Exam Questions And Correct Answers

CA D41 Siding & Decking Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of siding is most resistant to moisture and insects?
• Vinyl
• Wood
• Fiber cement
• Aluminum

Answer: Fiber cement

Rationale: Fiber cement is highly durable, resistant to rot, insects, and

moisture, making it ideal for long-term siding applications.

• What is the recommended minimum slope for a deck to ensure proper

drainage?

• 1 inch per foot
• 1/8 inch per foot
• 1/4 inch per foot
• 1/8 inch per foot (approximately 1% slope)

Answer: 1/8 inch per foot (approximately 1% slope)

Rationale: A slight slope of 1/8 inch per foot ensures water drains off the

deck surface without pooling.

• Which fastener is best for attaching wood siding to exterior walls?
• Nails only
• Galvanized nails or screws 1 / 3

• Plain steel nails
• Staples

Answer: Galvanized nails or screws

Rationale: Galvanized fasteners resist corrosion from moisture exposure,

extending the life of siding.

• What is the purpose of a weather-resistant barrier behind siding?
• Aesthetic enhancement
• Structural support
• Prevent water infiltration
• Sound insulation

Answer: Prevent water infiltration

Rationale: A weather-resistant barrier, like house wrap, prevents

moisture from penetrating the wall while allowing vapor to escape.

• Which type of wood is most commonly used for outdoor decking in

high-moisture environments?

• Pine
• Cedar
• Redwood
• Ipe or other tropical hardwoods

Answer: Ipe or other tropical hardwoods

Rationale: Dense hardwoods like Ipe are extremely durable, resistant to

decay, insects, and high moisture.

• When installing horizontal lap siding, what is the recommended

minimum overlap?

• 1 inch
• 1 1/4 inches
• 2 inches
• 3 inches

Answer: 1 1/4 inches

Rationale: Proper overlap prevents water from entering behind siding

and ensures effective shedding. 2 / 3

• What is the primary risk of installing siding without proper flashing

around windows?

• Aesthetic issues
• Water intrusion and rot
• Paint peeling only
• None

Answer: Water intrusion and rot

Rationale: Flashing redirects water away from openings, preventing rot

and structural damage.

• Which tool is essential for cutting fiber cement siding?
• Hand saw
• Jigsaw
• Circular saw with carbide-tipped blade
• Circular saw with fiber cement blade

Answer: Circular saw with fiber cement blade

Rationale: Fiber cement requires a specialized blade to minimize dust

and ensure clean cuts.

• What is the maximum spacing for joists in a typical residential deck

using 2x8 lumber?

• 12 inches
• 16 inches
• 16 inches
• 24 inches

Answer: 16 inches

Rationale: Standard deck design uses 16-inch spacing for structural

stability when using 2x8 decking.

• What is the main purpose of sealing end grains on wood siding?
• Decorative finish
• Prevent splintering
• Reduce moisture absorption
• None
• / 3