General Roofing Knowledge
5 Q · 10%
Roof system types: low-slope vs. steep-slope classifications and slope thresholdsMembrane roof system components: insulation, roof membrane, and surfacingSteep-slope roof covering types: asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, slate, metal shingles, wood shakes and shinglesIBC fire classification of roof assemblies: Class A, B, and C ratings and requirementsIBC wind resistance requirements for roof coverings and edge securementRoof drainage design: primary drains, secondary overflow drains, scuppers, and guttersUnderlayment requirements by roof covering type and wind speedReroofing requirements: roof recover vs. roof replacement conditions and restrictions
Low Slope Roofing
15 Q · 30%
Roof membrane types and attachment methods (BUR, polymer-modified bitumen, EPDM, thermoplastic, liquid-applied, SPF)Roof deck types and design requirements for low-slope assembliesRigid board insulation types, R-value principles, and multilayer installation guidelinesSlope, drainage, and ponding water requirements for low-slope systemsAir and vapor retarder design and condensation controlMembrane flashing, base flashing, and counterflashing at walls and penetrationsArchitectural metal components for low-slope roofs (copings, perimeter edge metal, gravel stops, expansion joints)Reroofing procedures: evaluation, re-cover versus replacement, and building code requirements
Architectural Metal Roofing Systems and Sheet Metal Flashing
9 Q · 18%
Metal types and properties for roofing applications (aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, Galvalume, stainless steel, zinc)Metal panel roof system classifications: architectural vs. structuralSeam types and configurations (flat seam, standing seam, batten seam, snap-lock, mechanical seam)Panel profiles, substrates, and underlayment requirements for architectural metal panel systemsSheet metal flashing types and installation: copings, counterflashing, drip edge, perimeter edge metal, and through-wall flashingThermal movement, oil canning, and expansion/contraction provisions in metal roof systemsRoof drainage design: gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and sizing calculationsDissimilar metals, galvanic corrosion, and material compatibility
Moisture and Energy Control
6 Q · 12%
Thermal resistance concepts (R-value, U-factor, k-value, C-factor) and calculation methodsRigid board insulation types, properties, and selection criteria for commercial roofingVapor retarder need determination, placement, and dew-point analysisAir retarder functions, performance requirements, and code compliance (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1)Condensation control strategies for low-slope roof assembliesCondensation control and ventilation strategies for steep-slope roof assembliesThermal bridging effects of mechanical fasteners and insulation gaps on assembly R-valueRadiant barriers: types, installation locations, and effect on roofing materials
Repairs and Reroofing
7 Q · 14%
Evaluation criteria for re-covering versus tear-off and replacementRoof system inspection procedures (surface condition, flashings, penetrations, drainage, moisture)Nondestructive moisture evaluation techniques and core cut analysisBuilding code requirements for reroofing (IBC limitations on re-cover and replacement)Roof deck and structural substrate assessment during reroofingFlashing requirements and decisions during re-cover and replacement projectsSystem-specific reroofing considerations by roof type (asphalt shingle, tile, slate, metal panel, membrane, SPF)Slate repair methods (nail-and-bib method, replacement slate selection and fastening)Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) identification, responsibility, and liability during reroofingHidden conditions in roof assemblies (buried conduit, wiring, plumbing) and NEC clearance requirementsRe-cover design considerations (fire resistance, wind-uplift resistance, added weight, condensation control)Retrofit framing systems for metal panel re-cover applications
+4 more
Safety
8 Q · 16%
Fall protection requirements for roofing work (low-slope and steep roofs)Personal fall arrest systems: components, specifications, and proper useGuardrail systems and safety net systems: installation criteria and load requirementsWarning line systems and safety monitoring systems for roofing operationsLadders and stairways: safe use, inspection, and fall protection requirementsScaffold safety: capacity, platform construction, and fall protectionPersonal protective equipment (PPE): selection, use, and employer responsibilitiesFire protection and prevention: fire extinguisher requirements, flammable liquid storage, and ignition hazard control
Competent Person (OSHA) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.32(f), Page 31
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.32(f), a person capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Emergency Action Plan – oral communication exception OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.35(e)(3), Page 33
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.35(e)(3), employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the emergency action plan orally and are not required to maintain a written plan.
Hazardous waste container covers OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.25(c)
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.25(c), containers used for garbage and other oily, flammable, or hazardous wastes on a construction site must be equipped with covers.
First aid kit inspection frequency OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.50(d)(2), Page 33
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.50(d)(2), first aid kit contents must be checked by the employer before each job and at least weekly on each job to ensure expended items are replaced.
Tiered material storage safety OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.250(a)(1)
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.250(a)(1), materials stored in tiers shall be stacked, racked, blocked, interlocked, or otherwise secured to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse.
Prohibited common drinking cup OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.51(a)(4), Page 34
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.51(a)(4), the common drinking cup is prohibited on all construction job sites.
Minimum toilet facilities OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.51(c)(1), Page 35
Per OSHA 29 CFR §1926.51(c)(1), a minimum of one toilet facility is required for construction jobsites with 20 or fewer employees.
Scaffold load capacity 29 CFR 1926, §1926.451(a)(1)
Per 29 CFR §1926.451(a)(1), each scaffold and scaffold component must support, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied to it.
Ice barrier membrane (IBC re-cover exception) International Building Code 2018, Page 358 (Section 1511.3, Exception)
Per IBC Section 1511.3 Exception, an existing ice barrier membrane adhered to the roof deck during a re-cover may remain in place if covered with an additional layer of ice barrier membrane per Section 1507.
Laminated (Architectural/Dimensional) Shingles NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, Section 4—Asphalt Shingles (Laminated Shingles)
Asphalt shingles with additional material laminated to strips to create random thicknesses and a dimensional appearance, also called architectural or dimensional shingles.
Ice-dam protection membrane eave extension NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, Section 3.2—Water and Ice-dam Protection Underlayment
Water and ice-dam protection membranes must extend upslope from the eaves to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building, measured in the level plane.
Aluminum (through-wall flashing restriction) NRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control—2022, Page 116 (Chapter 3, Section 3.8)
Aluminum should be avoided for through-wall flashing in masonry walls because the high alkaline content of masonry causes corrosion; copper and stainless steel are preferred.
Cementitious wood fiber panel elevation tolerance NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems, Chapter 2, Page 87
Elevation differences exceeding ⅛ inch between adjacent cementitious wood fiber deck panels are unacceptable and require grouting feathered to a slope of ⅛ inch per foot.
Flat seam metal roof solder threshold Architectural Sheet Metal Manual, Flat Seam Roofs, Figure 6-3
Flat seam joints on metal roofs with a pitch less than 3 inches per foot must be soldered rather than sealed with sealant; in snow areas, seams subject to ice-dam flooding must also be soldered regardless of pitch.
Non-roof leak source (condensate lines) NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, Slate Roof Systems, Chapter 6—Reroofing, Pages 581-582
Clogged condensate discharge lines from rooftop HVAC units are a non-roof leak source that must be addressed by a mechanical contractor, as reroofing will not resolve them.