Shed Plans Shed Roofing and Weatherproofing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'gambrel' roof style commonly seen in barn-style shed plans?
- A flat roof with a slight slope
- A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper (Correct answer)
- A hip roof with four equal sides
- A skillion (mono-pitch) roof
Correct answer: A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper
A gambrel roof has two different slopes on each side — a steep lower slope and a shallower upper slope — maximizing headroom and loft storage space.
Question 2: Which nail length is typically used to fasten asphalt shingles to a shed roof deck?
- 1-inch roofing nails
- 1-3/4 inch roofing nails (Correct answer)
- 3-inch common nails
- 1/2-inch staples
Correct answer: 1-3/4 inch roofing nails
1-3/4 inch (or 1-1/2 inch minimum) roofing nails are the standard fastener for asphalt shingles, penetrating through the shingle and fully into the decking.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'starter strip' when installing asphalt shingles?
- To provide extra nailing for the ridge cap
- To seal the eave edge and prevent wind-driven rain from getting under the first course (Correct answer)
- To add weight to hold shingles down
- To create a decorative border
Correct answer: To seal the eave edge and prevent wind-driven rain from getting under the first course
A starter strip is installed along the eave before the first course of shingles to seal the spaces between tabs and prevent wind uplift and water infiltration.
Question 4: On a shed with a metal roof, what prevents screws from causing leaks at penetration points?
- Silicone caulk alone
- Rubber-gasketed (EPDM) hex head screws (Correct answer)
- Standard wood screws
- Metal plates welded over each screw
Correct answer: Rubber-gasketed (EPDM) hex head screws
Metal roofing screws have an EPDM rubber washer under the head that compresses when driven, creating a watertight seal around each fastener hole.
Question 5: What is 'ice and water shield' and where is it installed on a shed roof?
- A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed at eaves, valleys, and penetrations (Correct answer)
- A rigid foam panel installed under shingles
- A metal flashing at the ridge
- A sealant applied to shingle edges
Correct answer: A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed at eaves, valleys, and penetrations
Ice and water shield is a self-adhering rubberized asphalt membrane that seals around fasteners and protects vulnerable roof areas from ice dam water infiltration.
Question 6: What is the minimum recommended roof pitch for asphalt shingles to perform properly?
- 1:12
- 2:12 (Correct answer)
- 3:12
- 6:12
Correct answer: 2:12
A 2:12 pitch is the absolute minimum for standard asphalt shingles; below this, water cannot drain fast enough and shingles fail prematurely.
Shed Plans Shed Roofing and Weatherproofing 2
What is a 'gambrel' roof style commonly seen in barn-style shed plans?