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Principles of Home Inspection > Chapter 2 - Exteriors > Flashcards

Chapter 2 - Exteriors Flashcards

0
Q

List 10 exterior wall surface materials that you’ll commonly find.

A

Brick, stone, concrete, stucco, EIFS, metal and vinyl siding, asphalt shingles, wood siding, cement-based siding, clay and slate shingles, plywood, hardboard, and OSB (orientated strandboard), fiber–cement siding

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1
Q

List three main functions of exterior cladding.

A
  • protect the structure from water
  • provide reasonable security
  • enhance the appearance of the house.
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2
Q

List six common problems that are found on all types of wall systems.

A
  • Water penetration
  • too close to grade
  • too close to roof surface at the bottom of the siding
  • planters and gardens against the wall
  • vines
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3
Q

List seven common problems with masonry walls.

A

-efflorescence
-spalling
-cracking
mortar deterioration
-missing weep holes or flashings
-mechanical damage
-bowing walls

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4
Q

Describe efflorescence. What is it?

A

Efflorescence is a whitish powder salt deposit that is associated with water moving through masonry. Water dissolves salts from masonry or mortar and deposits them on the surface as Crystal when evaporating.

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5
Q

Expanding, rusting steel lentils over windows and doors often cause cracks in what direction in masonry walls?

A

Horizontal cracks

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6
Q

Stucco is made of _______, _______, and _______.

A

Cement, aggregate and water.

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7
Q

What is the problem with having aluminum in contact with stucco?

A

It oxidizes (deteriorates).

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8
Q

List three functions of a weep screed.

A
  • provides a finished edge
  • allows drainage
  • prevents water from being drawn up into the wall
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9
Q

List five common problems with conventional stucco.

A
  • cracks, crumbling, loose, or bulging
  • incompatible flashings
  • mechanical damage
  • rusted lath or trim
  • no weep screed
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10
Q

What is the problem that people are experiencing with EIFS?

A

Water is getting into the wall system at penetrations causing structural damage.

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11
Q

What is a kickout?

A

A flashing used where a wall extends beyond a roof, to shed roof water away from the stucco.

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12
Q

List three causes of problems that are unique to EFIS compared to conventional stucco.

A
  • lack of building paper acting as a backup moisture barrier
  • no drainage plane
  • poor drying potential
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13
Q

List six factors that may suggest concealed problems with an EFIS application.

A
  • high wind exposure
  • high rainfall area
  • small or no overhang
  • lots of penetrations
  • attention to detail at openings is poor
  • horizontal stucco surfaces
  • poor caulking maintenance
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14
Q

List 10 areas outside to check for evidence of problems with EIFS installations.

A
  • exposure
  • roof\wall connections
  • gutters
  • chimneys
  • door and window openings
  • openings for electrical conduits, receptacles, lights, telephone wires, cable television, air conditioning refrigerant lines, pipe penetrations including hose bibbs, shutters, house numbers, etc.
  • vent openings
  • railing and deck connections
  • cracks, bulges, peeling, fungus, exposed reinforced mesh or metal trim
  • evidence of repairs – this can include patching or painting
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15
Q

List five areas on the interior to check for evidence of problems with EIFS installations.

A
  • stains on walls, floors, and ceilings
  • rusting carpet tack strip
  • peeling paint
  • damaged flooring
  • elevated moisture levels and drywall and\or subflooring
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16
Q

List two areas in basements and crawlspaces to look for the respect to problems on the EFIS installations.

A
  • mold or rot on joists, sills, rim joists, and subflooring

- stains on foundations coming from sill area

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17
Q

What is the effect of vines growing on wood siding?

A

Vines on wood siding will hold water and reduce drying potential

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18
Q

For each of the choices below, circle the siding that would perform better.
A. 12-inch-wide board - or - 6-inch-wide board
B. 3/4-inch-wide board - or - 3/8-inch-wide board
C. Smooth board - or - Rough-textured board
D. 6-foot-long board - or - 12-foot-long board

A

A. 6-inch-wide board
B. 3/4-inch-wide board
C. Rough-textured board
D. 6-foot-long board

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19
Q

How many layers of wood shingles are typically used in a siding application?

A

Two (double layer)

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20
Q

List five common problems with conventional wood siding (boards, shingles, or shakes).

A
  • Rot
  • splitting
  • warping
  • paint\stain problems
  • loose
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21
Q

Hardboard is a type of _______ board.

A

Fiber

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22
Q

List four common problems with plywood, OSB, and hardboard.

A
  • rot, swelling, and delamination
  • buckling or cracking
  • loose
  • mechanical damage
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23
Q

What is the life expectancy of vinyl and aluminum siding?

A

More than 40 years

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24
Q

List seven common problems with metal and vinyl siding.

A
  • buckled or wavy
  • loose
  • flashing and caulking defects
  • mechanical damage
  • discolored
  • metal siding not ground
  • rust
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25
Q

Why shouldn’t metal siding be grounded?

A

So the house shell cannot be electrically charged.

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26
Q

Asbestos cement shingles should be removed from houses.

True or False

A

False

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27
Q

What is the most common problem with asbestos cement shingles?

A

Mechanical damage because the siding is brittle.

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28
Q

List three common problems with modern fiber-cement shingles.

A
  • mechanical damage
  • missing paint or caulking
  • nailing problems
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29
Q

How far should wood siding be kept above grade level?

A

6 inches

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30
Q

List two common problems to look for on the exterior of exposed foundations.

A
  • cracks

- spalling

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31
Q

Where are soffits and fascia typically found?

A

At the rafter ends.

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32
Q

What materials are commonly used for soffits and fascia?

A
  • wood
  • aluminum
  • fiber-cement
  • hardboard
  • OSB
  • plywood
  • vinyl
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33
Q

What are the issues surrounding a double layer of soffit material (e.g., aluminum over wood)?

A
  • damage on the original layer cannot be detected

- soffit vents can be covered up, rendering them ineffective

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34
Q

List four common problems with soffits and fascia.

A
  • loose or missing pieces
  • rot
  • damaged
  • paint or stain needed
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35
Q

List seven different things you would want to evaluate with respect to doors and windows.

A
  • appearance
  • condition
  • operability
  • security
  • energy efficiency
  • comfort
  • water leakage
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36
Q

List 12 common problems with doors and windows.

A
  • rot
  • damage
  • paint/stain problems
  • caulking and flashing problems
  • putty (glazing compound) problems
  • sill slope
  • deteriorated sills
  • frame deformation
  • storms and screens missing or damaged
  • cracked or broken glass
  • condensation between panes
  • vines
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37
Q

Give three examples of where flashings would typically be found on exterior walls.

A
  • over windows or doors
  • at bottoms of walls
  • at horizontal siding joints in panel type siding
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38
Q

List six common problems with caulking, trim, and flashings.

A
  • missing flashings
  • ineffective or incomplete flashings
  • loose
  • rust
  • rot
  • caulking missing or ineffective
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39
Q

List three mechanisms by which water may get into wall systems from the building exterior.

A
  • rain driven by wind
  • rain running down the wall (gravity)
  • water wicking into the wall (capillary action)
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40
Q

Why should all the risers in a set of steps be uniform?

A

Uneven risers are a trip hazard.

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41
Q

Rise is usually _______ inches maximum, and tread depth is typically _______ to _______ inches minimum.

A

Rise is usually 7 3/4 inches maximum, and tread depth is typically 10 inches minimum.

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42
Q

The nosing is usually _______ inch(es) deep.

A

3/4” to 1 1/4”

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43
Q

Minimum dimensions for landings are often stated as _______ feet by _______ feet.

A

3 feet by 3 feet

44
Q

Explain why the absence of a landing may be a safety hazard.

A

An outward opening door can knock someone off the stairs.

45
Q

Describe spalling.

A

Spalling is the crumbling, flaking, chipping, or shaling of the surface of the masonry.

46
Q

What is the best way to check for rot in a wooden stair stringer?

A

Probe the wood with an awl or screwdriver.

47
Q

Why can carpet on wood porches be bad?

A

It prevents close inspection, and holds water against the wood, causing rot.

48
Q

Guardrails are typically required on porches, decks, or balconies more than _______ inches above grade.

A

30 inches

49
Q

The openings between railing spindles should not be greater than _______ inches.

A

4 inches

50
Q

Why should spindles be vertical, not horizontal?

A

Horizontal spindles are climbable.

51
Q

Railings on stairways should be between _______ inches and _______ inches above the stair nosing depending on your area.

A

Railings on stairways should be between 34 inches and 38 inches above the stair nosing depending on your area.

52
Q

Guardrails should be at least _______ inches high.

A

36 inches

53
Q

Why shouldn’t you align a beam with a gutter to check for sag?

A

Gutters slope so they always look off level.

54
Q

What is the requirement for beam end bearing on masonry?

A

3 inches

55
Q

How might paint indicate that a beam has slipped out of his pocket?

A

If the beam has been painted and there are unpainted parts visible at the supports, this may indicate movement of the beam.

56
Q

Beams should be mechanically fastened to their supporting members.

True or False

A

True

57
Q

Joists are usually spaced _______ inches or _______ inches on center.

A

Joists are usually spaced 16 inches or 24 inches on center.

58
Q

The metal brackets used to support joists are called _______.

A

Joist hangers

59
Q

What two inspection techniques can you use to check for sagging joists?

A
  • bounce on the deck

- scan the deck with your eye at deck level

60
Q

Two ways to attach a ledgerboard to a wood-frame structure are:

A

Lag bolts every 24 inches or multiple nails every 16 to 24 inches.

61
Q

Describe the proper way to flash a ledgerboard installed over siding.

A

Flashing extends from under the siding, over the top of the ledgerboard, and down.

62
Q

What is the biggest problem with cantilevered decks?

A

Rot is found where the joist penetrate the wall.

63
Q

Why are plywood or waferboard sheets poor choices for porch or deck flooring?

A

They absorb water readily and rot.

64
Q

Why should there be no supply or return registers from heating/cooling ductwork in a garage?

A

To prevent fumes from entering the house.

65
Q

Most garage floors are not structural.

True or False

A

True

66
Q

Garage floors that are suspended and have storage space below (circle one)

A. can be adequately assessed by a home inspector.

B. should be investigated by a specialist.

A

B. should be investigated by a specialist

67
Q

A good concrete floor slab is usually at least _______ inches thick and has _______ inches of gravel beneath it.

A

A good concrete floor slab is usually at least 3 inches thick and has 5 inches of well compacted gravel beneath it.

68
Q

Which way should garage floors slope?

A

To drain (usually towards the door).

69
Q

What does a hollow sound on the garage floor indicate?

A

Settled soil under the slab. The slab is now suspended.

70
Q

Why do many authorities discourage floor drains in garages?

A

Because automotive fluids can find their way into municipal sewers.

71
Q

The diameter of a garage drain exit pipe should be at least _______ inches.

A

3 inches

72
Q

Why should the end of the drain pipe in a driveway drain turn down?

A

To reduce the amount of debris that gets into the drain pipe.

73
Q

Automatic garage door openers have to be strong because they lift the weight of the door.

True or False

A

False

74
Q

List five problems to look for on a typical sectional garage door.

A
  • difficult to open or close
  • rot or insect damage
  • paint or stain problems
  • rest or denting
  • automatic opener problems
75
Q

It’s best to test a garage door opener from (inside/outside) the garage. (choose one)

A

From inside

76
Q

If the vehicle door stops 2 inches short of the garage floor, there is a problem with the _______.

A

Adjustment of the closing limit

77
Q

What is the recommended way to test the automatic reverse on a garage door opener?

A

With a 2 inch block of wood placed in the doors path

78
Q

What is the commonly recommended slope for ground around the house?

A

6 inch drop over the first 10 feet away from the foundation

79
Q

Dramatic slope is likely less important if you ground surface is:

Sand

Asphalt

A

Asphalt

80
Q

Bad grading will always cause wet basements.

True or False

A

False

81
Q

Briefly describe a common foundation drainage material.

A

A black plastic dimpled membrane that acts to relieve hydrostatic pressure in the soil.

82
Q

To work well, a foundation drainage layer requires _______.

A

Perimeter drainage tile.

83
Q

Three possible implications of poor lot grading are _______.

A
  • wet basements and crawlspaces
  • damage to foundations
  • damage to siding materials, in severe cases
84
Q

What is used to keep soil away from a basement window?

A

A window well

85
Q

Why are porous surface materials near a house a potential problem?

A

The earth below them may be impervious, and slope towards the house.

86
Q

List five clues to look for concerning ravine or sloping lots.

A
  • is there vegetation growing over the whole surface?
  • are there bands of freshly exposed top soil?
  • are there tree trunks vertical?
  • is there cracking in the walls on the ravine side of the house?
  • are retaining walls leaning out over the ravine?
87
Q

Briefly state the function of gutters and downspouts.

A

Gutters and downspouts carry water from the roof away from the building, protecting the cladding system and the foundation.

88
Q

Gutters are also called _______ or _______. Downspouts are also called _______, _______, or _______.

A

Gutters are also called troughs or eavestroughs. Downspouts are also called rain water leaders, leaders, or conductor pipes.

89
Q

Why are gutters and downspouts sometimes left off in northern areas?

A

Because of ice damming problems.

90
Q

Steep roofs may have a large surface area but a small _______. This means that their gutters (need to be bigger/can be smaller) than you might expect. (Circle one)

A

Horizontal projection

Gutters can be smaller.

91
Q

Roof shingles should not project more than _______ inches out over the inner edge of the gutter.

A

1 inch maximum projection.

92
Q

Gutter leaks are most common at _______.

A

Seams and changes in direction.

93
Q

What can cause copper gutters to develop pinhole leaks?

A

Corrosive action from leaves or needles from trees.

94
Q

A house with integral gutters is more prone to ice damming if it has a steep roof.

True or False

A

False

95
Q

A typical gutter slope is _______.

A

1 inch drop over 200 inches run

96
Q

What can happen to roof material if a dormer has gutters but no downspouts?

A

Localized discoloration and premature wear occur below the gutter

97
Q

List three advantages of downspouts discharging above grade.

A

-easy to repair or replace
-easy to know if the downspouts and
gutters are working properly
-with a proper extension, the landscaping is not damaged

98
Q

List three disadvantages of downspouts discharging above grade.

A
  • traffic problems at building corners
  • they must be moved or lifted to cut grass
  • if drainage is poor, the water can pool near the house
99
Q

List three disadvantages of downspouts discharging into drains below grade

A
  • tough to inspect
  • repair is expensive
  • they may go into the floor drains on old houses which can flood the basement if the floor drain trap is clogged, collapsed, or broken.
100
Q

State a simple solution to problems with a below-grade downspout pipe.

A

Redirect the downspout to discharge water above grade with an extension away from the building

101
Q

The top of the gravel in a window well should be _______ inches away from the window frame.

A

6 inches

102
Q

What are the risks associated with an improperly draining walkway?

A

Moss or ice, which are trip hazards. Surface damage of the material itself, and water penetration into the building if the surface is against the house.

103
Q

List four possible problems that can arise from a large tree growing too close to house.

A

Trees may:

  • damage the siding
  • prevent air and sunlight from drying the siding
  • heave or push in the foundation
  • damage roofs
104
Q

What might a long stretch of new sod running from the front of the house to the street indicate?

A

A new water or sewer line

105
Q

What would you tell a client about a retaining wall that is leaning over but not broken, cracked, or damaged?

A

It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by specialist.

106
Q

Why might you install insulation on the back of a retaining wall and under the topsoil behind the wall?

A

This is done for frost control.

107
Q

Ideally, weep poles in a solid retaining wall are at least _______ inches in diameter and not more than _______ feet apart.

A

4 inches in diameter, and not more than 10 feet apart.

Principles of Home Inspection (1 decks)

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