In a 45° inspection cut, how far should you continue after the initial cut?

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Multiple Choice

In a 45° inspection cut, how far should you continue after the initial cut?

Explanation:
In vertical ventilation, the 45-degree notch is started as a quick visual check of conditions at the roof line and to begin creating a controlled vent. After that initial cut, extend the cut a short distance—about 6 to 10 inches—so you actually cut through the roof deck and expose a sufficient opening. This distance helps ensure you’ve revealed any hidden fire behind the sheathing and established a clean, usable vent that won’t close up or mask fire behind the cut. Extending too little would leave concealed fire possible; extending much farther than 6–10 inches can create an unnecessarily large opening and compromise safety. So, continuing 6 to 10 inches provides the right balance for a safe, effective vent and better assessment of conditions.

In vertical ventilation, the 45-degree notch is started as a quick visual check of conditions at the roof line and to begin creating a controlled vent. After that initial cut, extend the cut a short distance—about 6 to 10 inches—so you actually cut through the roof deck and expose a sufficient opening. This distance helps ensure you’ve revealed any hidden fire behind the sheathing and established a clean, usable vent that won’t close up or mask fire behind the cut. Extending too little would leave concealed fire possible; extending much farther than 6–10 inches can create an unnecessarily large opening and compromise safety. So, continuing 6 to 10 inches provides the right balance for a safe, effective vent and better assessment of conditions.

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