Roofing Terminology Quiz

What is a dome?

• A) A roof with a minimum pitch for drainage

• B) The triangular end of an exterior wall above the eaves

• C) A symmetrical roof with two different pitches on each side

• D) A hemispherical roof form

What is a dormer?

• A) A part of a roof that projects over a wall

• B) A structure projecting from a sloping roof to accommodate a window

• C) The material used for covering exposed places outside the building

• D) A surface finish material used to cover another surface

What is a truss?

• A) The top edge of the roof where rafters meet

• B) A prefabricated triangular shaped unit used for supporting roof loads over long spans

• C) The diagonal rafter forming the intersection of two sloping roofs

• D) The vertical height of a roof

What is a purlin?

• A) The diagonal rafter forming the intersection of two sloping roofs

• B) A horizontal structure member that holds rafters together

• C) The top edge of the roof where rafters meet

• D) A wood or metal cap used for roofing at the ridge

What is a valley?

• A) The vertical height of a roof

• B) The horizontal distance that a roof projects beyond a wall

• C) The internal angle formed by two slopes of a roof

• D) The top edge of the roof where rafters meet

What is roll roofing?

• A) The external upper covering of a house or building

• B) A prefabricated triangular shaped unit used for supporting roof loads over long spans

• C) A material of fiber and asphalt manufactured in rolls

• D) A flat roof slanting in one direction

What is a flat roof?

• A) A roof with a minimum pitch for drainage

• B) A roof with two sides sloping down toward the interior of the house

• C) A roof that slopes from two sides only

• D) A symmetrical roof with two different pitches on each side

What are shingles?

• A) The diagonal rafter that extends from the plate to the ridge to form the hip

• B) Thin pieces of wood or other materials that overlap each other in covering a roof

• C) The horizontal distance that a roof projects beyond a wall

• D) A prefabricated triangular shaped unit used for supporting roof loads over long spans

What is a mansard roof?

• A) A roof with four sloping sides

• B) A roof with two slopes on each side with the lower slope much steeper than the upper

• C) A flat roof slanting in one direction

• D) The horizontal distance that a roof projects beyond a wall

What is a gable?

• A) A part of a roof that projects over a wall

• B) The triangular end of an exterior wall above the eaves

• C) A structure projecting from a sloping roof to accommodate a window

• D) A roof with two sides sloping down toward the interior of the house