Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

A feature that distinguishes a low slope roof from other types is indeed the slope measurement. A slope of up to 3 in 12 (which means three inches of rise for every twelve inches of run) is characteristic of low slope roofs. This means that structures with this pitch are designed to handle water differently than steep-slope roofs. Low slope roofs require careful consideration of drainage since they do not shed water as quickly.

The options that reference pitches greater than 5 in 12 refer to steep slope roofs, which are fundamentally different, as such slopes typically allow for different materials and drainage strategies. The consideration of roofing materials, such as wood or metal, does not specifically define a low slope roof; roofs can be made of various materials irrespective of their slope classification. Therefore, the correct characterization of a low slope roof primarily revolves around the measurement of its slope.