MICHIGAN ROOFING EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
COMPLETE WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS AND
EXPLANATIONS
1
What is the minimum slope for asphalt shingles on a residential roof in
Michigan according to the Michigan Residential Code (MRC)?
A 2:12
B 4:12 (Correct)
C 3:12
D 5:12
Explanation: The MRC requires a minimum 4:12 slope for asphalt
shingles to ensure proper water runoff and prevent ice dam backup.
2
Which state agency regulates roofing contractor licensing in Michigan?
A Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
(Correct)
B Michigan Department of Transportation
C Michigan Roofing Association
D Michigan Attorney General
Explanation: LARA oversees residential builder and maintenance
alteration contractor licenses, which include roofing.
3
What is the required ice and water shield distance from the interior wall
,line in Michigan’s snow belt regions?
A 24 inches
B 48 inches
C 36 inches (Correct)
D 18 inches
Explanation: Michigan code requires ice and water shield to extend at
least 36 inches from the interior warm wall line for ice dam protection.
4
How many nails are required per 3-tab asphalt shingle in Michigan’s
high wind speed areas (over 110 mph)?
A 4 nails
B 6 nails (Correct)
C 5 nails
D 3 nails
Explanation: High wind zones require 6 nails per shingle; standard zones
allow 4 nails.
5
What is the maximum allowable number of existing shingle layers
before a complete tear-off is mandatory in Michigan?
A 3 layers
B 2 layers (Correct)
C 1 layer
D 4 layers
Explanation: Michigan Residential Code limits roof cover to two layers;
two existing layers require complete removal before new installation.
6
What is the minimum penetration depth for roofing nails into solid
,wood decking?
A 1/2 inch
B 3/4 inch (Correct)
C 1 inch
D 1/4 inch
Explanation: Nails must penetrate at least 3/4 inch into solid wood
decking or fully through sheathing with proper protrusion.
7
Which type of underlayment is prohibited on slopes below 4:12 in
Michigan?
A 30-pound felt
B Self-adhering membrane
C 15-pound felt (Correct)
D Synthetic 40 mil
Explanation: 15-pound felt is not allowed below 4:12; lower slopes
require self-adhering or heavier underlayment.
8
What is the minimum required fire resistance rating for roof coverings
on attached townhomes in Michigan?
A Class B
B Class C
C Class A (Correct)
D No requirement
Explanation: Townhomes require Class A roof covering due to fire
spread concerns between units.
9
What is the maximum exposure for a standard 3-tab asphalt shingle
, under Michigan code?
A 6 inches
B 4 inches
C 5 inches (Correct)
D 7 inches
Explanation: Maximum exposure is 5 inches to maintain seal strip
engagement and wind resistance.
10
What is the required slope for a roof cricket behind a chimney wider
than 30 inches?
A 1:12
B 3:12
C 2:12 (Correct)
D 4:12
Explanation: Chimney crickets must have a minimum slope of 2:12 to
divert water effectively.
11
What is the maximum horizontal spacing for roof ladder hooks from the
roof edge?
A 24 inches
B 12 inches
C 18 inches (Correct)
D 6 inches
Explanation: Ladder hooks must be placed within 18 inches of the roof
edge to prevent slipping.
12
Which type of fastener is required for attaching metal roof panels to
COMPLETE WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS AND
EXPLANATIONS
1
What is the minimum slope for asphalt shingles on a residential roof in
Michigan according to the Michigan Residential Code (MRC)?
A 2:12
B 4:12 (Correct)
C 3:12
D 5:12
Explanation: The MRC requires a minimum 4:12 slope for asphalt
shingles to ensure proper water runoff and prevent ice dam backup.
2
Which state agency regulates roofing contractor licensing in Michigan?
A Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
(Correct)
B Michigan Department of Transportation
C Michigan Roofing Association
D Michigan Attorney General
Explanation: LARA oversees residential builder and maintenance
alteration contractor licenses, which include roofing.
3
What is the required ice and water shield distance from the interior wall
,line in Michigan’s snow belt regions?
A 24 inches
B 48 inches
C 36 inches (Correct)
D 18 inches
Explanation: Michigan code requires ice and water shield to extend at
least 36 inches from the interior warm wall line for ice dam protection.
4
How many nails are required per 3-tab asphalt shingle in Michigan’s
high wind speed areas (over 110 mph)?
A 4 nails
B 6 nails (Correct)
C 5 nails
D 3 nails
Explanation: High wind zones require 6 nails per shingle; standard zones
allow 4 nails.
5
What is the maximum allowable number of existing shingle layers
before a complete tear-off is mandatory in Michigan?
A 3 layers
B 2 layers (Correct)
C 1 layer
D 4 layers
Explanation: Michigan Residential Code limits roof cover to two layers;
two existing layers require complete removal before new installation.
6
What is the minimum penetration depth for roofing nails into solid
,wood decking?
A 1/2 inch
B 3/4 inch (Correct)
C 1 inch
D 1/4 inch
Explanation: Nails must penetrate at least 3/4 inch into solid wood
decking or fully through sheathing with proper protrusion.
7
Which type of underlayment is prohibited on slopes below 4:12 in
Michigan?
A 30-pound felt
B Self-adhering membrane
C 15-pound felt (Correct)
D Synthetic 40 mil
Explanation: 15-pound felt is not allowed below 4:12; lower slopes
require self-adhering or heavier underlayment.
8
What is the minimum required fire resistance rating for roof coverings
on attached townhomes in Michigan?
A Class B
B Class C
C Class A (Correct)
D No requirement
Explanation: Townhomes require Class A roof covering due to fire
spread concerns between units.
9
What is the maximum exposure for a standard 3-tab asphalt shingle
, under Michigan code?
A 6 inches
B 4 inches
C 5 inches (Correct)
D 7 inches
Explanation: Maximum exposure is 5 inches to maintain seal strip
engagement and wind resistance.
10
What is the required slope for a roof cricket behind a chimney wider
than 30 inches?
A 1:12
B 3:12
C 2:12 (Correct)
D 4:12
Explanation: Chimney crickets must have a minimum slope of 2:12 to
divert water effectively.
11
What is the maximum horizontal spacing for roof ladder hooks from the
roof edge?
A 24 inches
B 12 inches
C 18 inches (Correct)
D 6 inches
Explanation: Ladder hooks must be placed within 18 inches of the roof
edge to prevent slipping.
12
Which type of fastener is required for attaching metal roof panels to
