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Kansas Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor Exam (ICC KGP, 2018 IPC/IBC)

Kansas  ·  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
60
Passing score
75%
Exam time
180 min
Administered by
Pearson Vue
Format
Reference materials allowed

Kansas State Portion 60 questions

Administration and General Requirements 15 Q · 25%
AdministrationCode Definitions and TermsJob Planning and SetupPermits: application, issuance, validity, expiration, and exemptionsInspections: required types, sequence, and approval processCertificate of Occupancy requirements and issuanceBuilding Official authority, duties, and powersBoard of Appeals: purpose, authority limitations, and qualificationsViolations, stop work orders, and enforcement actionsConstruction documents: submittal, review, and retention requirementsRoof-related code definitions: roof assembly, roof covering, roof deck, underlayment, reroofing, and related termsRoof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures +1 more
Types of Roofing Material and Application 21 Q · 35%
Shingle RoofingFlat RoofHot Mopping and Other MembranesClay and Concrete Tile RoofingMetal Roof Panels and Metal Roof ShinglesWood Shingles and Wood ShakesSlate ShinglesUnderlayment Types and Application RequirementsIce Barriers and Flashing RequirementsFire Classification of Roof AssembliesRoof Assemblies and Rooftop StructuresRoof Assemblies
Fasteners, Flashings, Drainage, and Scuppers 17 Q · 28%
FastenersFlashings and Accessory MaterialsRoof Drains, Gutters, and ScupperSecondary (emergency overflow) drain and scupper requirementsScupper sizing, minimum dimensions, and inlet elevationDrip edge installation requirements for shingle roofsValley flashing types and minimum dimensions by roof covering materialStorm drain pipe and vertical leader sizing based on rainfall rateGutter material requirements and sizing by flow rateCrickets and saddles at chimney and penetration flashingsIce barrier installation requirements by climate zoneRoof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures +2 more
Re-Roofing 7 Q · 12%
Remove Roofing Materials or Add Additional LayersRepair Roof Structure and Roof-Ceiling AssembliesConditions prohibiting roof recover (water-soaked, slate, clay, asbestos-cement tile, two or more existing layers)Roof recover vs. roof replacement requirements (removal down to deck vs. overlay permissions)Flashing requirements during reroofing (reconstruction, priming, reinstallation restrictions)Reinstallation of existing materials (slate, clay, cement tile, flashings, aggregate surfacing)Structural load capacity requirements during reroofing installationRoof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures

Key Distinctions

Valley flashing for metal roof shingles (IBC 1507.5.7)vsValley flashing for clay/concrete tile (IBC 1507.3.9) and wood shakes (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, while clay/concrete tile and wood shake valley flashing extends 11 inches each way, tile requiring a splash diverter rib not less than 1 inch high.

IBC 2018 Page 350
Slate shingle valley flashing (IBC 1507.7.7)vsAsphalt shingle open valley metal lining (IBC 1507.2.8.2)

Slate valley flashing must be sheet metal not less than 15 inches wide (minimum 0.0179-inch uncoated zinc-coated G90), while an exposed open-valley metal lining on asphalt shingles must be not less than 24 inches wide of a corrosion-resistant metal from Table 1507.2.8.2.

IBC 2018 Page 351
Asphalt shingle fasteners (IBC 1507.2.5)vsClay/concrete tile fasteners (IBC 1507.3.6)

Asphalt shingle nails are minimum 12-gage (0.105-inch) shank with a minimum 3/8-inch-diameter head penetrating not less than 3/4 inch into sheathing, while tile fasteners are corrosion resistant, not less than 11 gage with a 5/16-inch head, long enough to penetrate the deck 3/4 inch or through the deck thickness, whichever is less.

IBC 2018 Section 1507.2.5
Drip edge at eavesvsDrip edge at rakes

Per IBC 1507.2.8.3, underlayment is installed over the drip edge along eaves, but the drip edge is installed over the underlayment along rake edges.

IBC 2018 Page 347
Lapped, nonsoldered seam metal roof panels without applied lap sealantvsLapped nonsoldered seam panels with lap sealant / standing-seam metal panel systems

Per IBC 1507.4.2, panels without applied lap sealant require a minimum 3:12 slope, with applied lap sealant the minimum is 1/2:12, and standing-seam metal panel systems may go as low as 1/4:12.

IBC 2018 Page 348
Built-up roofs generally (IBC 1507.10.1)vsCoal-tar built-up roofs

Built-up roofs require a design slope of not less than 1/4 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal for drainage, except coal-tar built-up roofs, which are permitted a minimum design slope of 1/8:12 (1-percent).

IBC 2018 Page 353
Wood shakes (IBC 1507.9.5, Table 1507.8)vsWood shingles (Table 1507.8)

Wood shakes require interlayment complying with ASTM D226, Type I, while Table 1507.8 lists 'No requirements' for interlayment under wood shingles; two fasteners per unit, solid sheathing in icing areas, and bundle labeling apply to both.

IBC 2018 Pages 352 to 353
Shakes and taper sawn shakes of naturally durable woodvsPreservative-treated taper sawn shakes

Per IBC 1507.9.8, spacing between shakes in the same course is 3/8 to 5/8 inch for shakes and taper sawn shakes of naturally durable wood, but 1/4 to 3/8 inch for preservative-treated taper sawn shakes.

IBC 2018 Page 353
UL 1703 (photovoltaic shingles / modules)vsUL 2703 (rack-mounted PV panel systems)

Photovoltaic shingles must be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703 (IBC 1507.17.6), while rooftop rack-mounted photovoltaic panel systems must be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 1703 and UL 2703 (IBC 1505.9).

IBC 2018 Sections 1507.17.2 and 1507.17.6
ANSI/SPRI ES-1 (IBC 1504.5)vsANSI/SPRI RP-4 (IBC 1504.4)

ES-1 Test Methods RE-1, RE-2 and RE-3 apply to metal edge securement, except gutters, on low-slope built-up, modified bitumen and single-ply roof systems, while RP-4 is the design standard for ballasted low-slope single-ply systems.

IBC 2018 Pages 342 to 343
Penthouses on Type I constructionvsPenthouses on other than Type I construction (IBC 1510.2.1)

Penthouses on Type I construction are not limited in height, while those on other construction types are limited to 18 feet above the roof deck, with an exception permitting a maximum of 28 feet where the penthouse encloses tanks or elevators that travel to the roof level.

IBC 2018 Page 356
Existing materials permitted to be reinstalled (IBC 1511.5)vsAggregate surfacing materials

Existing slate, clay or cement tile may be reinstalled if not damaged, cracked or broken, and vent flashing, metal edgings, drain outlets, collars and metal counterflashings may be reinstalled unless rusted, damaged or deteriorated, but aggregate surfacing materials shall not be reinstalled under any condition.

IBC 2018 Section 1511.5
Appointment of the building official (IBC 103.2)vsAppointment of deputies, inspectors and plan examiners (IBC 103.3)

The building official is appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction, while the building official appoints deputy building officials, technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other employees with the concurrence of the appointing authority.

IBC 2018 Section 103.3 (with Section 103.2)

Key Terms

Scupper (secondary/emergency overflow drainage) IBC 2018 Section 1502.3
Per IBC 1502.3, scuppers used for secondary roof drainage shall not have an opening dimension of less than 4 inches (102 mm) and must be sized so ponding does not exceed the design depth, with flow through the primary system not considered when locating and sizing them.
Cricket or saddle IBC 2018 Page 341
Per IBC 1503.5, a cricket or saddle must be installed on the ridge side of any chimney or penetration greater than 30 inches wide measured perpendicular to the slope, covered with sheet metal or the same material as the roof covering, excepting unit skylights meeting Section 2405.5 flashed per the manufacturer's instructions.
Ice barrier IBC 2018 Page 345
Per IBC 1507.1.2, two layers of underlayment cemented together or a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet that extends from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches inside the exterior wall line, excepting detached accessory structures with no conditioned floor area.
Roof recover prohibition IBC 2018 Section 1511.3.1.1
Per IBC 1511.3.1.1, a roof recover is not permitted where the existing roof or covering is water soaked or deteriorated, where the existing covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile, or where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.
Combustible concealed space created by new covering (IBC 1511.3.1 Item 3 / 1511.4) IBC 2018 Page 359
Where metal panel, metal shingle, or concrete and clay tile is installed over an existing wood shake roof and creates a combustible concealed space, the entire existing surface must be covered with gypsum board, mineral fiber, glass fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in place.
Existing secondary drainage at reroofing (IBC 1511.1, Exception 2) IBC 2018 Section 1511.1
A roof recover or replacement over a roof with positive drainage need not provide new secondary drains or scuppers, but existing secondary drainage or scupper systems required by the code shall not be removed unless replaced by secondary drains or scuppers designed and installed per the code.
Annual permit (IBC 105.1.1) IBC 2018 Section 105.1.1 (with Section 105.1.2)
A permit the building official is authorized to issue to a person, firm or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified tradepersons, in place of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation, with the holder required by 105.1.2 to keep a detailed record of alterations.
Appendix provisions (IBC 101.2.1) IBC 2018 Section 101.2.1
Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the jurisdiction (IRC R102.5 requires they be specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance).
Townhouse/dwelling scope exception (IBC 101.2) IBC 2018 Section 101.2 Exception
Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane, are permitted to comply with either the IBC or the IRC.
Metal flashing at wall and roof intersections (IBC 1503.2.1) IBC 2018 Section 1503.2.1
Where flashing is metal it shall be corrosion resistant with a thickness of not less than 0.019 inch (0.483 mm), equivalent to No. 26 galvanized sheet.
Base flashing for asphalt shingles (IBC 1507.2.8.1) IBC 2018 Page 347
Base flashing shall be either corrosion-resistant metal of minimum nominal 0.019-inch thickness or mineral-surfaced roll roofing weighing not less than 77 pounds per 100 square feet; cap flashing must be metal.
Above-deck thermal insulation (IBC 1508.1) IBC 2018 Page 356
Permitted where covered with an approved roof covering and where it passes the tests of NFPA 276 or UL 1256 when tested as an assembly.
Radiant barrier above roof deck (IBC 1509.3) IBC 2018 Page 356
An above-deck barrier installed beneath an approved roof covering whose low emittance surface must face the continuous airspace between the radiant barrier and the roof covering.
Mechanical equipment screen of combustible materials (IBC 1510.6.2, Item 1) IBC 2018 Pages 357 to 358
On Type I, II, III or IV buildings, screens may be of combustible materials where the fire separation distance is not less than 20 feet and the screen height above the roof deck does not exceed 4 feet (the 18-foot limit of 1510.6.1 applies to screens generally).
Aerial supports (IBC 1510.8.1) IBC 2018 Page 358
Roof-deck aerial supports must be of noncombustible materials, except that combustible construction is permitted for aerial supports not greater than 12 feet in height measured from the roof deck to the highest point on the supports.
Rooftop tank (IBC 1510.3) IBC 2018 Page 357
A tank on a roof deck having a capacity of more than 500 gallons must be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11.
Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles (IBC 1505.6) IBC 2018 Page 344
Shakes and shingles treated by impregnation with chemicals by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process in accordance with AWPA C1, with each bundle marked and labeled accordingly.
Low-slope roof covering weathering requirement (IBC 1504.6) IBC 2018 Page 343
Roof coverings on roofs with slope less than 2:12 must demonstrate physical integrity over their working life based on 2,000 hours of exposure to accelerated weathering tests per ASTM G152, G154 or G155.
Projected roof area with vertical wall (IPC 1106.4) IPC 2018 Section 1106.4 — Vertical Walls
When sizing conductors, leaders and horizontal storm drainage piping, one-half the area of any vertical wall that diverts rainwater onto the roof must be added to the projected roof area.

Formulas to Know

Minimum fasteners for asphalt strip shingles (IBC 1507.2.6)Use the minimum number of fasteners required by the manufacturer, but not fewer than 4 fasteners per strip shingle (or 2 per individual shingle); where the roof slope exceeds 21:12, install shingles as required by the manufacturer.
Total area for sizing vertical conductors/leaders and horizontal storm drainage piping (IPC 1106.4)Total area = projected roof area + 1/2 × (vertical wall height × vertical wall length) for any wall that diverts rainwater onto the roof.
Worked example — 4,000 sq ft roof with a 30 ft × 40 ft diverting wallWall = 30 × 40 = 1,200 sq ft; one-half = 600 sq ft; 4,000 + 600 = 4,600 sq ft used for sizing.
Worked example — 40 ft × 60 ft flat roof with a 60 ft × 30 ft diverting wallRoof = 40 × 60 = 2,400 sq ft; wall = 60 × 30 = 1,800 sq ft, one-half = 900 sq ft; 2,400 + 900 = 3,300 sq ft used for sizing.
Asphalt shingle underlayment by slope (IBC 1507.2.2, Table 1507.1.1(2))Asphalt shingles permitted on slopes 2:12 or greater; for slopes from 2:12 up to 4:12 apply double (two-layer) underlayment — 19-inch starter strip at the eave, then 36-inch sheets overlapped 19 inches; single layer at 4:12 and steeper.
Minimum slopes by covering typeAsphalt shingles 2:12 (IBC 1507.2.2); photovoltaic shingles 2:12 (1507.17.2); clay/concrete tile 2 1/2:12 (1507.3.2, double underlayment from 2 1/2:12 up to 4:12); metal roof shingles 3:12 (1507.5.2); wood shingles 3:12 (1507.8.2); slate shingles 4:12 (1507.7.2).
SPF roof coating timing (IBC 1507.14.3)Apply the liquid-applied protective coating complying with Table 1507.14.3 not less than 2 hours nor more than 72 hours following application of the sprayed polyurethane foam.
Drip edge fastening and laps (IBC 1507.2.8.3)Mechanically fasten drip edges at intervals not greater than 12 inches on center, lap adjacent segments not less than 2 inches, with a vertical leg not less than 1 1/2 inches.
Underlayment fastening in high-wind areas for BIPV roof panels (IBC 1507.18.4.1)Where Vasd is greater than 110 mph, fasten underlayment along the overlap at not more than 36 inches on center; where Vasd is not less than 120 mph, underlayment must also comply with ASTM D226 Type III, ASTM D4869 Type IV or ASTM D6757 and be attached in a 12-inch grid pattern between side laps with 6-inch spacing at the side laps.
Cold-climate triggers for wood shakes/shingles and tile valleysWhere the average daily January temperature is 25°F (-4°C) or less, or ice may form along eaves causing water backup: install solid sheathing instead of spaced sheathing for wood shakes and shingles (1507.9.1.1, 1507.8.1.1); for clay/concrete tile, solidly cement the metal valley flashing underlayment to the roofing underlayment on slopes under 7:12, or install a self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet (1507.3.9, which also uses a 3:12 threshold for 36-inch-wide valley underlayment).
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