An asphalt shingle roof shows widespread granule loss, curled edges and cracked tabs. What does this most likely indicate?
- The roof slope is too steep for asphalt shingles
- The shingles were fastened with too many nails
- The shingles are near the end of their life
- The shingles were installed over a second layer
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C. The shingles are near the end of their life
Granule loss, curling and cracking over the whole roof are the normal signs of aged asphalt shingles that have lost their oils. The inspector reports the condition; steep slopes are well suited to shingles.
Reference: Roofing: asphalt shingle ageing and wear
Which flashing is used where a sloped shingle roof meets a vertical side wall?
- A valley liner laid lengthwise along the wall
- A single strip of roll roofing sealed with roof cement
- Step flashing woven in with each course of shingles
- Drip edge turned up and nailed against the wall
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C. Step flashing woven in with each course of shingles
Step flashing is a series of bent pieces, one per shingle course, lapped so each piece sheds onto the shingle below. Relying on roof cement or one continuous sealed strip is a short-lived repair, not proper flashing.
Reference: Roofing: sidewall flashing (IRC 2021 R905.2.8.3, concept)
What is the purpose of a cricket (saddle) on a roof?
- To support the weight of a masonry chimney on the roof
- To keep birds and animals from entering the flue
- To anchor the ridge vent against high winds
- To divert water around the high side of a chimney
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D. To divert water around the high side of a chimney
A cricket is a small peaked structure behind a chimney that splits the flow of water and debris so it does not pond against the masonry. It is generally called for when the chimney is more than 30 inches wide across the slope.
Reference: IRC 2021 R1003.20 (chimney crickets)