Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber Practice Exam

How much of a vertical wall should be added to the square footage calculation of a roof?

1. Half the square footage of the horizontal wall

2. Whole square footage of the vertical wall

3. Half the square footage of the vertical wall

4. None of the vertical wall

The correct answer is: Half the square footage of the vertical wall

To determine how much vertical wall area should be added to the square footage calculation of a roof, it’s important to consider the dimensions and geometry of the structure. The square footage measurement typically refers to roof area without including vertical surfaces. However, when calculating for factors such as drainage or thermal efficiency, a portion of the vertical wall area may be factored in. The inclusion of half the vertical wall square footage makes sense because it accounts for the effective surface area impacting roof load or drainage without overstating the contribution of the walls. The rationale is that only part of the vertical wall engages with the roof area in practical applications, since the roof overhangs and other architectural features alter direct contact. This approach ensures the calculation reflects the influence of the vertical walls on the roof without duplicating their full footprint, creating a more accurate representation for considerations such as structural integrity and insulation needs. Therefore, half the square footage of the vertical wall is the appropriate value to add in this context.