Roof System
What is the structural surface underneath the roofing materials?
What is the roof deck/decking?
What material is installed beneath shingles as an additional protective layer over the roof deck?
What is underlayment?
What can missing shingles leave more exposed to weather and water?
The underlying roofing system.
What are the two basic sides of a balanced attic ventilation system?
Intake and exhaust.
True or False: The shingles are the entire roofing system.
False.
What is the highest horizontal point where two roof slopes meet?
What is the ridge?
What component helps direct water away from the roof edge and fascia?
What is drip edge?
What should you inspect around plumbing vents and other roof penetrations?
Flashing, seals, deterioration, damage, and evidence of water intrusion.
Where is intake ventilation commonly located?
Near the soffits/eaves.
True or False: Every roof leak means the entire roof needs replacement.
False.
What is the internal angle where two sloped roof sections meet and water is naturally directed?
What is a valley?
What component protects roof transitions, penetrations, chimneys, and wall intersections from water intrusion?
What is flashing?
What can excessive granule loss indicate about an asphalt shingle?
Wear or deterioration of the shingle surface, depending on the roof's age and condition.
Where is a ridge vent installed?
Along the ridge of the roof.
Name that component:
“I protect the roof edge and help direct water away from the fascia.”
What is drip edge?
Put these three components in order from the structure outward: shingles, underlayment, roof deck.
Roof deck → underlayment → shingles.
What type of flashing is commonly installed where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall?
What is step flashing?
Why doesn't a ceiling water stain automatically tell you exactly where the roof is leaking?
Because water can travel along decking, framing, or other surfaces before becoming visible inside the home.
Why can excess moisture in an attic become a roofing problem?
It can contribute to condensation, deterioration, and other moisture-related problems.
A roof has excellent shingles, but the flashing around a penetration was installed incorrectly. Can the roof still leak?
Yes.
Why should a roof be considered a complete system instead of simply shingles?
Because multiple components must work together to shed water, protect vulnerable areas, manage ventilation, and protect the structure.
Name five components of an asphalt roofing system besides the field shingles.
Any five appropriate components, such as decking, underlayment, starter shingles, leak barrier, flashing, drip edge, ventilation, pipe boots, hip caps, or ridge caps.
A roof has damage in one visible area. Should you automatically recommend replacing the entire roof?
No. The entire roofing system should be inspected and the extent and cause of the damage determined first.
Why doesn't simply adding more exhaust vents automatically fix a poorly ventilated attic?
Because ventilation needs properly designed intake and exhaust working together as a system.
You have 30 seconds. Name at least 10 different components or areas of a residential asphalt roofing system. Must get 10 to earn the $500.
Roof deck, underlayment, shingles, starter shingles, hip caps, ridge caps, ridge vent, soffit/intake vents, drip edge, flashing, step flashing, valleys, pipe boots, leak barrier, fascia, soffit, penetrations.