Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

Which statement accurately describes wood plank and wood panel decks?

1. The thickness is determined by the material supplier

2. Aesthetics play a role in selecting the thickness

3. The thinner the material, the better the insulation

4. The proper thickness is determined by the design loads

The correct answer is: The proper thickness is determined by the design loads

The statement that the proper thickness is determined by the design loads is correct because, in roofing applications, the thickness of wood plank and wood panel decks should be based on the loads they are required to support. Design loads include factors such as weight from roofing materials, snow accumulation, and environmental pressures like wind. Properly calculating and adhering to these design specifications ensures that the roof structure is safe and performs adequately over time. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the considerations that should guide the selection of wood deck thickness. For instance, while aesthetics can influence some material choices, the primary concern in determining thickness is structural integrity rather than visual appeal. Additionally, insulation performance does not improve with thinner materials; typically, thicker materials provide better insulation. Lastly, while suppliers may provide materials of various thicknesses, it is essential to select the thickness based on engineering standards rather than supplier offerings.