Practice Questions

Question 1

In order for weep holes to do their job most effectively, what other key variable completes the process so water does not become a problem to the structure? a) mortar should be softer than the brick and it can be confirmed by looking from the inside b) the inspector should check the brand of gutters installed and if they are “upper-end” quality, that will keep water and the weep holes functioning properly c) the inspector should check to see if the areas where wind-driven rain is appropriately blocked (the weather-side of the home) with appropriate vegetation, this will allow the weep-holes to do their job d) the inspector should look inside along the top of the foundation wall for evidence of water streaks (which could indicate missing or ineffective flashings).

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The base coat on a home with stucco is typically 3/8 of an inch thick, what other term is used to identify this layer? a) the drip coat b) the scratch coat c) the brown coat d) the prep (or preparation) coat

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Stucco should terminate about 8 inches above grade level and the home inspector should check for… (choose the best answer): a) a drip screen that holds the second layer in place b) bonding that will hold the stucco in place c) a drip screed that prevents water from being drawn up into the wall d) flashing that will connect the stucco directly to the concrete foundation to provide the best seal to keep water out

Answer 3

C

Question 3

How does a home inspector determine whether stucco is applied over a wood-frame or masonry wall? He or she would… a) put their hand up and under to see if there’s an air gap b) tap on the stucco and listen carefully c) place a ruler up and under the stucco to see if there’s a space between the stucco and the wall d) check by inspecting from the interior in the area right above the footers

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What sections of exterior wall areas should a home inspector pay particular attention to if stucco exterior wall sheathing is noted? Choose the BEST answer… a) along the sides of doors & windows b) around corners and intersections with windows & doors c) on the weather-side of the home d) along the bottom or doors & tops of window areas

Answer 4

B

Question 5

When inspecting flashing materials, how do you differentiate corrosion on steel compared to that found on aluminum? a) it will be reddish-brown on the steel & greenish on the aluminum b) it will be greenish on steel and reddish-brown on the aluminum c) it will be yellowish on aluminum & brownish-green on steel d) it will be reddish-brown on steel and white on aluminum

Answer 5

D

Question 6

7)Which of the following options are TRUE regarding synthetic stucco when compared to traditional stucco? a) metal reinforcement is used in synthetic stucco not in traditional stucco b) the use of building paper is common in EIFS not in traditional stucco applications c) traditional stucco is brittle compared to EIFS which is flexible d) traditional stucco uses insulation board and synthetic or EIFS does not

Answer 6

C

Question 7

8)What term refers to the item found at the bottom of the roof & wall intersections that are often missing which contributes to the problems associated with EIFS houses (hint: this item diverts water running down a steep roof away from a vulnerable wall area)… a) the flashing b) the kickout c) vapor diffuser d) polystyrene plastic foam

Answer 7

B

Question 8

9)When inspecting a home with wood shingle/shake exterior, what statement is CORRECT from the options that follow… a) wood shingles should be spaced approx. 3/8 of an inch apart b) splits in wood shingles or shakes can be injected with epoxy to restore it c) shakes should never be staggered as water will more likely penetrate d) wood shakes or shingles should be spaced about 1/3 of an inch apart from each other for cosmetic reasons

Answer 8

A

Question 9

10)What term refers to wood sheathing that might have been painted in direct sunlight and therefore dried too fast? a) chalking b) cracking c) blistering d) cupping

Answer 9

C

Question 10

11)What causes “cupping” to occur to wood sheathing, shakes or shingles? a) if the front of the board is dry and the back gets wet b) if there are several layers of paint over relatively moist wood c) wood that dried too quickly on a cloudy day d) significant ultraviolet radiation which causes treated sections of the surface to rub off on your finger

Answer 10

A

Question 11

12)A number of various exterior wood sheathings were discussed in the course. Choose the statement that accurately describes what usually occurs when rot or swelling occurs to these types of materials… a) lumber will swell more than hardboard b) swelling in natural wood tends to be more permanent than compared to most hardboard sidings c) mold at edges of wooden areas indicates high moisture levels d) rot tends to occur more frequently to hardboard and OSB than plywood when moisture content is consistently above 20 percent

Answer 11

C

Question 12

13)Various types of exterior wall sheathing were reviewed in-depth in the course. In terms of asbestos cement siding, if the fibers become loosened and can float in the air and then subsequently inhaled by humans, we refer to this as… a) buoyant b) cancer causing c) airient d) friable

Answer 12

D

Question 13

14)In general, a home inspector should be able to see HOW many inches of a home’s foundation (that is the area above grade but below where the siding begins - MINIMALLY)? a) 5-6 inches b) 6-8 inches c) 8-10 inches d) 10-12 inches

Answer 13

B

Question 14

15)Based on your understanding of the exterior inspection, most serious wall problems are related to… a) wind b) weather c) snow d) water

Answer 14

D

Question 15

16)Exterior wall materials can begin to flake or crumble, this is professionally referred to… a) cracking b) deferred maintenance c) concealed damage d) spalling

Answer 15

D

Question 16

17)In general, weep holes and flashings will be found near the bottom of the wall of WHAT kind of exterior wall sheathing? a) aluminum siding b) masonry veneer c) vinyl siding d) wood clapboard

Answer 16

B

Question 17

18)What’s a good indication that siding is chronically wet? a) a gutter is missing b) efflorescence could appear c) most sidings tend to discolor d) all of these options apply

Answer 17

C

Question 18

19)What type of bricks are made using high-pressure steam in an autoclave? a) portland bricks b) calcium silicate c) clay bricks d) concrete bricks

Answer 18

B

Question 19

20)Which statement is FALSE regarding efflorescence… a) it is a salt deposit on a masonry surface b) the deposits are usually whitish c) seasonal efflorescence can be common d) pay more attention to efflorescence on new walls compared to old ones

Answer 19

D

Question 20

21)Why should home inspectors be particularly weary of masonry additions to masonry buildings? a) because several small cracks can add-up to a big one b) a large crack can let a lot more water in c) there is often some differential movement as the addition settles d) masonry additions are often not “toothed-in” - which causes major water problems

Answer 20

C

Question 21

22)Common mortar joints that a home inspector could run across were noted in the course. From the choices that follow, which are LEAST ideal (and least durable) because they tend to trap moisture that can cause brick damage? a) extruded joint b) concave joint c) v-joint d) both A & B

Answer 21

A

Question 22

23)In the course, we covered some of the reasons why concrete foundations may crack. Choose the option that BEST provides the most appropriate probable causes of foundations - especially noticeable from the exterior inspection… a) proximity of trees in mid-section areas of the foundation and areas near driveways b) in concealed areas, cracks often occur because they are difficult to see or get at c) cracks are most common near the weather-side of the home due to the pressures of wind, rain and the elements d) careless form removal during construction or poor concrete tamping

Answer 22

D

Question 23

25)What can make the home inspector’s job more difficult when trying to inspect the fascia for evidence of rot? Choose the BEST answer… a) the soffit blocking your view b) the lack of light available in that area c) the gutter blocking it d) the asphalt roof shingles that overlap on the roof rafter

Answer 23

C

Question 23

24)Where would a home inspector most likely observe cracks in concrete foundations when looking on the exterior of the home? Choose the most definitive answer… a) near driveways b) near the front of the home c) at corners of doors & windows and corners in general d) all of these options are reasonable depending on the situation

Answer 23

C

Question 24

26)Which statement from the options that follow are INACCURATE regarding windows and your window inspection… a) most window damage or concerns are not visible from the exterior inspection b) in general, an inspector doesn’t have to pay as close attention to windows that are difficult to access as those that are c) the longer it takes for water to leave (if water can collect near window areas), the more likely rot can develop d) inspectors should concentrate on windows and other vertical surfaces as water can easily collect here and cause significant damage

Answer 24

B

Question 25

27)What type of flashing is typically installed over doors and windows on homes that have non-masonry recessed siding materials in place? a) head flashing b) one-part flashing c) drip cap flashing d) both A & C

Answer 25

D

Question 26

28)In general, what is the MAXIMUM number of inches the rise should be on a typical residential stairway? a) 8 inches b) 9 inches c) 10 inches d) 11 inches

Answer 26

A

Question 27

29)When inspecting residential stairways and steps, what part of it’s construction could cause a tread to feel springy or deflect inappropriately when stepping in the middle of such tread? Choose the BEST answer… a) a loose nail b) bad wood c) a bad newel post d) a failing stringer

Answer 27

D

Question 28

30)In general, what are the MINIMUM guidelines for exterior handrails in residential dwellings… Choose the BEST option: a) handrails are required on porches more than 20 or 24 inches above grade b) handrails are required on porches more than 24 or 30 inches above grade c) handrails are required on porches more than 27 or 36 inches above grade d) handrails are required on porches more than 30 or 42 inches above grade

Answer 28

B

Question 29

31)Generally speaking, since we are not “code enforcement officers”, it would NOT be a safety concern if there was a handrail on one side of the stairwell (as compared to being on BOTH sides) as long as the stairs were not wider than… a) 30 inches b) 34 inches c) more than 40 inches d) more than 44 inches

Answer 29

D

Question 30

32)Another name (or a more accurate name) for free-standing posts typically found at the ends of railings and especially at steps is… a) baluster posts b) spindles c) balustrade posts d) newel posts

Answer 30

D

Question 31

33)When walking up or down stairs, a handrail should be at least HOW high in most jurisdictions? a) approx. 25 inches high b) approx. 31-38 inches high c) approx. 36-45 inches high d) approx. 40-48 inches high

Answer 31

B