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Shingles practice questions

28 questions from the roofing contractor practice test.

Shingles practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

Asphalt shingles are being installed on a 3:12 roof under the IRC. Compared with a 6:12 roof, what must change?

  1. Underlayment goes on in two layers
  2. Shingle exposure is cut in half
  3. Shingles are fully bedded in cement
  4. Six nails are used in each shingle
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A. Underlayment goes on in two layers

Between 2:12 and 4:12 water drains slowly and can back up under the tabs, so the code calls for a doubled underlayment. Extra nails address wind, not slow drainage, and the exposure does not change.

Reference: IRC 2021 R905.1.1 and R905.2.2

Under the IRC, the minimum number of fasteners for a standard asphalt strip shingle in a normal application is:

  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 6
  4. 4
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D. 4

Strip shingles take at least four fasteners each, or more where the manufacturer requires. Six nails is the usual high-wind or very steep slope pattern, not the base requirement.

Reference: IRC 2021 R905.2.6

Which roofing nail meets the IRC minimum for fastening asphalt shingles?

  1. 16-gauge shank with a 1/4 in. head
  2. 12-gauge shank with a 3/8 in. head
  3. 14-gauge shank with a 5/16 in. head
  4. 10-gauge shank with a 1/4 in. head
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B. 12-gauge shank with a 3/8 in. head

The code calls for corrosion-resistant roofing nails with at least a 12-gauge shank and a 3/8 in. diameter head. A heavier shank with a small head still fails because the head is what holds the shingle against pull-through.

Reference: IRC 2021 R905.2.5

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