Illinois Commercial and Industrial Roofing Contractor

Key Concepts

Applicable OSHA Standards

• 29 CFR 1926 – Safety and Health Regulations for the Construction Industry (primary standard for roofing work)
• 29 CFR 1910 – General Industry Occupational Safety and Health Standards (applies where 1926 doesn't cover)
• 29 CFR 1904 – Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

OSHA Recordkeeping Forms

• Form 300 – Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (maintained throughout the year)
• Form 300A – Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (must be posted Feb 1 – Apr 30 each year, even if no injuries occurred)
• Form 301 – Injury and Illness Incident Report (individual case detail; must be completed within 7 calendar days of learning of a recordable incident)
• Employers with 10 or fewer employees are generally exempt from routine recordkeeping (but not from reporting fatalities/hospitalizations)

OSHA Penalty Types and Amounts

(Amounts adjust annually for inflation — know the tier structure and relative severity, not just the dollar amounts.)

Key Concepts

Roof Deck Types & Substrate Requirements

• Asphalt shingles may only be directly attached to structural wood panels (plywood) and wood planks/boards — NRCA does NOT recommend direct attachment to gypsum, concrete planks, cementitious wood fiber, or similar non-wood materials.
• Steel decks are the standard substrate for low-slope commercial systems; they require specific fastener pull-out resistance and may need fill material before insulation attachment.
• Concrete decks (cast-in-place or precast) require compatible adhesive or mechanical fastening for insulation; surface must be clean, dry, and free of voids.
• All decks must be broom clean, dry, smooth, adequately attached, and free of voids before roofing begins. Deck inspection should include the general contractor, architect/engineer, and owner's representative — the roofing contractor is not responsible for slope, structural integrity, or attachment method.

Underlayment Selection by Roof System Type

• Asphalt felt (No. 15 or No. 30): Traditional mechanically attached underlayment; used in single or double layers depending on slope and exposure requirements.
• Synthetic underlayments: Lightweight, high-tear-resistance; increasingly specified for both steep and low-slope applications.
• Polymer-modified bitumen (SBS or APP): Used as premium underlayment, especially in ice-dam-prone zones and under tile or slate.
• Self-adhering (peel-and-stick): Used at eaves (ice and water shield), valleys, and penetrations; required in low-temperature or high-wind zones; applied to a continuous substrate.
• Four NRCA underlayment configurations for asphalt shingles: (1) single layer…

Key Concepts

Asphalt Shingles

• Modern asphalt shingles use fiberglass reinforcing mats (not organic felt). Organic mat shingles are legacy products; fiberglass-reinforced is the current standard.
• Four basic components: asphalt, fillers, reinforcing mat, and surfacing. Mineral fillers (limestone, fly ash, slate dust) stabilize bitumen and increase fire resistance.
• Three-tab shingles: Strip form, standard size 12" × 36"; metric size ~13" × 39⅜". Self-sealing adhesive strips.
• Laminated (architectural/dimensional) shingles: Additional material laminated to base strip for dimensional appearance. Variants include full double laminates, cut-out (sculptured), and triple laminates.
• Both three-tab and laminated shingles are classified as strip shingles and are self-sealing.

Minimum Slope Requirements

• Standard asphalt shingles: minimum 4:12 slope with standard single-layer underlayment.
• Low-slope application (with double underlayment): 2:12 to 4:12 — requires two layers of felt or an approved self-adhering membrane.
• Below 2:12: asphalt shingles are not approved for use.
• Wood shingles: minimum 3:12; wood shakes: minimum 4:12.
• Slate and clay/concrete tile: typically minimum 4:12 (some tiles approved to 2½:12 with modified installation).
• Metal shingles: generally minimum 3:12.

Illinois Commercial & Industrial Roofing Contractor Exam | 10 Questions (12%)

Key Concepts

Built-Up Roof (BUR) Membranes

• Constructed from alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing felts (organic, fiberglass, or polyester)
• Minimum 3-ply construction typical for commercial applications
• Coal tar bitumen is more fluid-resistant and self-healing; asphalt bitumen is more common
• Surfaced with aggregate (gravel/slag), mineral cap sheets, or coatings
• Applied hot-mopped, cold-applied, or torch-applied (modified hybrid systems)

Single-Ply Membranes

Attachment methods: Fully adhered, mechanically attached (fasteners + plates), or ballasted (loose-laid with minimum 10 psf ballast, typically 1½" river-washed stone)

Polymer-Modified Bitumen

• APP (Atactic Polypropylene): Torch-applied primary method; stiffer at low temps; UV resistant; suitable for hot climates
• SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene): Cold-applied, hot-mopped, or torch-applied; remains flexible in cold climates; rubber-like elasticity
• Installed in minimum 2-ply systems (base sheet + cap sheet); cap sheet can be granule-surfaced or smooth (requiring coating)
• Base sheet attached by mechanical fasteners, hot mopping, or cold adhesive

Key Concepts

Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act

• License Types: Illinois issues roofing contractor licenses to individuals and business entities. A Qualifying Party (QP) must be designated for every licensed business entity — this individual holds the technical and legal responsibility for roofing work performed.
• Application Requirements: Applicants must submit proof of experience, pass the required exam, pay applicable fees, and provide evidence of surety bond and liability insurance.
• Qualifying Party Succession: If a QP leaves the company, the business has a limited period to designate a replacement QP or the license becomes invalid. The business cannot legally operate without an active QP on record.

Surety Bond & Insurance Requirements

• Illinois roofing contractors must maintain a surety bond — this protects consumers if the contractor fails to perform or causes damages.
• General liability insurance is required; this covers property damage and bodily injury arising from roofing operations.
• Proof of both bond and insurance must be filed with the state and kept current throughout the license period. Lapses can trigger disciplinary action.

Illinois Commercial & Industrial Roofing Contractor Exam | 15 Questions (19%)

Key Concepts

Built-Up Roof (BUR) Membrane Systems

• BUR consists of alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing felts, topped with a surfacing (gravel, cap sheet, or coating).
• Asphalt BUR uses oxidized asphalt; coal tar BUR uses coal tar pitch — coal tar is self-healing and preferred for ponding water areas.
• Minimum 3-ply felt systems are standard for low-slope commercial applications.
• Surfacing options: gravel/slag (flood coat), mineral-surfaced cap sheet, or reflective coatings.

Single-Ply Membrane Systems (EPDM, TPO, PVC)

• EPDM (thermoset): Black rubber; seams joined with tape or liquid adhesive (not heat-welded). Available in 45 mil and 60 mil thickness.
• TPO (thermoplastic): White/light-colored; seams heat-welded. Energy-efficient, growing market share.
• PVC (thermoplastic): Seams heat-welded; better chemical and grease resistance than TPO — preferred near restaurants/kitchen exhaust.
• Three attachment methods for all single-ply: Fully adhered, mechanically attached (fasteners and plates through membrane into deck), and ballasted (loose-laid, held by stone or pavers, min. 10 psf).