40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

What is a drawback of adding a second layer of roofing over an existing layer?

1. Improved insulation

2. Increased aesthetics

3. The dead load is increased

4. Extended roofing life

The correct answer is: The dead load is increased

Adding a second layer of roofing over an existing layer increases the dead load, which is the weight of the additional material added to the structure. When installing new roofing over old, the overall load that the building must support increases. This is a crucial factor to consider during roof installation, as buildings are designed to handle a specific load. Therefore, exceeding that capability can lead to structural issues, including sagging or even structural failure in extreme cases. The other choices may appear beneficial, but they do not capture the primary concern. Improved insulation is generally more associated with the quality of materials and installation rather than simply adding a layer. Increased aesthetics might be considered a subjective benefit but does not address the structural implications. Finally, extended roofing life can be a potential outcome, but it is ultimately overshadowed by the necessity to ensure the building can support the increased weight safely.