Roofing Contractor Practice Exam Question
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant
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1. What is the minimum recommended roof slope for asphalt shingles?
A. 1:12
B. 2:12
C. 4:12
D. 5:12
Rationale: Asphalt shingles perform best and drain properly at slopes of 4:12 or
greater.
2. What component prevents moisture from entering the building at roof
penetrations?
A. Underlayment
B. Ridge vent
C. Flashing
D. Fascia
Rationale: Flashing is designed to waterproof transitions and penetrations.
3. What is the term for the edge of the roof where gutters attach?
A. Ridge
B. Gable
C. Eave
D. Hip
Rationale: Eaves extend beyond the wall and commonly support gutter systems.
4. Which nail type is recommended for asphalt shingles?
,A. Staples
B. Aluminum nails
C. Galvanized roofing nails
D. Screws
Rationale: Galvanized nails resist corrosion and meet code for shingle
installation.
5. What is the purpose of roof underlayment?
A. Add structural support
B. Provide secondary moisture protection
C. Improve ventilation
D. Hold shingles in place
Rationale: Underlayment serves as a moisture barrier beneath roofing
materials.
6. Which wood is commonly used for roof sheathing?
A. Cedar
B. Redwood
C. Plywood or OSB
D. Maple
Rationale: Plywood and OSB are structurally appropriate and widely approved
for roof decks.
7. Ice dams are primarily caused by:
A. Storm damage
B. Poor attic insulation
C. Poor attic ventilation
D. Both B and C
Rationale: Ice dams form when heat loss and inadequate ventilation cause
uneven melting.
8. What is the purpose of a drip edge?
, A. Seal flashing
B. Guide water away from fascia and into gutters
C. Support shingles
D. Raise roof pitch
Rationale: Drip edges protect the fascia and direct runoff properly.
9. Which roofing material generally lasts the longest?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shakes
C. Clay tiles
D. Roll roofing
Rationale: Clay tiles can last 50–100 years, outperforming most materials.
10. A “square” of roofing equals:
A. 10 sq ft
B. 50 sq ft
C. 100 sq ft
D. 200 sq ft
Rationale: One square is the standard 100 square feet of roofing coverage.
11. What tool is primarily used to cut asphalt shingles?
A. Circular saw
B. Tin snips
C. Utility knife
D. Hammer
Rationale: Utility knives easily score and cut asphalt shingles.
12. What is the main purpose of attic ventilation?
A. Aesthetic appeal
B. Reduce moisture and regulate temperature
C. Increase attic storage
D. Strengthen roof framing
Rationale: Proper ventilation prevents moisture damage and overheating.
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the minimum recommended roof slope for asphalt shingles?
A. 1:12
B. 2:12
C. 4:12
D. 5:12
Rationale: Asphalt shingles perform best and drain properly at slopes of 4:12 or
greater.
2. What component prevents moisture from entering the building at roof
penetrations?
A. Underlayment
B. Ridge vent
C. Flashing
D. Fascia
Rationale: Flashing is designed to waterproof transitions and penetrations.
3. What is the term for the edge of the roof where gutters attach?
A. Ridge
B. Gable
C. Eave
D. Hip
Rationale: Eaves extend beyond the wall and commonly support gutter systems.
4. Which nail type is recommended for asphalt shingles?
,A. Staples
B. Aluminum nails
C. Galvanized roofing nails
D. Screws
Rationale: Galvanized nails resist corrosion and meet code for shingle
installation.
5. What is the purpose of roof underlayment?
A. Add structural support
B. Provide secondary moisture protection
C. Improve ventilation
D. Hold shingles in place
Rationale: Underlayment serves as a moisture barrier beneath roofing
materials.
6. Which wood is commonly used for roof sheathing?
A. Cedar
B. Redwood
C. Plywood or OSB
D. Maple
Rationale: Plywood and OSB are structurally appropriate and widely approved
for roof decks.
7. Ice dams are primarily caused by:
A. Storm damage
B. Poor attic insulation
C. Poor attic ventilation
D. Both B and C
Rationale: Ice dams form when heat loss and inadequate ventilation cause
uneven melting.
8. What is the purpose of a drip edge?
, A. Seal flashing
B. Guide water away from fascia and into gutters
C. Support shingles
D. Raise roof pitch
Rationale: Drip edges protect the fascia and direct runoff properly.
9. Which roofing material generally lasts the longest?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shakes
C. Clay tiles
D. Roll roofing
Rationale: Clay tiles can last 50–100 years, outperforming most materials.
10. A “square” of roofing equals:
A. 10 sq ft
B. 50 sq ft
C. 100 sq ft
D. 200 sq ft
Rationale: One square is the standard 100 square feet of roofing coverage.
11. What tool is primarily used to cut asphalt shingles?
A. Circular saw
B. Tin snips
C. Utility knife
D. Hammer
Rationale: Utility knives easily score and cut asphalt shingles.
12. What is the main purpose of attic ventilation?
A. Aesthetic appeal
B. Reduce moisture and regulate temperature
C. Increase attic storage
D. Strengthen roof framing
Rationale: Proper ventilation prevents moisture damage and overheating.
