✓ TradeExamPro

TradeExamPro › Contractor › Roofing contractor

Systems practice questions

23 questions from the roofing contractor practice test.

Systems practice test

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

What this covers

Sample questions

Under the IRC, slate shingles may be installed only on slopes of at least:

  1. 2:12
  2. 3:12
  3. 4:12
  4. 6:12
Show the answer

C. 4:12

Slate relies entirely on lapped units shedding water, so the code minimum is 4:12. The 2:12 minimum applies to asphalt shingles with double underlayment.

Reference: IRC 2021 R905.6.2

How should the nails holding a roofing slate be driven?

  1. Tight, so the head bites into the slate
  2. Just snug, so the slate hangs freely
  3. Left standing 1/4 in. above the slate
  4. At an angle through the butt of the slate
Show the answer

B. Just snug, so the slate hangs freely

Slates should hang freely on the nail shanks with the heads seated in the countersunk holes. Overdriven nails crack the slate or stress it so it breaks later; nails left high rub and break the slate above. Copper or stainless nails are used so the fasteners last as long as the slate.

Reference: NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-slope Roof Systems, slate

Under the IRC, clay and concrete roof tile may be installed on slopes down to:

  1. 1-1/2:12
  2. 4:12
  3. 6:12
  4. 2-1/2:12
Show the answer

D. 2-1/2:12

Tile is permitted from 2-1/2:12 upward, with double underlayment required between 2-1/2:12 and 4:12. Below 2-1/2:12 tile cannot be used as the roof covering.

Reference: IRC 2021 R905.3.2

Other topics