ROOFING CONTRACTOR LICENSING EXAMINER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALE 2025/2026 Q&A/
INSTANDOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following roof slopes is considered "low-slope" roofing?
A. 1/12 or less
B. 2/12 or less
C. 3/12 or less
D. 4/12 or less
Correct answer: B — Roofs with slopes of 2/12 or less are considered low-slope, requiring
special waterproof membranes rather than shingles.
2. The main purpose of roof underlayment is to:
A. Provide insulation
B. Prevent moisture penetration under roofing materials
C. Support roof structure
D. Reflect sunlight
Correct answer: B — Underlayment serves as a secondary water barrier beneath roofing
materials.
3. What is the minimum slope required for asphalt shingles installation?
A. 2:12
B. 3:12
C. 4:12
D. 5:12
Correct answer: B — Asphalt shingles generally require a minimum slope of 3:12 for proper
drainage and performance.
4. The term “flashing” refers to:
A. Insulation board
B. Waterproof metal or membrane around roof penetrations
C. Roof deck
D. Ridge vent
,Correct answer: B — Flashing prevents water intrusion around joints, chimneys, and roof
penetrations.
5. What type of nail is recommended for asphalt shingle installation?
A. Smooth shank aluminum
B. Electro-galvanized steel
C. Hot-dipped galvanized steel
D. Copper
Correct answer: C — Hot-dipped galvanized nails resist corrosion best and meet code standards
for asphalt shingles.
6. The primary function of roof ventilation is to:
A. Prevent leaks
B. Reduce attic heat and moisture buildup
C. Support shingles
D. Improve aesthetics
Correct answer: B — Ventilation regulates attic temperature and humidity, preventing shingle
damage and mold.
7. When installing roof sheathing, nails should penetrate framing members by at least:
A. ½ inch
B. ¾ inch
C. 1 inch
D. 1½ inches
Correct answer: C — Nails should penetrate at least 1 inch into framing for secure attachment.
8. Which type of roof system uses a torch-applied bitumen membrane?
A. EPDM
B. TPO
C. Modified Bitumen
D. PVC
Correct answer: C — Modified bitumen roofs often use heat-applied torch systems for
waterproof sealing.
9. In roofing, “ridge” refers to:
A. Lowest part of the roof
, B. Horizontal line at the highest point of two sloping roof planes
C. Edge of the gutter
D. Roof valley
Correct answer: B — The ridge is the top horizontal intersection of two roof slopes.
10. The term “square” in roofing means:
A. 10 sq. ft.
B. 50 sq. ft.
C. 100 sq. ft.
D. 1000 sq. ft.
Correct answer: C — One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof area.
11. Drip edge flashing should be installed:
A. Over the underlayment
B. Under the underlayment at eaves, over it at rakes
C. Over all roof layers
D. Only at the ridge
Correct answer: B — Drip edge goes under underlayment at eaves and over at rakes for proper
water shedding.
12. Ice and water shield membrane is primarily used to:
A. Reduce UV exposure
B. Prevent leaks caused by ice dams
C. Reflect sunlight
D. Support tile roofs
Correct answer: B — Ice and water shields protect against leaks from ice dam formation and
wind-driven rain.
13. The typical life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is:
A. 5–10 years
B. 10–15 years
C. 20–30 years
D. 40–50 years
Correct answer: C — Standard architectural shingles last around 20–30 years under normal
conditions.
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALE 2025/2026 Q&A/
INSTANDOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following roof slopes is considered "low-slope" roofing?
A. 1/12 or less
B. 2/12 or less
C. 3/12 or less
D. 4/12 or less
Correct answer: B — Roofs with slopes of 2/12 or less are considered low-slope, requiring
special waterproof membranes rather than shingles.
2. The main purpose of roof underlayment is to:
A. Provide insulation
B. Prevent moisture penetration under roofing materials
C. Support roof structure
D. Reflect sunlight
Correct answer: B — Underlayment serves as a secondary water barrier beneath roofing
materials.
3. What is the minimum slope required for asphalt shingles installation?
A. 2:12
B. 3:12
C. 4:12
D. 5:12
Correct answer: B — Asphalt shingles generally require a minimum slope of 3:12 for proper
drainage and performance.
4. The term “flashing” refers to:
A. Insulation board
B. Waterproof metal or membrane around roof penetrations
C. Roof deck
D. Ridge vent
,Correct answer: B — Flashing prevents water intrusion around joints, chimneys, and roof
penetrations.
5. What type of nail is recommended for asphalt shingle installation?
A. Smooth shank aluminum
B. Electro-galvanized steel
C. Hot-dipped galvanized steel
D. Copper
Correct answer: C — Hot-dipped galvanized nails resist corrosion best and meet code standards
for asphalt shingles.
6. The primary function of roof ventilation is to:
A. Prevent leaks
B. Reduce attic heat and moisture buildup
C. Support shingles
D. Improve aesthetics
Correct answer: B — Ventilation regulates attic temperature and humidity, preventing shingle
damage and mold.
7. When installing roof sheathing, nails should penetrate framing members by at least:
A. ½ inch
B. ¾ inch
C. 1 inch
D. 1½ inches
Correct answer: C — Nails should penetrate at least 1 inch into framing for secure attachment.
8. Which type of roof system uses a torch-applied bitumen membrane?
A. EPDM
B. TPO
C. Modified Bitumen
D. PVC
Correct answer: C — Modified bitumen roofs often use heat-applied torch systems for
waterproof sealing.
9. In roofing, “ridge” refers to:
A. Lowest part of the roof
, B. Horizontal line at the highest point of two sloping roof planes
C. Edge of the gutter
D. Roof valley
Correct answer: B — The ridge is the top horizontal intersection of two roof slopes.
10. The term “square” in roofing means:
A. 10 sq. ft.
B. 50 sq. ft.
C. 100 sq. ft.
D. 1000 sq. ft.
Correct answer: C — One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof area.
11. Drip edge flashing should be installed:
A. Over the underlayment
B. Under the underlayment at eaves, over it at rakes
C. Over all roof layers
D. Only at the ridge
Correct answer: B — Drip edge goes under underlayment at eaves and over at rakes for proper
water shedding.
12. Ice and water shield membrane is primarily used to:
A. Reduce UV exposure
B. Prevent leaks caused by ice dams
C. Reflect sunlight
D. Support tile roofs
Correct answer: B — Ice and water shields protect against leaks from ice dam formation and
wind-driven rain.
13. The typical life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is:
A. 5–10 years
B. 10–15 years
C. 20–30 years
D. 40–50 years
Correct answer: C — Standard architectural shingles last around 20–30 years under normal
conditions.
