind damage only
Correct answer: Both manufacturer defects and contractor workmanship errors, with no cap on repair/replacement cost
NDL warranties cover both material defects and contractor installation errors with no monetary cap on repairs, typically requiring the manufacturer's authorized installer.
Question 6: What does the IRC (International Residential Code) require as minimum underlayment for asphalt shingles on roofs with slopes of 4:12 and greater?
- Two layers of 30-lb felt
- One layer of ASTM D226 Type I (No. 15) or equivalent (Correct answer)
- Synthetic underlayment only
- Ice and water shield over the entire deck
Correct answer: One layer of ASTM D226 Type I (No. 15) or equivalent
The IRC requires at least one layer of ASTM D226 Type I (No. 15 felt) or equivalent synthetic underlayment under asphalt shingles on slopes of 4:12 and steeper.
Roof Sailing Roof Sailing Certification and Regulations 2
What does a manufacturer's system approval (like FM Global or UL) mean for a commercial roofing assembly?