5 Roofs Flashcards
(159 cards)
1
Q
What is the primary function of a roof?
A
A roof is a building’s most important layer of defense against water, wind, and sun.
2
Q
What materials have historically been used for roofing?
A
- Straw
- Clay tile
- Wood
- Slate
3
Q
What are the most commonly used roofing materials today?
A
Most roofs installed today are asphalt-based composites.
4
Q
What potential issues do protruding roof features create?
A
Protruding vent pipes, chimneys, skylights, and dormers can act as water dams and channels that need to be flashed.
5
Q
What must be done to direct runoff from a roof?
A
Runoff must be directed away from the building using overhangs, drip-edges, gutters, and downspouts.
6
Q
What should be assessed before repairing or replacing a roof?
A
The foundation and framing must be stable; structural problems should be fixed first.
7
Q
Why is roof ventilation important?
A
Roof ventilation helps prevent condensation, mold, rot, and ice dams in colder climates.
8
Q
True or False: Roofing is considered one of the safest building trades.
A
False
9
Q
What should you check before hiring a roofing contractor?
A
- Complaints with the Better Business Bureau
- Licensing and bonding with the state board
- Current certificates of liability insurance and workers’ compensation
10
Q
What is a common safety precaution when working on a roof?
A
Always have a second person within earshot in case of a fall or need for help.
11
Q
Fill in the blank: When working on a roof, avoid going up when it is _______.
A
wet or near freezing or extremely warm
12
Q
What is the recommended method for walking on a roof?
A
Try to walk directly over the rafters.
13
Q
What equipment can enhance safety during roofing work?
A
- Scaffolding with a safety rail
- Full-body harnesses (PFAS)
- Knee pads
- Pneumatic nailer
14
Q
What is the maximum lifespan of slate and tile roofing?
A
80 years
15
Q
What should be done if shingles are prematurely worn, curling, or missing?
A
Tear them off and assess for product defects, inadequate ventilation, or faulty installation.
16
Q
What is one reason to strip off an old roof?
A
If rafters and sheathing show extensive water damage.
17
Q
What should you do before stripping a roof yourself?
A
Remove all roof gutters and lay tarps to catch debris.
18
Q
What is a tear-off shovel used for?
A
It is used to remove roofing materials, starting at the top and working down.
19
Q
What should you wear while replacing sheathing?
A
Safety glasses
20
Q
What is one important aspect to consider when installing roofing materials?
A
Roofing materials upslope must always overlay those below to prevent water from running underneath.
21
Q
What is the typical percentage of a roofing job’s cost that is labor?
A
75%
22
Q
What is the longevity of asphalt shingles?
A
20 to 50 years, depending on warranty.
23
Q
True or False: It is advisable to install a new roof over an old one.
A
False, unless local codes allow and it is structurally sound.
24
Q
What is skip-sheathing?
A
Skip-sheathing consists of 1x4s spaced 5 in. on center, allowing air circulation under wood shingles.
25
What are the preferred materials used to sheath over 1x4s?
1/2-in. exterior-grade plywood for rafters spaced 16 in. on center or 5/8-in. plywood for rafters 24 in. on center.
26
What is the impact of using plywood sheathing on airflow?
Plywood virtually eliminates airflow under shingles.
27
What is Cedar Breather®?
A synthetic mesh installed over plywood to increase air circulation before nailing on wood shingles.
28
How should plywood lengths be oriented when installing?
Plywood lengths should be run perpendicular to rafters, centering plywood edges over rafter centers.
29
What is the purpose of H-clips in plywood installation?
To support panel joints and create 1/16-in. expansion gaps.
30
What is a stripping shovel?
A flat-nose shovel with a serrated blade used to peel off shingles and grab nail shanks.
31
What safety precautions should be taken while stripping a roof?
Use scaffolding with a safety rail, wear proper footwear, and have another person within earshot.
32
What is the role of underlayment in roofing?
It acts as a weather-resistant layer that keeps sheathing dry, serves as a backup layer, and prolongs shingle life.
33
What are the two common weights of felt paper used as underlayment?
15-lb. and 30-lb. felt paper.
34
What is the coverage area for a standard roll of 3-ft.-wide, 15-lb. felt paper?
Covers roughly 400 sq. ft.
35
What happens to asphalt-impregnated building papers when exposed to sunlight?
They dry out and become less water-resistant.
36
What is the recommended overlap for horizontal courses of building paper on steep-slope roofs?
2 in.
37
What is waterproof shingle underlayment (WSU)?
A heavy peel-and-stick bituminous membrane that protects areas most likely to leak.
38
How does WSU differ from traditional building paper?
WSU is self-adhering and self-seals around nails, making it waterproof.
39
What is the electrolytic sequence in galvanic action?
1. Aluminum 2. Zinc 3. Steel 4. Iron 5. Nickel 6. Tin 7. Lead 8. Copper 9. Stainless Steel.
40
What is the purpose of roof flashing?
To protect building seams or edges from water penetration and divert water around penetrations.
41
What types of materials are suitable for flashing?
* Copper * Lead * Galvanized steel * Lightweight aluminum * Painted steel.
42
What is the function of drip-edge flashing?
To divert water away from roof edges and protect sheathing edges from damage.
43
What is the recommended nailing spacing for drip-edge flashing?
Nail every 18 in. using 4d big-head roofing nails.
44
What are the two types of valleys in roofing?
* Open valleys * Closed valleys.
45
What is the advantage of open valleys?
They clear water well and are easy to install.
46
What is a closed-cut valley?
A type of valley where shingles cover the valley flashing.
47
What is the purpose of using urethane caulk under nail heads in flashing?
To prevent water penetration where nails are exposed.
48
What is the width of a typical valley?
9 in. to 12 in.
49
What are the two types of closed valleys?
* Woven valleys
* Closed-cut valleys
50
Which type of closed valley offers better protection from weather?
Woven valleys
51
How far should overlapping shingles extend past the valley center?
12 in.
52
What is the minimum overlap for lower sections of flashing?
8 in. to 9 in.
53
What gauge is standard for prefabricated metal valley flashing?
26 gauge
54
What is the recommended gauge for more durable valley flashing?
24 gauge
55
True or False: Nails should be driven through metal valley flashing.
False
56
What is vent-pipe flashing also called?
Jack flashing
57
What type of collar do integral vent-pipe flashings typically have?
Neoprene collar
58
What is the advantage of all-metal vent-pipe flashings?
UV rays won't degrade them
59
What should be applied under the lower edge of vent-pipe flashing?
Urethane caulk
60
What must chimneys have to prevent leaks?
Counterflashing
61
What is the purpose of counterflashing?
To allow independent movement and repel water
62
What are the components of base flashing?
* Continuous sheet-metal apron
* L-shaped step-flashing
63
What is a cricket in roofing?
A sloped structure to deflect water around a chimney
64
How should the apron of chimney base flashing overlap shingles?
At least 4 in.
65
What type of caulk should be used to seal chimney flashing?
Urethane caulk
66
What should you do before inserting chimney counterflashing?
Blow or brush out debris from the mortar joints
67
What is the minimum overlap for counterflashing over base flashing?
4 in.
68
What is required for proper flashing where a shed roof abuts a wall?
L-shaped flashing
69
What is the minimum clearance required above the roof for siding?
1 in.
70
What is the general rule for skylight flashing installation?
Follow the instructions in the flashing kit from the manufacturer
71
What did traditional ridge flashing consist of?
A continuous strip of building paper folded lengthwise
72
What type of shingles are gaining popularity over three-tab shingles?
Laminated shingles
73
What are the benefits of laminated shingles?
* Thicker
* More wind-resistant
* Easier to install
74
What is the primary function of roof vents?
To allow air to flow beneath the roof deck
75
What is the purpose of passive ventilation in a roof?
It consumes no energy and moderates attic temperatures
76
What can block intake air in passive ventilation systems?
Blown-in insulation
77
What is a viable solution if retrofitting existing roofs for ventilation is difficult?
Adding rooftop intakes
78
What is the minimum insulation depth required for R-30?
8 in.
79
Fill in the blank: The chimney is designed to be a ________ unit that safely carries hot gases out of the house.
freestanding
80
What should be done to prevent leaks where a sloping roof meets a dormer wall?
Install step-flashing
81
What is the minimum insulation depth required for R-30 insulation?
8 inches
82
What happens if solid wood blocking is placed between rafters?
It stops airflow, creating hot spots of stagnant air.
83
What is an unvented roof?
A roof where all vents to the exterior are closed, and insulation is placed on the underside.
84
What are the minimum venting requirements (MVR) for attic space?
1 sq. ft. of ventilation per 300 sq. ft. of attic space.
85
How is the total vent surface area calculated for a 2,500 sq. ft. attic?
2,500 ÷ 300 = 8.33 sq. ft.
86
What is the function of ridge vents?
They allow hot air and excess moisture to exit the building.
87
What type of air flow does passive ventilation utilize?
Heated air rises and exits through the ridge vent, drawing cooler air up through soffit vents.
88
What are common types of intake vents?
* Slotted vents * Eyebrow ventilators * Rooftop turbines
89
What are typical dimensions for three-tab shingles?
12 in. by 36 in.
90
What is the typical exposure for most shingles?
5 inches
91
How are bundles of asphalt shingles typically sold?
Three to five bundles per square (100 sq. ft.)
92
What is the recommended weight limit for rafters when reroofing?
Rafters must support the weight of new shingles, which can vary from 200 lb. to 480 lb. per square.
93
What type of shingles should be used as an underlayer along eaves and rakes for laminated shingles?
Three-tab shingles
94
What is the purpose of a starter course in roofing?
To create a clean edge and stiffen the overhanging shingle edges.
95
What is the typical overhang for a starter course?
1/4 inch to 3/4 inch
96
What is the risk associated with using pneumatic nailers?
They can blow nails through shingles if not used correctly.
97
What is the standard nailing schedule for shingles?
* 4 nails per shingle * 6 nails for high-wind areas
98
What is the purpose of a control line when installing shingles?
To ensure courses stay evenly spaced and straight.
99
What is the typical nail length recommended for new roofs?
1 1/4 inches long
100
What should be done with shingles from different production lots?
Ensure all bundles come from the same lot to avoid color variation.
101
What is the fastener line on shingles?
A line for nailing that is covered by the shingles above.
102
What should be done if the roof is not square during installation?
Adjust shingle exposures as you approach the ridge.
103
What is underlayment in roofing?
A water-resistant sheet material that covers the roof sheathing.
104
What is a self-seal strip on shingles?
The adhesive that fuses to shingles above when heated.
105
What is the purpose of using a double layer of shingles along the eaves?
To reinforce shingles and prevent uplift.
106
How many nails should be used for shingles in high-wind areas?
Six nails
## Footnote
Use six nails for high-wind areas to ensure better hold.
107
What is the minimum number of nails required for trimmed-down shingles?
Two nails
## Footnote
Trimmed-down shingles must have at least two nails.
108
What is the recommended distance for placing the first and last nails on shingles?
At least 1 inch from the edges
## Footnote
All nails must be covered by the shingle above.
109
What is the traditional method for the starter course of shingles?
A full shingle turned upside down
## Footnote
This method places the shingle’s self-seal strip too high.
110
What should be trimmed off the bottom of the shingle for the starter course?
5 inches
## Footnote
Measure down 7 inches from the top of the shingle.
111
How should starter shingles be aligned?
Align the top edge to the 7-inch control line
## Footnote
Nail them down with four nails per shingle.
112
What is the recommended distance to measure up from the control line for chalklines?
12 inches
## Footnote
Snap horizontal chalklines for shingle courses to come.
113
What is the purpose of roofing jacks?
Provide safe platforms on slopes
## Footnote
Install a pair of jacks for every six to eight courses.
114
How far apart should pairs of jacks be spaced horizontally?
8 feet apart
## Footnote
They can be spanned by 10-foot-long planks.
115
What is the best pattern for laying out laminated shingles?
Pyramid pattern
## Footnote
Precut a series of progressively shorter shingles.
116
What should be the minimum width for trimmed pyramid shingles?
8 inches
## Footnote
Otherwise, they’ll look flimsy.
117
What is the typical frequency for a pyramid pattern to repeat?
Every fourth course
## Footnote
Every fourth course begins with a full shingle.
118
What should be done to align the tops of shingles as you work up the roof?
Align to horizontal chalklines
## Footnote
Chalklines wear off quickly; snap them as needed.
119
How should shingles be installed in valleys?
Snap chalklines along both sides
## Footnote
Keep nails back at least 6 inches from the valley centerline.
120
What is a common method for installing new shingles over old?
Roofovers
## Footnote
New roofing over old may be allowed by some codes.
121
What should be done to existing flashing before installing new shingles?
Replace or flash over old flashing
## Footnote
Use aviation snips and cold chisels as needed.
122
What is the purpose of capping shingles at the ridge?
To keep out weather elements
## Footnote
Creates a neat, finished joint.
123
How many nails are sufficient for each cap shingle?
Two nails
## Footnote
The last cap shingle should have four nails.
124
What should be done when installing a ridge vent?
Cut sheathing back at least 1 inch on either side
## Footnote
Nail the ridge vent over the opening, straddling the shingles.
125
What is often the cause for most roof repairs?
Missing shingles or worn-out flashing
## Footnote
Sometimes necessary to disturb shingles for vent installation.
126
What is the purpose of a ridge vent?
To allow ventilation at the roof's peak while covering the opening with cap shingles
## Footnote
The ridge vent straddles the shingles on both sides.
127
What are common causes for asphalt shingle repairs?
Missing shingles or worn-out/missing flashing
## Footnote
Repairs may also be needed for vent installations.
128
What tool is used to break the adhesive seal between shingle courses?
Mason’s trowel or shingle ripper
## Footnote
This is best done when shingles are cool.
129
When is it best to work with shingles for removal or installation?
When the shingles are warm and flexible
## Footnote
This makes lifting and sliding easier.
130
What should be done with old nail holes when replacing a shingle?
Fill old nail holes with roofing cement
## Footnote
This helps to ensure a watertight seal.
131
What are the disadvantages of wood shingles?
* Tendency to cup, split, rot
* Growth of moss
* Fire hazard
## Footnote
Insurers may refuse coverage for homes with wood roofs in fire-prone areas.
132
What is the recommended method for installing wood shingles over skip-sheathing?
Cover with plywood for safety and stability
## Footnote
Plywood provides stiffness and safety for walking.
133
How should nails be placed in wood shingles?
Use only two nails, placed 3/4 in. from the edge and 1 1/2 in. above the exposure line
## Footnote
A 1/4-in. gap should be left between shingles for expansion.
134
What is the purpose of using synthetic mesh like Cedar Breather?
To allow air circulation under the shingles and prevent moisture buildup
## Footnote
It helps prolong shingle life.
135
What is the recommended exposure for 24 in. wood shingles?
7 1/2 in.
## Footnote
This is for roofs with a 4-in-12 slope or steeper.
136
How many bundles of shingles are generally needed to cover a square?
Four bundles
## Footnote
Adjustments may be needed for eaves, rakes, and valleys.
137
What is the proper way to install shingles along the eaves?
Double the first course and extend beyond the drip-edge by 1 in.
## Footnote
Use metal drip-edge along eaves and rakes.
138
How should moss on shingles be removed?
Hand-scrape or use a wire brush
## Footnote
Copper wire can be used to help prevent moss growth.
139
What is the method for installing shingles in open valleys?
Snap chalklines and keep nails at least 5 in. away from the valley center
## Footnote
A bead of urethane caulk under leading shingles helps keep edges down.
140
What is the best practice for nailing ridge boards?
Use 8d galvanized ring-shank roofing nails, nailing two per rafter
## Footnote
Predrilling helps prevent splitting.
141
What should be done if a wood shingle is defective?
Elevate the butt ends of the course above and split the shingle into slivers
## Footnote
Remove old nails before fitting a new shingle.
142
What tool is recommended for splitting a defective shingle?
A chisel blade or a shingle ripper (slate hook)
## Footnote
A shingle ripper is preferred for its effectiveness in cutting through nails.
143
What should be done before fitting in a new shingle?
Remove the nails that held the old one
## Footnote
This ensures the new shingle can be installed properly.
144
How much narrower should a replacement wood shingle be compared to the opening?
1/2 in. narrower
## Footnote
This allows for a 1/4-in. gap on both sides.
145
What type of nails should be used per shingle?
Two 4d galvanized shingle nails
## Footnote
Each nail should be set in 3/4 in. from the edge.
146
What is a common term for a type of roofing system that is not truly flat?
Flat roof
## Footnote
Flat roofs are designed to shed water but should not be completely flat.
147
What materials were traditionally used in built-up roofs (BURs)?
Heavy building paper and hot tar
## Footnote
BURs were once a common flat roof covering.
148
What roofing system has become the most common for flat roofs today?
Modified bitumen (MB)
## Footnote
MB systems are known for their durability and adhesion.
149
What is a primary cause of flat-roof failure?
Water pooling on the roof
## Footnote
Other causes include foot traffic and inadequate maintenance.
150
What should be done if a roof blister is intact and there are no leaks below?
Leave it alone
## Footnote
Do not step on, cut, or nail through it.
151
What is the first step in repairing a split blister on a roof?
Press it to see if air or water comes out
## Footnote
This helps determine if the blister is dry or wet.
152
What materials are recommended for prolonging the life of tile and slate roofs?
Heavy underlayment (30-lb. building paper or self-adhering bituminous membrane), copper attachers, and copper flashing
## Footnote
These materials can help prevent leaks and extend roof life.
153
How much do roof tiles typically weigh compared to asphalt shingles?
About three times as much
## Footnote
This weight necessitates structural evaluation before installation.
154
What is the traditional method of setting roof tiles?
Without nails on wood battens or skip-sheathing
## Footnote
Today, tiles are more commonly nailed to plywood sheathing.
155
What is a slate hook used for?
To remove damaged slate pieces
## Footnote
It allows for safe removal without disturbing adjacent pieces.
156
What should be done to the nail holes when replacing slate if they won't be covered?
Caulk all holes with urethane before inserting nails
## Footnote
This helps prevent leaks.
157
What material is often used for underlayment in tile roofs?
Rubberized asphalt underlayment reinforced with fiberglass
## Footnote
This material is durable and specified for tile roofs.
158
What is the recommended installation method for tile roof underlayment?
Installed in two layers (double-papered) with 36-in.-wide sheets overlapped 19 in.
## Footnote
This method enhances waterproofing.
159
What type of nails should be used if copper nails bend during installation?
Stainless-steel roofing nails
## Footnote
This is necessary when working with hard sheathing boards.
