Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

Which option can be used in place of water and ice dam protection in tile roofing?

1. A Asphalt roof cement adhesive

2. B Two-ply membrane Underlayment

3. C Modified bitumen membrane

4. D EPDM rubber membrane

The correct answer is: B Two-ply membrane Underlayment

The correct answer is the two-ply membrane underlayment. This option is specifically designed to provide superior protection against water and ice damming in roofing systems, particularly tile roofs. The two layers create a robust barrier that helps prevent water infiltration, which is essential in regions prone to freezing temperatures and ice accumulation. This underlayment is typically installed beneath the tile and can handle the stresses caused by water pooling and ice formation. As for the other options, while they serve important roles in roofing, they are not as effective as the two-ply membrane for this specific application. Asphalt roof cement adhesive, for instance, is primarily used for sealing and repairs rather than as a proactive water and ice barrier. Modified bitumen membrane can offer some protection but may not provide the same level of flexibility and reliability as the two-ply system when dealing with the challenges posed by ice dams. EPDM rubber membrane is well-suited for certain roofing applications, especially in flat roofs, but is not typically used in tile roofing systems where a two-ply membrane underlayment is preferred for ice and water protection.