A roof with a 4:12 slope using 24" taper sawn shakes must have a minimum exposure of how many inches?

To determine the minimum exposure for taper sawn shakes on a roof with a 4:12 slope, it's essential to understand how roofing materials behave based on their profile and the angle of installation. Taper sawn shakes are typically installed with a specific exposure to ensure adequate water shedding and protection from the elements.

For a roof slope of 4:12, which indicates a 4-inch rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run, the required minimum exposure for taper sawn shakes is often set according to building codes and manufacturer guidelines to provide proper functionality. In this scenario, the minimum exposure of 7 1/2 inches is standard for shakes of this type at that particular slope.

This specification ensures that enough of the shake is overlapped to create an effective barrier against wind and rain. If the exposure were set lower, it could risk water infiltration beneath the shakes, leading to potential leaks and roof damage over time. Therefore, using a 7 1/2-inch exposure ensures that the roofing system performs adequately under normal weather conditions as defined by the standards in the building industry.