Home Inspector Roofing Systems and Materials Flashcards
7 cards from real Home Inspector Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Home Inspector Roofing Systems and Materials flashcards as text
What is the minimum recommended slope for asphalt shingles to prevent water infiltration?
Answer: 2:12
Asphalt shingles require a minimum slope of 2:12 (2 inches of rise per 12 inches of run), though steeper slopes are preferred.
Which type of roofing material is most commonly associated with 'cupping' as a defect?
Answer: Asphalt shingles
Cupping in asphalt shingles occurs when the edges curl upward, typically caused by moisture imbalance or improper ventilation.
A home inspector observes granule loss concentrated near the downspouts. What does this most likely indicate?
Answer: End-of-life shingle deterioration
Heavy granule accumulation near downspouts indicates the shingles are shedding their protective coating, signaling the end of their useful life.
What is the primary purpose of roof crickets or saddles?
Answer: To divert water around chimney bases
Crickets (saddles) are small peaked structures built behind wide chimneys to divert water around the chimney base and prevent ponding.
When inspecting a flat roof, a home inspector finds blistering in the membrane. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Trapped moisture or air beneath the membrane
Blistering in flat roof membranes is caused by trapped moisture or air that expands with heat, separating layers of the roofing material.
Which flashing material is considered incompatible with copper gutters due to galvanic corrosion?
Answer: Aluminum flashing
Aluminum and copper create a galvanic couple, accelerating corrosion of the aluminum when they contact each other in the presence of moisture.
What does a home inspector look for when assessing roof valley construction?
Answer: Open, closed, or woven valley with adequate flashing
Valleys are high-volume drainage zones requiring open, closed, or woven construction with proper metal flashing to prevent leaks.