Exterior Flashcards
1
Q
Which of the following soils can support the least load-bearing pressure?
a. Silt with high compressibility
b. Poorly graded gravel
c. Poorly graded sands
d. Sedimentary Rock
A
a. Silt with high compressibility
2
Q
Garage door operators may fail to operate for any of the following reasons EXCEPT
a. improper installation
b. the auto reverse sensitivity being set too low
c. poor door adjustment
d. tripping of the GFCI receptacle
A
b. the auto reverse sensitivity being set too low. If the auto-reverse sensitivity is set too low, the auto-reverse mechanism will not be very sensitive at all. This will not prevent the garage door from operating, but will perhaps prevent it from stopping and reversing automatically.
3
Q
In crawl spaces, how much venting is needed?
a. 1 square foot for every 1500 square feet with in vent opening located within 3’ of every corner
b. 5 square foot for every 1500 square feet with in vent opening located within 5’ of every corner
c. 2 square foot for every 1000 square feet with in vent opening located within 3’ of every corner
d. 3 square foot for every 900 square feet with in vent opening located within 3’ of every corner
A
a. 1 square foot for every 1500 square feet with in vent opening located within 3’ of every corner
4
Q
In general, the grading around a building should be positively sloped for how many feet away from the building?
a. 5 feet
b. 50 feet
c. 10 feet
d. 25 feet
A
c. 10 feet
5
Q
Under which of the following conditions is a two-coat stucco system acceptable on the exterior of a building?
a. If the system is installed over masonry and concrete
b. If the system is installed in an arid climate
c. If the first coat is allowed to cure for a minimum of three days before the second coat is applied
d. If the sand-to-cement volume ratio is higher than three for the finish coat
A
a. If the system is installed over masonry and concrete
6
Q
Asbestos concrete was used in which decade?
a. 1950s
b. 1940s
c. 1960s
d. 1930s
A
a. 1950s
7
Q
Most problems with concrete are caused at the time of installation. What single factor causes most of these?
a. The concrete has insufficient thickness
b. Too much water is added.
c. Too much Portland cement is added.
d. Too little Portland cement is used.
A
b. Too much water is added
8
Q
While inspecting a crawl space, you should probe for decay if the _________ is dark in appearance.
a. King joist
b. Floor joist
c. Masonry wall
d. Bearing wall
A
b. Floor joist
9
Q
How long should the minimum fire rating for a garage door be?
a. 5 minutes
b. 15 minutes
c. 20 minutes
d. 30 minutes
A
c. 20 minutes
10
Q
When are porch railings required?
a. When the home will be owned by someone with children under 10.
b. When the porch is more than 30” above ground
c. When the porch is in the front yard
d. When the porch is built on a concrete slab.
A
b. When the porch is more than 30” above ground.
11
Q
What is the thickness of one ply stucco?
a. 1/4”
b. 1/2”
c. 5/6”
d. 3/8”
A
d. 3/8”
12
Q
How high should ignition sources be above the ground in garages?
a. Minimum 10”
b. Minimum 12”
c. Minimum 16”
d. Minimum 18”
A
d. Minimum 18”
13
Q
How far above grade should weep screeds for stucco end?
a. 2”
b. 4”
c. 8”
d. 10”
A
c. 8”
14
Q
Rebar is made in 1/8 increments. Therefore; #4 rebar is…
a. 4/8ths or 1/2
b. 3/4ths
c. 5/8ths
d. 1/4
A
a. 4/8ths or 1/2
15
Q
How much air space is between brick veneer and wall?
a. 1”
b. 2”
c. 3”
d. 4”
A
a. 1”
16
Q
Venting for flood zoned crawl spaces should be
a. 1 sq inch for every 3 sq ft
b. 1 sq inch for every sq foot
c. 2 sq inches for every 3 sq ft
d. 1 sq inch for ever 5 sq ft
A
b. 1 sq inch for every sq foot
17
Q
What is the thickness of brick veneer walls?
a. 10”
b. 12”
c. 6”
d. 8”
A
d. 8”
18
Q
Why must building footings extend below the frost line?
a. Because the footing could crack when the soil around it freezes and expands if it is not below the frost line
b. so that the soil around the footing does not freeze, expand, and cause the footing to shift
c. Building footings are not required to extend below the frost line unless the building is located in a very cold climate
d. So that the water in the concrete will not freeze and cause spalling in the footing.
A
b. So that the soil around the footing does not freeze, expand, and cause the footing to shift
19
Q
What type of foundation has a large amount of reinforced steel and is known as a floating foundation?
a. Pier-and-grade beam foundation system
b. “Inverted T” spread footing foundation
c. “Battered” foundation footing system
d. Mat foundation slab
A
d. Mat foundation slab
20
Q
How far apart must metal ties be in brick veneer?
a. 16”
b. 20”
c. 24”
d. 28”
A
c. 24”
21
Q
What is the minimum allowed slope of graded soil next to a building’s foundation, according to the International Residential Code (IRC)?
a. 5”/10’
b. 5”/12’
c. 6”/12’
d. 6”/10’
A
d. 6”/10’
22
Q
How far above grade should a concrete slab extend?
a. At least 4”
b. At least 6”
c. At least 8”
d. There is no minimum requirement.
A
c. At least 8”
23
Q
How far should shrubbery be trimmed from house?
a. 6”
b. 1’
c. 2’
d. 3’
A
b. 1’
24
Q
You are required to inspect all of the following EXCEPT?
a. Driveways
b. Patios
c. Adjacent Walkways
d. the neighbors sidewalk
A
d. the neighbors sidewalk
25
All of the following are common tools used by home inspectors EXCEPT ?
a. Marble
b. Flashlight
c. Awl
d. hammer
d. hammer - Commontools used by home inspectors include marbles used to determine if floors slant or are level, flashlights used to see in dark areas, and awls can be used instead of screwdrivers to search for wood decay.
26
Why do home inspectors keep magnets on hand during inspections?
a. To make sure the furnace of refrigerator doors work properly
b. To verify mirrors in the home are authentic
c. To test plumbing pipes for iron material
d. To post notes for the owner
c. To test plumbing pipes for iron material - Home inspectors keep magnets on hand during inspections to test plumbing pipes for iron material. Iron plumbing pipes should be replaced because there are better materials available. In particular, copper piping became a popular alternative in America in the 1960s.
27
Please mark what does the acronym EIFS stand for
a. Exterior insulation for security
b. Exterior insulation and finish system
c. Exterior installation for security
b. Exterior insulation and finish system.
28
EIFS is a siding material that
a. Is used in commercial buildings only
b. Looks like stucco but lacks a wire mesh
c. Can be installed on top of a modified bitumen membrane
d. Can be installed on top of a masonry surface
b. Looks like stucco but lacks a wire mesh
29
A typical exterior inspection includes an examination of the shutters, if they are part of the structure.
a. True b. False
b. False
30
Ivy is taking over part of an exterior wall of the home. How do you BEST address this in your report?
a. Conclude it may damage the exterior wall.
b. Conclude it may eventually decrease the home's value
c. Conclude it may affect the home's interior temperature.
d. Conclude it may discolor the exterior wall.
a. Conclude it may damage the exterior wall - Ivy is taking over part of an exterior wall of the home. You address this in your report by concluding it may damage the exterior wall. Ivy and other vegetation can damage exterior walls by getting into the stucco or growing behind siding, which allows moisture to seep in and do even more damage. You can also recommend it be removed so current damage can be assessed and repaired.
31
When describing the siding of a home, which of the following is an appropriate response?
a. It looks to be about 25 years old and should be replaced. It looks to be about 25 years old and should be replaced.
b. It looks to be about 25 years old and needs to be repainted.
c. It is made of aluminum and has multiple missing nails.
d. It is made of aluminum and has been painted an ugly green.
c. It is made of aluminum and has multiple missing nails. - When describing the siding of a home, an appropriate response is that it is made of aluminum and has multiple missing nails. In addition to describing the siding material as required, the fact that there are missing nails indicates there are deficiencies in the siding. Without the nails, the wind can get behind the siding and lift it away from the home's exterior. Moisture can get behind the siding and cause damage to the home.
32
Which of the following are you required to inspect during your inspection of the home's exterior?
a. Sheds
b. Docks
c. Fences
d. Carport
d. Carport - During your inspection of the home's exterior, you are required to inspect the carport. Other types of outbuildings such as sheds do not have to be inspected. Fences and docks are not required inspection areas since they are not connected to the home and cannot damage the home's structural integrity.
33
What is the expected service life of vinyl siding?
a. 10 years in humid climates
b. 15 years in cool climates
c. 20 years in dry climates
d. 25 years in all climates
d. 25 years in all climates - The expected service life of vinyl siding is 25 years in all climates. Vinyl siding is a type of cladding made out of plastic that is installed on the exterior of homes. It is highly durable and a viable alternative to aluminum siding.
34
Common problems with any exterior cladding include all of the following EXCEPT
a. water penetration
b. too close to window openings
c. too close to grade
d. planters against the wall
b. too close to window openings - Siding being close to window openings is not a problem.
35
Joists should have an end bearing of at least
a. 1"
b. 1.5"
c. 3.5"
d. 6"
"b. 1.5"" - Joists should have an end bearing of at least 1 1/2 inches.
36
Beams should be mechanically fastened to their supporting members.
a. True b. False
a. True - Beams should be mechanically fastened to their supporting members, not merely resting on the tops of columns or pillars.
37
Most garage floors are not structural.
a. True b. False
a. True - Most garage floors are not structural.
38
Bad grading will always cause wet basements.
a. True b. False
b. False - Some grading conditions are less-than-ideal but do not result in problems, for example, where sandy soils carries the water very effectively.
39
Asphalt shingles are installed on walls the same way as roofs.
a. True b. False
b. False - Asphalt shingles are installed differently on walls than on roofs.
40
Asbestos cement shingles should be removed from homes.
a. True b. False
b. False - Asbestos cement shingles do not need to be removed from homes.
41
A house with integral gutters is more prone to ice damming if it has a steep roof.
a. True b. False
b. False - A house with integral gutters is more prone to ice damming if it has a low-slope roof.
42
Wall cladding materials should be six to eight inches above grade.
a. True b. False
a. True - To protect the cladding system and the structure from water damage, masonry should be at least six inches above grade and most other sidings should be at least eight inches above grade.
43
Synthetic stucco (EIFS) has good drying potential.
a. True b. False
b. False - Poor drying potential is one of the main causes of problems with synthetic stucco.
44
The single-biggest problem with cantilevered decks is excess deflection or bounce.
a. True b. False
b. False - The single-biggest problem with cantilevered decks is maintaining a weather-tight joint where the joists pass through the house wall. These joints typically move as a result of expansion and contraction caused by changes in moisture and temperature.
45
Plywood is a good material choice for outdoor floors, such as on a porch.
a. True b. False
b. False - Plywood, waferboard, and other manufactured wood products generally are not successful in outdoor applications where they are installed horizontally or wetted regularly.
46
An exterior inspection includes all of the following EXCEPT
a. trim
b. driveways
c. soffits and fascia
d. fences
"d. fences - Fences are not included in the exterior inspection.
47
Which of the following is FALSE? Exterior cladding is intended to
a. protect the structure from water damage
b. protect the interior from water damage
c. provide reasonable security
d. provide insulation
d. provide insulation - Exterior classing does not usually insulate the home.
48
All of the following are siding materials EXCEPT
a. housewrap
b. stucco
c. steel
d. concrete block
a. housewrap - Housewrap is an air barrier, not a siding material.
49
Which of the following statements about building paper is FALSE?
a. It is also referred to as a sheathing paper.
b. It protects the wall from water that gets past the siding.
c. It prevents heat loss
d. It is vapor-permeable.
c. It prevents heat loss - Housewrap is an air barrier, not a siding material.
50
Housewraps replace
a. building paper
b. sheathing
c. insulation
d. siding
a. building paper - Housewraps replace building paper.
51
Most problems with exterior cladding involve
a. heat loss
b. vapor diffusion
c. water penetration
d. efflorscence
c. water penetration - Most cladding problems involve water penetration.
52
Wood siding
a. should be at least four inches above roofing
b. should be two inches above grade
c. will wick moisture through the end trains
d. does not hold paint well
c. will wick moisture through the end grains - Wood siding will wick moisture through the end grains.
53
OSB Siding
a. should stop one to two inches above roof surfaces
b. should never be used in contact with masonry walls
c. is not prone to buckling
d. requires weep holes about every 32 inches
"a. should stop one to two inches above roof surfaces - OSB siding should stop and inch or two above a roof surface. It can be used with masonry walls.
54
Which of the following is the worst case situation?
a. The top of the foundation wall is 16 inches above grade.
b. The top of the foundation wall is three inches below grade.
c. The top of the foundation wall is at grade.
d. The top three inches of the foundation wall is covered by siding.
b. The top of the foundation wall is three inches below grade. Foundation walls below grade are extremely vulnerable.
55
Raised planters should
a. only be used with masonry walls
b. have waterproof liners
c. be kept two inches from exterior walls
d. have covers to prevent them filing with water during heavy rains.
c. be kept two inches from exterior walls - Planters should be kept two inches away from exterior walls.
56
Vines on exterior walls
a. are a bigger problem on wood siding than masonry
b. help the wall keep dry
c. help the inspector, in that their presence indicates a durable wall
d. can always be easily removed.
a. are a bigger problem on wood siding than masonry - Vines are more likely to damage wood siding than masonry.
57
Which of the following statements about masonry walls is FALSE?
a. They may or may note be load-bearing
b. They usually require a foundation
c. They are water-repellant
d. They may be damaged by abrasive cleaning
c. They are water-repellant - Vines are more likely to damage wood siding than masonry.
58
Cracks in brickwork are NOT LIKELY to occur because of
a. freeze/thaw action
b. building settlement
c. mechanical damage
d. repointing
d. repointing - Cracks in brickwork do not occur as a result of repointing. Repointed is replacement of the mortar between bricks. It is a repair technique.
59
All of the following can cause mortar problems in a masonry wall EXCEPT
a. improper mortar mix
b. that temperatures are too cold during application
c. applying the mortar to damp bricks
d. that mortar joints are too thin
"c. applying the mortar to damp bricks - Applying the mortar to damp bricks is a recommended practice, not a problem.
60
Weep holes in masonry walls
a. are only provided in solid masonry walls
b. drain to the building interior
c. require a flashing at the bottom of the wall
d. are used instead of a vented rain screen
c. require a flashing at the bottom of the wall - Weep holes in masonry walls require a flashing at the bottom of the wall.
61
You are looking at a two-story masonry building. You notice large metal plates on the front and back walls of the home about every four feet across the walls, at approximately the second-story floor level. These are
a. support brackets for balconies
b. support points for porch roofs
c. stabilizing a bowed wall
d. to increase structural rigidity in earthquake zones
c. stabilizing a bowed wall - These plates are typically holding a bowed wall together. The plates are usually attached to cables or rods that go right through the building.
62
Stucco
a. is basically cement, aggregate, and water
b. uses gypsum as the principal binder
c. is applied to a fiberglass mesh lath
d. is always installed over rigid insulation
a. is basically cement, aggregate, and water - Stucco is cement, aggregate, and water.
63
Stucco
a. is typically installed in a one-coat application.
b. is typically applied in a two-coat application over wood frame walls.
c. is typically 3/8-inch-thick over wood frame walls.
d. will often has a dip screed at the bottom
d. will often has a drip screed at the bottom. - Stucco often has a drip screed at the bottom of the wall.
64
Common stucco problems include all the following EXCEPT
a. cracking
b. bulging
c. crumbling
d. no paint
d. no paint - An absence of paint is not a problem. Stucco doesn't need paint.
65
An EIFS assembly may consist of all the following EXCEPT
a. plywood sheathing
b. foam insulation boards
c. metal lath
d. a 1/16-inch-thick to 1/4-inch-thick base coat
c. metal lath - EIFS does not use mental lath. It uses all of the other components listed here.
66
Causes of problems with EIFS include all of the following EXCEPT
a. poor drying potential
b. installation in warm climates
c. lack of a drainage plane
d. lack of building paper
b. installation in warm climates - EIFS problems can occur in warm climates or cold climates. The drying potential is more important than the temperature.
67
A rain screen has all of the following EXCEPT
a. building paper or housewrap
b. an air space behind the siding
c. an air/vapor barrier directly behind the siding
d. a drainage space behind the siding
c. an air/vapor barrier direclty behind the siding. - Except in very hot, humid climates, you do not want vapor barriers directly behind the siding.
68
Which of the following homes is most likely to have concealed damage behind the EIFS? A home
a. in the southwest of the United States
b. exposed to strong winds
c. with a four foot roof overhang
d. with fewer-than-average windows
b. exposed to strong winds - A house exposed to strong winds will be susceptible to moisture penetration by wind driven rain. The other items in this question are either only for dry climates or details that tend to protect against damage.
69
All of the following are common wood siding types EXCEPT
a. flemish bond
b. bevel
c. board and batten
d. tongue and grove
a. flemish bond - Flemish bond is a brick pattern.
70
Wood shakes
a. can only be made of cedar
b. are typically 18 to 24 inches long
c. can only be hand split and resawn
d. should be butted tightly side to side to prevent leakage
b. are typically 18 to 24 inches long - Wood shakes typically are 18 to 24 inches long.
71
Paint may contain all of the following EXCEPT
a. pigments
b. binder
c. additives
d. fire retardants
"d. fire retardants - Paints do not typically include fire retardants.
72
All of the following statements about plywood are true except one. Which statement is FALSE?
a. Plywood comes in panels up to 4 feet x 10 feet.
b. Plywood is more dimensionally stable than conventional wood siding.
c. Plywood sheet siding adds little to the rigidity of a building
d. Plywood always has an odd number of layers.
c. Plywood sheet siding adds little to the rigidity of a building. - - Plywoods sheets add considerable rigidity to a building.
73
OSB siding is
a. fiber cement
b. a type of plywood
c. a type of waferboard
d. a type of hardboard
c. a type of waferboard - OSB siding is a type of waferboard.
74
Common problems with hardboard include all of the following EXCEPT
a. swelling
b. delamination
c. buckling
d. efflorescence
d. efflorescence
75
Inner-Seal siding is
a. OSB
b. hardboard
c. fiber cement board
d. plywood
a. OSB - Inner-Seal siding is OSB.
76
When inspecting porch roofs, you should be checking for all of the following except
A) rot and loose connection points to the building.
B) insulation in the ceiling.
C) evidence of water damage on the underside.
D) sagging beams.
B
The answer is INSULATION IN THE CEILING. Insulation is not usually an issue with porch roofs since both sides of the porch roof are cold.
77
Elements of a well-constructed garage floor (slab-on-grade type) include all of the following except
A) well compacted backfill placed in the trenches around the garage foundation.
B) a free-draining granular base below the concrete.
C) rigid foam insulation under the concrete floor slab.
D) adequate slope toward the vehicle door.
C
The answer is RIGID FOAM INSULATION UNDER THE CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB. Foam insulation is not a necessary element in a well constructed garage floor slab.
78
Common soffit and fascia problems include all of the following except
A) loose or missing pieces.
B) mechanical damage.
C) burn-through due to ultraviolet light.
D) rot.
C
The answer is BURN-THROUGH DUE TO ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT. Burn-through is not a common problem on soffit or fascia.
79
All of the following are common surface water drainage problems except
A) porous soil.
B) improper ground surface slope.
C) basement windows without wells.
D) clogged catch basins.
C
The answer is BASEMENT WINDOWS WITHOUT WELLS. Basement windows without wells are not necessarily a grading problem. The basement windows may be above grade level.
80
Poor materials for porch floors include all of the following except
A) oriented strandboard (osb).
B) hardboard.
C) cedar.
D) plywood.
C
The answer is CEDAR. Cedar is a good material for a porch floor, although it is not as strong as some other softwoods.
81
Common problems with patios include all of the following except
A) no railings.
B) slopes that drain water toward the house.
C) trip hazards.
D) uneven surfaces.
A
The answer is NO RAILINGS. Patios usually do not require railings since they typically are at grade level.
82
Common problems with clay or slate shingles include all of the following except
A) broken.
B) missing.
C) loose.
D) buckled.
D
The answer is BUCKLED. Clay and slate will not buckle.
83
All of the following are common problems with window wells except
A) a window well is missing.
B) the well walls are damaged.
C) the floor of the well is 12 inches below the window.
D) the well walls are rusted.
C
The answer is THE FLOOR OF THE WELL IS 12 INCHES BELOW THE WINDOW. It's acceptable if the bottom of the well is 12 inches below the window.
84
Which of the following is false? Exterior cladding is intended to
A) protect the structure from water damage.
B) protect the interior from water damage.
C) provide reasonable security.
D) provide insulation.
D
The answer is PROVIDE INSULATION. Exterior cladding does not usually insulate the home.
85
Exterior columns typically support all of the following except
A) carports.
B) porch floors.
C) patios.
D) decks.
C
The answer is PATIOS. Patios typically rest directly on the ground and do not need column support.
86
Problems with window well drains include all of the following except
A) six inches below the window.
B) not connected.
C) missing.
D) obstructed with debris.
A
The answer is SIX INCHES BELOW THE WINDOW. A drain that is six inches below the window is a good arrangement in a window well.
87
Which of the following statements about masonry walls is false?
A) They usually require a foundation.
B) They may be damaged by abrasive cleaning.
C)They are water repellant.
D) They may or may not be load bearing
C
The answer is THEY ARE WATER REPELLANT. Masonry walls are not water repellant. Water in a driving rain will go through brick.
88
Common beam problems on porches include all of the following except
A) wood/soil contact.
B) sag.
C) checking.
D) poor end support.
C
The answer is CHECKING. Checking is a normal condition on wood beams and is not usually a problem.
89
All of the following are true with EIFS except
A) a fiberglass mesh replaces wire lath.
B) it is typically a two-coat process.
C) the finish coat is thicker than with traditional stucco.
D) it is typically applied directly to a polystyrene insulation board.
C
The answer is THE FINISH COAT IS THICKER THAN WITH TRADITIONAL STUCCO. The finish coat on EIFS is thinner than with traditional stucco.
90
Common problems with hardboard include all of the following except
A) delamination.
B) swelling.
C) buckling.
D) efflorescence.
D
The answer is EFFLORESCENCE. Efflorescence is not a problem with hardboard.
91
Common materials for walks and driveways include all of the following except
A) cork.
B) asphalt.
C) concrete.
D) brick.
A
The answer is CORK. Cork is not a common material for a walk or a driveway.
92
All of the following are common downspout problems except
A) missing.
B) leaking.
C) discharging onto the ground.
D) too few.
C
The answer is DISCHARGING ONTO THE GROUND. Downspouts that discharge onto the ground are the arrangement preferred by most inspectors.
93
The following are common problems with overhead sectional vehicle doors in garages except
A) counterweights.
B) operability.
C) automatic opener problems.
D) rot/rust.
A
The answer is COUNTERWEIGHTS. Counterweights are not problems on sectional doors. They are typical.
94
All of the following are flat roof drainage systems except
A) galvanized steel gutters.
B) yankee gutters.
C) interior drains.
D) scuppers.
B
The answer is YANKEE GUTTERS. Yankee gutters would not be used on a flat roof.
95
All of the following are common retaining wall problems except
A) rot or insect damage.
B) no drainage system.
C) the use of shoring.
D) leaning.
C
The answer is THE USE OF SHORING. The use of shoring is not a retaining wall problem.
96
Common problems found with trim, flashings, and caulking include all of the following except
A) loose.
B) missing flashings or caulking.
C) kickout flashings on roof/wall intersections.
D) rust or rot.
C
The answer is KICKOUT FLASHINGS ON ROOF/WALL INTERSECTIONS. Kickout flashings are not a problem. They are a good thing.
97
All of the following are common problems with walks and driveways except
A) control joints.
B) cracked surfaces.
C) improper slope.
D) uneven surfaces.
A
The answer is CONTROL JOINTS. Control joints are not a problem in walks and driveways. They are a desirable feature.
98
Typical problems with steps and landings include all of the following except
A) rise, run, and slope.
B) cantilevered beams.
C) settlement.
D) spalling mortar/masonry units.
B
The answer is CANTILEVERED BEAMS. Cantilevered beams are not a typical problem with steps and landings.
99
Common problems with metal and vinyl siding include all of the following except
A) nails not driven tight.
B) metal siding not grounded.
C) buckled or wavy.
D) mechanical damage.
A
The answer is NAILS NOT DRIVEN TIGHT. Nails should not be driven tight with metal and vinyl siding. We need to allow the siding to move under the nails.
100
Common problems with any exterior cladding include all of the following except
A) water penetration.
B) too close to grade.
C) too close to window openings.
D) planters against the wall.
B
The answer is TOO CLOSE TO WINDOW OPENINGS. Siding being close to window openings is not a problem.
101
Common door and window problems include all of the following except
A) paint or stain needed.
B) damage.
C) sills sloping down away from the window.
D) rot.
C
The answer is SILLS SLOPING DOWN AWAY FROM THE WINDOW. Sills should slope down away from the window.
102
All of the following statements are true of structural garage floors except
A) structural garage floors should not be inspected for design adequacy as part of a home inspection.
B) cracks in structural garage floors indicate structural failure.
C) structural garage floors may need inspection by a specialist.
D) much of the strength in suspended concrete garage floors is derived from the steel reinforcement in the concrete.
B
The answer is CRACKS IN STRUCTURAL GARAGE FLOORS INDICATE STRUCTURAL FAILURE. Cracks in structural garage floors do not necessarily indicate structural failure. Much of the strength in the floor system is derived from the steel reinforcement.
103
The implications of trees or shrubs too close to a house include all of the following except
A) mechanical damage to the house.
B) excess soil moisture adjacent to the house.
C) reduced drying potential of siding.
D) roots blocking or collapsing sewer pipes.
B
The answer is EXCESS SOIL MOISTURE ADJACENT TO THE HOUSE. Having trees or shrubs too close to a house doesn't usually create excess moisture in the soil adjacent to the house.
104
All of the following are types of retaining walls except
A) tied back.
B) cantilevered.
C) pile.
D) cavity.
D
The answer is CAVITY. A cavity wall is not typically a retaining wall.
105
All of the following statements about retaining wall drainage are true except one. Identify the false statement.
A) Tied-back walls do not usually require drain holes.
B) Drainage is important.
C) Good draining soils such as clay should be used behind retaining walls.
D) A weeping tile or drainage holes are often recommended.
C
The answer is GOOD DRAINING SOILS SUCH AS CLAY SHOULD BE USED BEHIND RETAINING WALLS. Clay is not a good draining soil.
106
Which of the following is the worst case situation?
A) The top of the foundation wall is at grade.
B) The top of the foundation wall is 16 inches above grade.
C) The top of the foundation wall is three inches below grade.
D) The top three inches of the foundation wall is covered by siding.
C
The answer is THE TOP OF THE FOUNDATION WALL IS THREE INCHES BELOW GRADE. Foundation walls below grade are extremely vulnerable.
107
Common gutter problems include all of the following except
A) leaking.
B) undersized.
C) loose.
D) connected to two downspouts.
D
The answer is CONNECTED TO TWO DOWNSPOUTS. It's acceptable for gutters to be connected to two downspouts.
108
Common problems with asphalt shingles include all of the following except
A) torn.
B) rotted.
C) missing.
D) loose tabs.
B
The answer is ROTTED. Rotted asphalt shingles is not a common problem.
109
All of the following are siding materials except
A) stucco.
B) steel.
C) housewrap.
D) concrete block.
C
The answer is HOUSEWRAP. Housewrap is an air barrier, not a siding material.
110
The following are common problems with "Overhead Sectional Vehicle Doors" in garages EXCEPT.
a. Difficult to open or close
b. Rot
c. Dents or other mechanical damage
d. Counterweights
e. Automatic opener problems
d. Counterweights are NOT A PROBLEM with garage doors.
111
For safety reasons, all stair treads should be:
a. 6 inches
b. 8 inches
c. Consistent
d. Equal to rise
c. Consistent
112
What is the MINIMUM clearance from insulation for recessed electrical fixtures not rated for contact with insulation?
a. 3 inches
b. 4 inches
c. 6 inches
d. 8 inches
a. 3 inches
113
Conditions that would lead to recommendation for pointing brick veneer "exterior" walls EXCEPT.
a. Damaged interior plaster at "exterior" wall to ceiling joists
b. Visibly deteriorated mortar joints
c. Eroded joints behind downspouts
d. Diagonal cracks in first floor interior partition walls.
b. Visibly deteriorated mortar joints
114
On an interior inspection of a skylight you might use:
a. Your eyes
b. A ladder
c. A moisture meter
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
115
Lateral support for masonry walls can be provided by:
a. Floor systems
b. Roof systems
c. Interior walls
d. End walls
e. All of the above
e. All of the above
116
Where is condensation likely to be worst?
a. Above windows
b. Tops of walls
c. Corners of walls
d. Midpoint of walls
e. Bottom of walls
e. Bottom of walls
117
A "GUARDRAIL" is required where and must have what?
a. For any "walk off" higher than 30 inches above floor or grade.
b. Minimum height is 36 inches (34" stair RAIL)
c. Maximum opening size 4" (6" at tread rise, under rail triangle).
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
118
Which of the following is NOT EXEMPT from safety glazing requirements?
a. Glass shower enclosure
b. 2 inch glass panel located in a side hinged door
c. 5 sq. ft. leaded glass decorative panel located 48" above floor and 20" from door.
d. Glass panel adjacent to door leading to 3' deep closet
a. Glass shower is NOT EXEMPT from safety glazing requirements
119
