A historic house has an old clay-tile roof. Which conclusion about remaining serviceability is best supported by the material alone?
Correct Answer
C) Clay tile can last long, but the roof’s actual condition needs checking
NPS Preservation Brief 30 describes clay tile as a long-lived roofing material and also calls for roof inspection and maintenance. Individual tiles, fasteners, flashing, underlayment and supporting structure can have different conditions. Material and chronological age alone do not establish remaining serviceability or a market depreciation amount, and do not justify a universal ranking over every metal product and climate.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because clay tile has one of the longest life expectancies among historic roofing materials, yet a complete inspection of the roof structure and covering is recommended to determine condition. Individual components such as fasteners, flashing and underlayment can deteriorate on their own schedules. Material and age alone therefore do not establish remaining serviceability.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: It needs replacement because the clay-tile roof is old
Option A, saying the roof needs replacement because the clay-tile roof is old, is wrong because chronological age alone does not show the roof has failed. Clay tile is a long-lived material, and its actual condition must be inspected before concluding replacement is needed.
Option B: It will outlast the metal roofs that could have been installed instead
Option B, saying the roof will outlast metal roofs that could have been installed instead, is wrong because the material alone does not support a ranking over every metal product and climate. Service life depends on the specific products, installation, maintenance and conditions.
Option D: Its roof depreciation must be zero because the material is tile
Option D, saying roof depreciation must be zero because the material is tile, is wrong because a durable material does not eliminate wear, damaged components or market-recognized depreciation. Depreciation depends on actual condition and market evidence, not the material label.
Long-lived is not like-new
A material's long typical lifespan tells you what is possible, not what this particular roof's condition actually is.
How to use: Use this when an option draws a firm condition or depreciation conclusion from material type or age alone.
Exam Tip
Prefer answers that pair a general material characteristic with a call to verify actual condition over answers that draw a firm conclusion from material or age alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Assuming an old roof must be replaced because of its age
- -Assigning zero depreciation because the material is durable
- -Ranking one roofing material above another regardless of product, installation and climate
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the difference between a material's typical life expectancy and the actual condition of a specific component. Clay tile is a long-lived roofing material, but tiles, fasteners, flashing, underlayment and framing can each be in different condition. The reasoning is that the material alone supports only a general expectation, so the actual roof condition must be inspected.
Background Knowledge
Typical life expectancy describes a material in general, while remaining economic or physical life depends on the specific installation, maintenance and condition. A roof is a system of covering, fasteners, flashing, underlayment and supporting structure. Appraisers observe condition and recommend expert inspection when needed rather than drawing conclusions from material type or age alone.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspects a 1920s house with its original clay-tile roof and notices a few cracked tiles and stained ceilings near a chimney. The appraiser reports the long-lived material but notes the observed deficiencies and recommends a roofing inspection before drawing a conclusion about remaining life.
More Property Description Questions
A local zoning ordinance allows these maximum densities: R-1, 4 units per acre; R-2, 8 units per acre; R-4, 20 units per acre; PUD (with approval), 12 units per acre. Which category allows the highest density?
What design advantage is commonly associated with post-and-beam construction?
A hypothetical local ordinance permits either a single-family house or duplex on the site. The existing single-family house complies with all current rules. Which statement is supported?
A zoning variance allowing a reduced side setback is granted for a parcel. After the parcel is sold, who generally holds the benefit of the variance, subject to its conditions?
Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Under ANSI Z765-2021, as Fannie Mae requires for a detached house, where are exterior dimensions taken on a brick-veneer wall?
A building's HVAC system would be classified as which type of building component?
A home on a large tract is valued at $620,000 including the land it needs. The remaining excess land could be sold separately and contributes a net $95,000 after separation costs. What is the total indicated value?
A covered sale concerns a residence built in 1965. Which hazard is the subject of the federal pre 1978 housing disclosure rule, without assuming its actual presence?
Which site characteristic is most likely to reduce site utility by restricting where a typical dwelling can be placed?
People Also Study
Real Estate Market
13.6% of exam
Land or Site Valuation
4.5% of exam
Sales Comparison Approach
16.4% of exam
Cost Approach
13.6% of exam
Income Approach
8.2% of exam