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Property & Building Inspection

Roof practice questions

10 original sample questions on roof. Pick an answer, then open the explanation. Review the roof study notes first if you like.

1. A "bird stop" at tile roof eaves keeps out:

  1. Birds and pests
  2. Snow sliding off
  3. All wind
  4. Rain at the eaves
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Birds and pests

Eave closures block pests.

2. A 'closed-cut' valley on an asphalt roof is formed when:

  1. A metal liner is left fully exposed down the center
  2. Shingles from one side are cut along the valley
  3. Shingles are woven from both sides
  4. No underlayment is used
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Shingles from one side are cut along the valley

Closed-cut valleys extend one side's shingles across and trim the other side along the centerline.

3. A 'cricket' (saddle) is typically installed:

  1. At the eaves to support gutters and downspouts during heavy rain
  2. Under shingles at the ridge
  3. Inside the attic
  4. Behind a chimney to divert water
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Behind a chimney to divert water

Crickets divert water around the high side of wide chimneys.

4. A chimney with missing mortar at the crown can allow:

  1. Lower creosote buildup
  2. Better draft for the fireplace
  3. Stronger bricks at the top
  4. Water entry into the chimney
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Water entry into the chimney

Crown cracks let water into masonry.

5. A built-up roof has blisters that are not broken. The best statement is:

  1. Blisters improve the insulation value of the built-up roof
  2. Blisters are normal on every roof and need no attention
  3. Blisters observed; monitor and repair if they open
  4. Blisters mean the roof will collapse under snow loads soon
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Blisters observed; monitor and repair if they open

Blisters indicate trapped air or moisture; broken ones leak.

6. A gutter downspout disconnected from the gutter outlet causes:

  1. Water spilling at the roof edge
  2. Quiet rain
  3. Ice prevention
  4. Better drainage overall at the downspout
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Water spilling at the roof edge

The correct answer is “Water spilling at the roof edge.” Reconnect.

7. A home's roof has asphalt shingles laid over cedar shakes without solid sheathing. The concern is:

  1. Inadequate nailing base and possible uneven, short-lived roof
  2. Required practice that improves the fire rating of the roof
  3. Better ventilation that will extend the life of both roof layers
  4. Shakes will stop the shingles from getting hail damage
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Inadequate nailing base and possible uneven, short-lived roof

Shingles generally need a solid deck; overlaying shakes is not recommended.

8. A ladder placed at the eave lets the inspector:

  1. Inspect the attic framing
  2. Check the water heater
  3. View the roof surface when walking isn't safe
  4. Test the outlets
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. View the roof surface when walking isn't safe

Eave views are an accepted method.

9. A chimney flashing with rusted gaps should be:

  1. Ignored if old
  2. Painted shut
  3. Reported for repair
  4. Removed by inspector
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Reported for repair

Rusted flashing leaks.

10. A low-slope roof covered with three-tab asphalt shingles at a 1.5:12 pitch with signs of ceiling staining is best reported as:

  1. Shingles installed correctly for any slope as long as they are three-tab
  2. A roof that only needs an extra coat of paint to seal the shingle laps
  3. Shingles below the minimum slope; leak risk
  4. A normal ceiling stain from condensation that has nothing to do with the roof
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Shingles below the minimum slope; leak risk

Asphalt shingles generally require at least 2:12 with special underlayment; lower slopes need membrane roofing. (General reference: IRC R905 (roof coverings); local adoption varies.)

Original practice items for study only, not actual exam questions. Content may contain errors.