Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a reason to use gravel on a built-up roof?

1. To protect the membrane from ultraviolet rays

2. To provide ballast to help hold down the roof membrane

3. To prevent damage from snow load

4. To prevent delamination of the plys

The correct answer is: To prevent damage from snow load

Using gravel on a built-up roof serves several important functions, but preventing damage from snow load is not one of them. Gravel primarily acts to protect the roofing membrane from ultraviolet rays, which can cause deterioration of the materials over time. By covering the membrane, the gravel creates a barrier that helps extend the life of the roof. Additionally, it provides ballast, which is crucial for keeping the roofing system securely in place, particularly in windy conditions. Moreover, while delamination of the plys can be a concern in multi-layer roofing systems, the presence of gravel does not specifically prevent this from occurring. Each plys' integrity is typically maintained more through proper installation and other factors rather than gravel itself. In contrast, snow load relates to the weight of accumulated snow on the roof, which is generally managed through structural design and engineering rather than the use of gravel. Therefore, while gravel has its advantages, mitigating snow load is not one of its intended purposes on a built-up roof.