What is the maximum exposure permissible for 24 inch No. 2 preservative-treated taper sawn wood shakes on a 4:12 pitch roof?

The correct maximum exposure permissible for 24-inch No. 2 preservative-treated taper sawn wood shakes on a 4:12 pitch roof is 7-1/2 inches. This figure is rooted in the standards established for roofing materials, particularly those made from wood shakes, which have specific installation guidelines to ensure proper performance and durability.

When wood shakes are installed, exposure refers to the amount of material that is visible after installation, and it directly influences the roof's resistance to water infiltration and weathering. The 7-1/2 inches exposure is determined by both the pitch of the roof and the material specifications; a roof with a 4:12 pitch falls within allowable parameters for this level of exposure without significantly increasing the risk of water damage or structural degradation over time.

For other exposure options, such as 5 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, while they might also seem feasible, they either do not meet standard guidelines for this specific material on a roof of this pitch, or they exceed what is typically recommended for preventing water buildup and ensuring proper drainage on the surface. Thus, 7-1/2 inches stands as the recommended maximum exposure that balances performance with aesthetic considerations.