Chapter 10 | Building Structures, Finishes, and Site

Question 1

What is the purpose of a foundation?

Answer 1

Distributes the weight of the building so that the building does not experience excessive shifting or settling

Question 2

What is the enemy of foundations?

Answer 2

Water

Question 3

What exterior system is exposed to the harshest conditions?

Answer 3

Roof

Question 4

What are the effects of the 7 environmental conditions on roofing materials?

Answer 4

1. Direct sun: can destroy water proofing materials
2. Rain: Can pool on flat roofs, or build an ice dam
3. Snow: Can build up and cause the roof to collapse
4. Ice: Can crack and lift the roofing material
5. Wind: Can lift and remove roofing material
6. Dirt and pollution: Can destroy the roofing material
7. Workers walking on the roof: Possibly damaging to the UV light protection or water proofing later

Question 5

What is the function of a roof deck?

Answer 5

Supports the roofing and prevents excessive shifting and deformation of the roofing

Question 6

What are the four types of materials that roof decks are commonly made from?

Answer 6

1. Wood
2. Steel
3. Concrete
4. Gypsum-Concrete

Question 7

Describe WOOD as a roof deck material

Answer 7

1. Typically a composite material, it is light and relatively inexpensive
2. A slip sheet must be installed between the deck and the roofing to prevent changes in the wood from damaging the roofing

Question 8

Describe STEEL as a roof deck material

Answer 8

1. Strong and stiff

2. Frequently used for flat roofs

Question 9

Describe CONCRETE as a roof deck material

Answer 9

1. Can be cast in place or preset

2. Concrete shingles are also available for pitched roofs

Question 10

Describe GYPSUM-CONCRETE as a roof deck material

Answer 10

1. Similar to concrete, but usually lighter

2. Not strong and not suitable for buildings with high humidity interiors

Question 11

What is the function of the vapor barrier in a roofing system and where should it be located?

Answer 11

Function: Prevents moisture from condensing in the insulation or on the surface of the deck
Location: Placed between the warm interior of the building and the insulation

Question 12

What is the function of the air gap and where should it be located?

Answer 12

Function: Air moves through the gap, carrying heat away that has moved through the roof. Helps keep your roof cool
Location Between insulation and the roof deck

Question 13

What is the difference between coal-tar pitch and asphalt?

Answer 13

1. Asphalt is stronger, more rigid, and doesn’t require UV protection
2. Coal-tar is self-sealing but does require UV protection (layer of gravel usually)

Question 14

What are the four different types of materials used on pitched roofs?

Answer 14

1. Composite shingles: Fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles
2. Exotic shingles: wood, concrete, slate, tile, etc.
3. Rolled roofing: Can have same appearance as composite shingles
4. Metal: Can be rolled or shingles

Question 15

What happens if a roof covered in fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles gets too hot?

Answer 15

The shingles will curl and crack

Question 16

When should roofs be inspected?

Answer 16

Twice a year, in the spring and in the fall

Question 17

What should you look for in a roof inspection (inside vs. outside)

Answer 17

1. Inside
   a. Look for holes and leaks
   b. Signs of leaks include discoloration, rust, peeling, and warped material
2. Outside
   a. Blocked drains
   b. Damaged flashing and other terminal points
   c. Pooled water, roof should be totally dry 48 hours after a rain storm
   d. Problems around entries into the roof
   e. Sharkfins (when water makes it through the built up roof) and alligatored asphalt (Asphalt roof starts to crack like a pothole)

Question 18

What are the (5) major objectives to be accomplished by sign systems?

Answer 18

1. Identify property
2. Set the mood
3. Supplement marketing
4. Provide information
5. Influence guests’ behavior

Question 19

What are the (5) major concerns when installing large outdoor signs?

Answer 19

1. Must match facility
2. Must be readable by users
3. Don’t block the right of way
4. Don’t let landscaping hide it
5. Must meet zoning requirements

Question 20

What are (8) ways to reduce landscaping and grounds maintenance costs?

Answer 20

1. Planting mature plants
2. Planting disease and insect resistant and drought tolerant plants
3. Plant indigenous plants
4. Use large planting beds as opposed to grass
5. Plant perennials instead of annuals
6. Place shrubs and small trees close together in beds
7. Install automatic irrigation system
8. Don’t over fertilize