North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

What could cause vertical cracks in roofing shingles of a 15-year-old home?

1. Weather damage from storms

2. Defective shingles from the manufacturer

3. Improper installation

4. Heavy foot traffic on the roof

The correct answer is: Defective shingles from the manufacturer

Vertical cracks in roofing shingles can indeed arise due to defective shingles from the manufacturer. Over time, materials used in the production of roofing shingles may have inherent flaws or may not meet quality standards, leading to premature degradation. Factors such as low-quality materials or problems during the manufacturing process can result in shingles that do not perform well under normal conditions, causing them to crack even in relatively young roofs. The other factors, while they can contribute to roofing issues, are not the primary reason for vertical cracks in shingles. Weather damage tends to cause different types of wear, such as curling or fading, rather than specifically vertical cracking. Improper installation might lead to shingle misalignment or water intrusion rather than vertical cracks. Lastly, heavy foot traffic can cause localized damage but is less likely to uniformly cause vertical cracks throughout shingles. Thus, identifying defective shingles as a cause points to a more systemic issue linked to the material itself.