Exterior & Roofing Flashcards

What is the minimum recommended clearance between wood siding and the roof surface to prevent moisture damage?

Answer: 2 inches

A minimum 2-inch clearance between wood siding and roof surfaces helps prevent moisture wicking and rot.

A home inspector observes granule loss concentrated in specific patterns on asphalt shingles. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: Hail damage or mechanical impact

Patterned or concentrated granule loss is a hallmark sign of hail damage or mechanical impact rather than normal aging.

When inspecting a chimney, which condition requires immediate documentation as a safety concern?

Answer: Missing or deteriorated mortar cap

A missing or deteriorated mortar cap allows water intrusion directly into the chimney, leading to rapid structural and safety deterioration.

What is the purpose of a cricket (saddle) installed behind a chimney?

Answer: To divert water away from the chimney base

A cricket or saddle diverts water around the uphill side of the chimney to prevent water from pooling and leaking.

An inspector finds that gutters are pitched back toward the fascia rather than toward the downspout. What is the primary concern?

Answer: Water pooling and potential fascia rot

Gutters pitched toward the fascia cause water to pool against the wood fascia board, leading to rot and potential structural damage.

Which roofing material requires the steepest minimum slope for proper installation?

Answer: Wood shake shingles

Wood shake shingles typically require a minimum 4:12 slope or steeper due to their susceptibility to moisture retention at lower pitches.

What condition describes the situation where roof sheathing separates or shows delamination visible at the eave?

Answer: Delaminated sheathing

Delaminated sheathing occurs when plywood layers separate due to moisture intrusion, compromising the roof deck's structural integrity.