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Subjects · Leaving Cert Construction Studies

Leaving Cert Construction Studies: Flat roofs

How often Flat roofs comes up on the Construction Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 3 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2022.

OL Asked on 2 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2023.

June 2028 is the first exam on the new Construction Studies course. These come from the 2016–2025 papers, so read them as a guide.

Flat roofs, Higher Level(7 marks)

Quick ones on Flat roofs.

(a)Layers of a warm-deck flat roof, top down?
  1. Membrane, deck, VCL, insulation, joists
  2. Membrane, insulation, VCL, deck, joists
  3. Insulation, membrane, deck, VCL, joists
(b)Minimum fall to design a flat roof to?
  1. 1:400
  2. 1:4
  3. 1:40
(c)What are firring pieces on a flat roof?
  1. Tapered timbers that create the fall
  2. Battens for fixing the ceiling boards
  3. Struts fixed between the joists
Show the answers

(a) Membrane, insulation, VCL, deck, joists

(b) 1:40

(c) Tapered timbers that create the fall

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Flat roofs.

Higher Level

Asked on 3 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2022.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Not asked
2023Not asked
2022Q1
2021Not asked
2019Q2
2018Not asked
2017Not asked
2016Q1

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Flat roofs questions

Flat roofs, 2 marks

Main fire risk when laying a torch-on felt flat roof?

  1. The felt gives off radon gas when it is being heated
  2. The membrane melts and runs off in summer sun
  3. The gas flame can ignite the timber and insulation
Show the answer

The gas flame can ignite the timber and insulation

Hot works on a timber deck can start hidden fires that smoulder for hours. Cold-applied or single-ply membranes avoid the flame, and a fire watch follows any torching.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 2 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2023.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Not asked
2023Q5
2022Not asked
2021Not asked
2019Not asked
2018Q5
2017Not asked
2016Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Flat roofs questions

Flat roofs, 2 marks

Why is a flat roof built with a slight slope, called a fall?

  1. So the roof looks more modern from the road
  2. So snow can be stored on it in winter
  3. So rainwater drains off and does not lie
Show the answer

So rainwater drains off and does not lie

Water lying on a roof (ponding) adds weight and finds any weakness in the covering. A fall carries it to the gutter or outlet.

Flat roofs, 2 marks

What is EPDM on a flat roof?

  1. A timber deck
  2. A rubber waterproof membrane
  3. A type of insulation board
Show the answer

A rubber waterproof membrane

EPDM is a synthetic rubber sheet laid in one piece over the roof. It is flexible, long-lasting and has few joints for water to get through.

Flat roofs, 3 marks

In a warm flat roof, where is the insulation placed?

  1. On top of the deck, under the waterproof layer
  2. Between the ceiling joists, with a vented void
  3. Under the plasterboard ceiling only
Show the answer

On top of the deck, under the waterproof layer

Insulation above the deck keeps the deck and joists warm, so there is no cold space for condensation and no need to ventilate the roof.

Other Construction Studies topics

All of Leaving Cert Construction Studies