CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorSteep-Slope RoofingHard

A roofing crew is installing 16-inch wood shakes on a roof with a 7:12 slope. They are using a standard single-coverage application. What is the maximum exposure that should be used for these shakes?

  1. A5.5 inches
  2. B7 inches
  3. C5 inches
  4. D6 inches
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. 7 inches

For 16-inch wood shakes installed in a single-coverage application, the maximum exposure is typically 7 inches. This provides a 9-inch headlap (16-inch shake length - 7-inch exposure = 9-inch headlap), ensuring three layers of material over the entire roof and proper water shedding.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 5.5 inches exposure is incorrect for 16-inch shakes in single coverage.
  • C. 5 inches exposure would result in an excessive headlap (11 inches), reducing material efficiency.
  • D. 6 inches exposure would result in a 10-inch headlap, which is more overlap than necessary for single coverage.

Wood Shake Exposure (Single Coverage)

The exposed portion of a wood shake when installed in a single-coverage application, ensuring three layers of material.

  • Calculated to achieve 3-ply coverage.
  • Varies by shake length.
  • Different from double-coverage exposure.

Memory trick: Single coverage, three layers strong, seven inches for a 16-inch song.

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