Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Which of the following is a reason why water may back up under roofing materials?

1. Inadequate drainage systems

2. Improper window flashing

3. Consistent rainfall

4. Rich vegetation around the building

The correct answer is: Inadequate drainage systems

Inadequate drainage systems is a fundamental reason for water backing up under roofing materials. When roofing systems are designed, they must incorporate effective drainage strategies to ensure that water flows off the roof rather than accumulating. If the drainage system, such as gutters and downspouts, is clogged, improperly sized, or poorly designed, it cannot effectively carry water away from the roof perimeter. This can result in water pooling and eventually backing up under the roofing materials, leading to potential leaks, material degradation, and other roofing issues. While improper window flashing can cause water intrusion at specific points, it is not generally a systemic issue related to the overall roofing drainage system. Similarly, while consistent rainfall can contribute to water accumulation, it's typically the structural design and drainage systems that determine how effectively that water is managed. Rich vegetation around the building can also lead to drainage issues by obstructing proper water runoff, but it is mainly the inadequacies in the drainage system that directly lead to the backup of water under roofing materials.