Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

Which statement most accurately describes structural metal panel roofing assemblies?

1. Underlayment is recommended if a structural metal panel directly over a solid deck.

2. Structural metal panel roofing can be installed without fasteners.

3. Structural metal panels are not suitable for commercial buildings.

4. Structural metal panels do not require support beams.

The correct answer is: Underlayment is recommended if a structural metal panel directly over a solid deck.

The statement that underlayment is recommended if a structural metal panel is installed directly over a solid deck is accurate because using underlayment enhances durability and provides additional waterproofing. This layer helps protect against potential leaks, minimizes the risk of condensation affecting the metal panels, and contributes to the overall longevity of the roofing system. Even with a solid deck, the underlayment serves as an extra barrier against moisture, thus ensuring better performance of the roofing assembly. In contrast to this, metal panels can be installed with fasteners, and traditional setups usually require some form of mechanical fastening. Additionally, structural metal panels are actually quite suitable for commercial buildings, given their strength, durability, and aesthetic versatility. Also, while metal panel roofs are designed to be self-supporting, they still typically require some form of structural support in the form of framing or purlins, especially in larger applications, which debunks the idea that they do not require support beams at all.