Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

A cant strip is a crucial component in roofing systems, particularly where a roof membrane transitions from a horizontal plane to a vertical surface. Its primary purpose is to create a smooth transition in these areas, which helps to prevent stress concentrations that can lead to cracking in the roof membrane. By tapering the angle between the two surfaces, a cant strip reduces the likelihood of water pooling and enhances the overall integrity of the roofing system, thus prolonging its lifespan and effectiveness. The design of cant strips helps distribute stress more evenly across the membrane during thermal expansion and contraction. This function is particularly important in maintaining a durable and watertight roofing system, as changes in direction can often be points of weakness. Therefore, the use of cant strips is vital in ensuring that the roof membrane remains intact and functional, particularly at edges or corners where direction changes occur.