CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorEstimating and PlanningEasy

A contractor is planning a roofing project for a commercial building with a total roof deck area of 8,500 square feet. The specification calls for a three-ply asphalt and felt built-up roofing system. How many squares of felt underlayment will be needed, assuming no waste factor and standard 36-inch wide rolls?

  1. A255 squares
  2. B340 squares
  3. C85 squares
  4. D170 squares
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. 255 squares

A three-ply system requires three layers of felt. Therefore, the total roof area is multiplied by three to determine the total squares of felt needed.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. This would be for a four-ply system, not a three-ply system.
  • C. This only accounts for a single layer of felt, not a three-ply system.
  • D. This would be for a two-ply system, not a three-ply system.

Multi-Ply Felt Coverage

The total area of felt underlayment required for a multi-ply built-up roofing system, calculated by multiplying the roof deck area by the number of plies.

  • 1 square = 100 square feet
  • Each ply adds one layer of felt coverage
  • Waste factors are typically added after this calculation

Memory trick: BUR is like a BLT sandwich, layers for strength.

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