High School

What distinguishes sheet metal flashings from membrane flashings in construction?

a) Sheet metal flashings are flexible.
b) Membrane flashings are stiff and rugged.
c) Sheet metal flashings are relatively attractive.
d) Membrane flashings are magnetic.

Answer :

The key distinction between sheet metal flashings and membrane flashings lies in their stiffness and ruggedness.

Here's why:

Sheet metal flashings: Made from rigid materials like aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, they offer excellent rigidity and can hold their shape against wind, snow, and other elements.

Membrane flashings: Constructed from flexible materials like asphalt or synthetic polymers, they conform to various surfaces and offer seamless waterproofing but lack the rigidity of sheet metal.

Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Membrane flashings are stiff and rugged.

Option (a) is incorrect: Sheet metal flashings are known for their stiffness and rigidity, not flexibility.

Option (c) is irrelevant: Attractiveness is not a primary factor in choosing between these types of flashings.

Option (d) is incorrect: Neither sheet metal nor membrane flashings are magnetic.