CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorLow-Slope RoofingEasy
During tear-off of an old built-up roof, a laborer uses a long-handled steel tool with a flat, angled blade to pry up and scrape away layers of felt and gravel from the deck. What is this tool called?
- ASpud bar
- BCant knife
- CSeam roller
- DNotch trowel
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Spud bar
A spud bar is a long-handled tool with a flat, chisel-like blade used to scrape, pry, and remove old roofing materials such as gravel-embedded felts and adhered membranes during tear-off.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. There is no standard roofing tool called a cant knife; this is a distractor term.
- C. A seam roller presses down membrane seams during installation, not removal.
- D. A notch trowel is used to spread adhesives, not remove roofing.
Spud Bar
A long-handled steel tool with a flat, angled blade used during tear-off to scrape and pry loose old built-up roofing materials from the deck.
- Common tear-off tool for gravel-surfaced BUR removal
- Different from notch trowels (adhesive spreading) and seam rollers (seam pressing)
- Requires care to avoid damaging the roof deck during use
Memory trick: Spud it up and scrape it off.