Roof Sailing Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a drip edge on a roof?
- To add decorative trim along the eave
- To direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter (Correct answer)
- To secure the first course of shingles
- To ventilate the attic space
Correct answer: To direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter
A drip edge directs water runoff away from the fascia board and into the gutter, preventing moisture damage.
Question 2: Which underlayment is best suited for use under metal roofing in hot climates?
- Standard 15-lb felt
- Self-adhering modified bitumen
- High-temperature synthetic underlayment (Correct answer)
- Fiberglass-reinforced felt
Correct answer: High-temperature synthetic underlayment
High-temperature synthetic underlayments are engineered to withstand the heat buildup that occurs under metal roofing panels.
Question 3: What does a roof's 'pitch' describe?
- The thickness of the shingles used
- The vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run (Correct answer)
- The weight load the deck can support
- The angle of the fascia board
Correct answer: The vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run
Roof pitch is expressed as the number of inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
Question 4: When installing valley flashing, which method leaves the shingles from both roof planes trimmed back from the valley centerline?
- Closed-cut valley
- Woven valley
- Open valley (Correct answer)
- Step flashing valley
Correct answer: Open valley
An open valley exposes the metal flashing between trimmed shingles on both sides, allowing water to run freely down the center.
Question 5: How many nails are typically required per standard three-tab asphalt shingle in a high-wind zone?
- 2 nails
- 4 nails
- 6 nails (Correct answer)
- 8 nails
Correct answer: 6 nails
Most manufacturers and building codes require 6 nails per shingle in high-wind zones to prevent uplift.
Question 6: What is 'ice and water shield' primarily designed to protect against?
- UV degradation of the deck
- Water infiltration from ice dams and wind-driven rain (Correct answer)
- Moss and algae growth on shingles
- Condensation inside the attic
Correct answer: Water infiltration from ice dams and wind-driven rain
Ice and water shield is a self-adhering membrane that seals around nails to prevent water from ice dams or wind-driven rain from penetrating the deck.
Question 7: Which type of roof vent is installed at the peak of the roof to allow hot air to escape?
- Soffit vent
- Gable vent
- Ridge vent (Correct answer)
- Turbine vent
Correct answer: Ridge vent
A ridge vent runs along the peak of the roof and works with soffit vents to create continuous airflow that exhausts hot air.
Roof Sailing Knowledge 2
What is the primary purpose of a drip edge on a roof?