Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference

ICC F15 Shingle Roofing Exam (2015 IBC/IRC)

National  ·  Pearson Vue

Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
40
Passing score
70%
Exam time
120 min
Administered by
Pearson Vue
Format
Reference materials allowed

National State Portion 40 questions

Job Planning and Setup 7 Q · 18%
Permits, inspections and code applicability for roofing workRoofing definitions (roof covering, roof deck, underlayment, reroofing, recover)Roof deck requirements and weather protectionMinimum roof slope by steep-slope coveringFire classification of roof coveringsWind resistance and high-wind requirements for shingles and tileUnderlayment selection by slope and wind speedIce barrier requirements
Types of Roofing Material and Applications 9 Q · 23%
Asphalt shingles: slope, underlayment, fastening and applicationWood shingles: slope, exposure, spacing and applicationWood shakes: slope, interlayment, exposure and applicationSlate shingles: slope, headlap and applicationClay and concrete tile: slope, underlayment, attachmentMetal roof shingles and metal roof panels: slope and attachmentMaterial standards and labeling for steep-slope coverings
Fasteners, Flashings, Scuppers, Etc. 13 Q · 32%
Fastener type, length and deck penetration by coveringFastener count per shingle and high-wind fasteningValley linings and valley flashingDrip edgeStep, sidewall and kickout flashingChimney and penetration flashing, crickets and saddlesRoof drainage, gutters and scuppersIce barrier at eaves
Re-roofing 11 Q · 27%
Roof recover vs roof replacementConditions prohibiting roof recover (layers, water-soaked, slate/tile)Reinstallation of existing materials (slate, tile, flashings)Flashing replacement during reroofingStructural and load considerations when reroofingRepairing roof-ceiling framing and deck before reroofing

Key Distinctions

Metal roof panelvsMetal roof shingle

Per the IRC 2015 R202 definitions, a metal roof panel is an interlocking metal sheet with an installed weather exposure of not less than 3 square feet per sheet, while a metal roof shingle has an installed weather exposure of less than 3 square feet per sheet.

IRC 2015 Section R202 (METAL ROOF PANEL; METAL ROOF SHINGLE)
Drip edge at eavesvsDrip edge at rake edges

IBC 2015 Section 1507.2.9.3 requires underlayment to be installed over the drip edge along eaves, but drip edges to be installed over the underlayment along rake edges.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.2.9.3 Drip Edge
Metal roof shingle valley flashing (IBC 1507.5.7)vsClay/concrete tile and wood shingle/shake valley flashing (IBC 1507.3.9, 1507.8.8, 1507.9.9)

Metal roof shingle valley flashing extends not less than 8 inches from the centerline each way with a splash diverter rib not less than 3/4 inch high at the flow line, while tile and wood shingle/shake valley flashing requires an 11-inch extension and a 1-inch rib.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.5.7 Flashing
Asphalt shingle roofing nails (IBC 1507.2.6)vsClay/concrete tile fasteners (IBC 1507.3.6)

Asphalt shingle nails are minimum 12-gage shank with a minimum 3/8-inch-diameter head, while tile fasteners are corrosion resistant and not less than 11 gage with a 5/16-inch head.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.2.6
IBC 2015 Section 1507.3.6 tile nail headvsIRC 2015 Section R905.3.6 tile nail head

Both require corrosion-resistant fasteners not less than 11 gage, but the IBC states a 5/16-inch head while the IRC states a 7/16-inch head; both require penetration of the deck not less than 3/4 inch or through the deck thickness, whichever is less.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.3.6
Ring shank cap nails for underlaymentvsSmooth shank cap nails for underlayment

Per IRC 2015 Table R905.1.1(3), the cap nail shank shall be not less than 0.083 inch for ring shank cap nails and not less than 0.091 inch for smooth shank cap nails.

IRC 2015 Table R905.1.1(3)
Asphalt shingle roofing nail shank (IRC R905.2.5)vsUnderlayment smooth shank cap nail (IRC Table R905.1.1(3))

Shingle roofing nails require a minimum 12-gage (0.105-inch) shank, while the 0.091-inch minimum applies to smooth shank cap nails used for underlayment attachment, not shingle nails.

IRC 2015 Section R905.2.5
Wood shingle valley flashing (IRC R905.7.6)vsWood shake valley flashing (IRC R905.8.8)

Wood shingle No. 26 gage valley flashing extends 10 inches from the centerline each way for slopes less than 12:12 and 7 inches each way for slopes of 12:12 and greater, while wood shake valley flashing extends not less than 11 inches each way with end laps of not less than 4 inches.

IRC 2015 Section R905.7.6
Roof recover (IBC 1511.3.1.1)vsRoof replacement (IBC 1511.3)

A roof recover is not permitted where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering, so only one existing application may remain; a roof with two or more layers must be torn off down to the deck as a roof replacement.

IBC 2015 Section 1511.3.1.1
Asphalt shingle double underlayment (2:12 up to 4:12)vsAsphalt shingle single-layer underlayment (4:12 and steeper)

IBC 2015 Section 1507.2.2 limits asphalt shingles to slopes of 2:12 or greater and requires double underlayment per Section 1507.2.8 from 2:12 up to 4:12; at 4:12 and steeper a single layer lapped 2 inches is permitted.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Sections 1507.2.2 and 1507.2.8
Asphalt shingle fastener penetration (IBC 1507.2.6)vsWood shake fastener penetration (IBC 1507.9.7)

Both require a minimum 3/4-inch penetration into the sheathing, but asphalt shingle nails must penetrate through sheathing less than 3/4 inch thick, while wood shake fasteners must extend through sheathing only where it is less than 1/2 inch thick.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.2.6
Structural standing-seam metal panel roof systemvsStructural through-fastened metal panel roof system

Per IBC 2015 Section 1504.3.2, standing-seam systems must be tested for wind resistance in accordance with ASTM E1592 or FM 4474, while through-fastened systems may be tested to FM 4474, UL 580 or ASTM E1592.

IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1504.3.2
ASTM D7158vsASTM D3161

Asphalt shingles are normally tested for wind resistance to ASTM D7158; shingles not included in the scope of ASTM D7158 shall instead be tested and labeled for compliance with ASTM D3161 and the required classification.

IBC 2015 Section 1504.1.1
Copper roof fasteners (IRC R905.10.4)vsSteel roof fasteners (IRC R905.10.4)

In the absence of manufacturer's installation instructions, copper, brass, bronze, copper alloy and 300-series stainless steel fasteners shall be used for copper roofs, while galvanized fasteners are specified for steel roofs.

IRC 2015 Section R905.10.4
Wood shingle fasteners within 15 miles of salt watervsWood shingle fasteners elsewhere

Per IRC 2015 Section R905.7.5, fasteners installed within 15 miles of salt water coastal areas must be Type 316 stainless steel, while elsewhere Type 304 or 316 stainless or hot-dipped galvanized box nails meeting ASTM A153 Class D are permitted.

IRC 2015 Section R905.7.5
IBC permit application extensionvsIRC permit application extension

Under IBC 2015 Section 105.3.2 the building official may grant one or more extensions for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each, whereas the residential code permits extensions of up to 180 days each.

IBC 2015 Section 105.3.2

Key Terms

Metal roof panel (IRC R202) IRC 2015 Section R202 (METAL ROOF PANEL; METAL ROOF SHINGLE)
An interlocking metal sheet having an installed weather exposure of not less than 3 square feet per sheet.
Metal roof shingle (IRC R202) IRC 2015 Section R202 (METAL ROOF PANEL; METAL ROOF SHINGLE)
An interlocking metal sheet having an installed weather exposure of less than 3 square feet per sheet.
Used materials (IBC 104.9.1) IBC 2015 Section 104.9.1
Used materials are permitted where they meet the requirements of the code for new materials, while used equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the building official.
Ice barrier (IBC 1507.2.8.2 and parallel sections) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.2.8.2 Ice Barrier
Two layers of cemented underlayment or a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet used in lieu of normal underlayment, extending from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. Under IBC 1507.2.8.2 (asphalt shingles) and the parallel sections 1507.5.4, 1507.6.4, 1507.8.4 and 1507.9.4 the trigger is an area with a history of ice forming along the eaves causing a backup of water; the 25°F or less average daily January temperature criterion is stated in the slate provision, Section 1507.7.4. Detached accessory structures containing no conditioned floor area are excepted.
Drip edge (IBC 1507.2.9.3; IRC R905.2.8.5) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.2.9.3 Drip Edge
Edge metal that extends back onto the roof deck not less than 2 inches, has a vertical leg not less than 1 1/2 inches wide extending not less than 1/4 inch below the sheathing, is lapped not less than 2 inches at adjacent segments, and is mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches on center.
Bulk shipment of roof-covering materials (IBC 1506.3) IBC 2015 Section 1506.3
Roof-covering materials delivered loose rather than in packages bearing the manufacturer's identifying marks and approved testing agency labels must be accompanied by that same information in the form of a manufacturer's certificate or on a bill of lading issued by the manufacturer.
Class A roof assembly — copper exception (IBC 1505.2, Exception 3) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1505.2 Class A Roof Assemblies
Copper sheets weighing not less than 16 ounces per square foot installed over combustible decks are deemed a Class A roof assembly, along with brick, masonry or exposed concrete decks and metal, tile or slate over noncombustible decks.
Above-deck thermal insulation (IBC 1508.1) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1508.1 Roof Insulation, General
Insulation above the roof deck is permitted where it is covered with an approved roof covering and passes the tests of NFPA 276 or UL 1256 when tested as an assembly.
Special purpose wood shingle or shake roof (IBC 1505.7) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1505.7 Special Purpose Roofs
A roof requiring an underlayment of 5/8-inch Type X water-resistant gypsum backing board or gypsum sheathing placed under minimum nominal 1/2-inch-thick wood structural panel solid sheathing or 1-inch nominal spaced sheathing.
Exterior gutters and leaders (IBC 1503.4.3) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1503.4.3 Gutters
Gutters and leaders placed on the outside of buildings — other than Group R-3, private garages and buildings of Type V construction — must be of noncombustible material or a minimum of Schedule 40 plastic pipe.
Aerial supports (IBC 1510.8.1) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1510.8.1 Aerial Supports
Roof-deck aerial supports must be of noncombustible materials, except that combustible construction is permitted where the support is not greater than 12 feet in height measured from the roof deck to the highest point of the supports.
Roof-deck tanks (IBC 1510.3) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1510.3 Tanks
Tanks with a capacity of more than 500 gallons located on a roof deck must be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or Type IV construction, and where those supports are above the lowest story they must be fire-resistance rated as required for Type IA construction.
Flashing (IBC 1503.2.1) IBC 2015 Section 1503.2.1
Required at wall and roof intersections, at gutters, wherever there is a change in roof slope or direction and around roof openings; where metal, it must be corrosion resistant with a thickness of not less than 0.019 inch (No. 26 galvanized sheet).
Structural roof components for reroofing (IBC 1511.2; IRC R908.2) IBC 2015 Section 1511.2
Structural roof components must be capable of supporting the roof-covering system plus the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the system.
Shake interlayment (IRC R905.8.7) IRC 2015 Section R905.8.7
18-inch-wide strips of not less than No. 30 felt shingled between each course of shakes, positioned so no felt is exposed to the weather.
Spaced sheathing for wood shingles/shakes (IBC 1507.8.1.1, 1507.9.1 and Table 1507.8) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.9.1 Deck Requirements
Nominal 1-inch by 4-inch spaced boards are permitted in temperate climates; for wood shakes (Section 1507.9.1 and Table 1507.8), where 1-inch by 4-inch spaced sheathing is installed at 10 inches on center, additional 1-inch by 4-inch boards shall be installed between the sheathing boards. Solid sheathing is required (wood shingles, Section 1507.8.1.1) where the average daily January temperature is 25°F or less or where there is a possibility of ice forming along the eaves causing a backup of water.
Abandoned permit application (IBC 105.3.2) IBC 2015 Section 105.3.2
An application is deemed abandoned 180 days after the date of filing unless pursued in good faith, except that the building official is authorized to grant one or more written extensions for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each upon demonstration of justifiable cause.
Framing inspection (IBC 110.3.4) IBC 2015 Section 110.3.4
Made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place, concealed pipes, chimneys and vents are complete, and the rough electrical, plumbing and heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
Certificate of occupancy contents (IBC 111.2) IBC 2015 Section 111.2
Must include the permit number, address, owner's name and address, use and occupancy, type of construction, the design occupant load, sprinkler information and the name of the building official.
Application for appeal (IRC R112.2) IRC 2015 Section R112.2
Limited to claims that the true intent of the code or rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, that the code provisions do not fully apply, or that an equally good or better form of construction is proposed; the board may not waive code requirements and cost is not a basis.
Permit suspension or revocation (IRC R105.6) IRC 2015 Section R105.6
The building official may suspend or revoke a permit issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance, regulation or provision of the code.
Attaching wire for clay or concrete tile (IBC 1507.3.6) IBC 2015 Chapter 15 — Section 1507.3.6
Wire used in addition to nails to secure tile, which shall not be smaller than 0.083 inch in diameter.

Formulas to Know

Positioning of No. 30 felt interlayment strips for wood shakesLower edge of each 18-inch-wide felt strip is placed above the butt end of the shake it covers by a distance = 2 × weather exposure (so no felt is exposed).
Clay/concrete tile fastener lengthNail length sufficient to penetrate the deck not less than 3/4 inch OR through the thickness of the deck, whichever is less (e.g., with a 1/2-inch plywood deck the nail penetrates through the deck).
Asphalt shingle nail penetrationNail long enough to penetrate through the roofing materials and not less than 3/4 inch into the sheathing; where sheathing is less than 3/4 inch thick (e.g., 5/8-inch sheathing), the nail must penetrate through the sheathing.
Wood shake fastener penetrationMinimum 3/4-inch penetration into the sheathing; where sheathing is less than 1/2 inch thick, fasteners shall extend through the sheathing.
Underlayment cap-nail shank penetrationCap nail shank must penetrate through the sheathing or not less than 3/4 inch into it; shank not less than 0.083 inch (ring shank) or 0.091 inch (smooth shank), cap nominal diameter not less than 1 inch.
Asphalt shingle fastener countNot less than 4 fasteners per strip shingle or 2 per individual shingle; where roof slope exceeds 21:12 (175-percent slope), install as required by the manufacturer.
Concrete/clay tile fastening in snow areas (IRC R905.3.7)In areas subject to snow, not less than 2 fasteners per tile; the reduced attachment schedule of Table R905.3.7 applies only in other areas (example: 11 psf tile, solid sheathing without battens, 6:12 slope in a snow area = 2 fasteners per tile).
Adjustment of tabulated component and cladding wind loads (IRC)Table R301.2(2) values are for a mean roof height of 30 feet in Exposure B; multiply by the height/exposure coefficient from Table R301.2(3) for the actual building (the 33-foot/Exposure C condition applies to the ultimate design wind speed map, not this table).
Valley underlayment for clay/concrete tileFor slopes of 3:12 (25-percent slope) and greater, provide a 36-inch-wide underlayment — one layer of Type I underlayment (IBC also permits ASTM D1970 self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet) — running the full length of the valley, in addition to other required underlayment.
Ice barrier extentExtends from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.
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