Exterior & Roofing Flashcards

When inspecting a flat or low-slope roof with a built-up roofing (BUR) membrane, what does 'alligatoring' of the surface coating indicate?

Answer: The surface bitumen has oxidized and lost elasticity, indicating age and likely failure

Alligatoring is a pattern of deep surface cracks resembling alligator skin, caused by oxidation and UV degradation of the bituminous surface coat, indicating end-of-life roofing.

A home inspector observes that the drip edge at the eaves is installed on top of the roofing underlayment. What should be reported?

Answer: This is incorrect; drip edge at eaves should be installed under the underlayment

At eaves, drip edge must be installed under the underlayment so water is directed into the gutter; at rakes, it goes over the underlayment.

Which of the following best describes the ASHI Standards of Practice requirement regarding concealed roofing components?

Answer: Inspectors are not required to inspect or report on components that are not visible and accessible

ASHI Standards of Practice limit the inspection to visible and accessible components; inspectors are not required to inspect concealed or inaccessible areas.

What is the purpose of counterflashing installed at a masonry chimney?

Answer: It overlaps and protects the top of the base flashing from water entry at the masonry joint

Counterflashing is embedded into the masonry and laps over the base (step) flashing to create a two-part system that remains watertight while allowing differential movement.

An inspector identifies that deck boards on an elevated wood deck show significant checking (surface cracks along the grain). What should be reported?

Answer: Severe checking can compromise the deck surface and may indicate moisture damage requiring evaluation

While minor checking is normal in wood, significant checking indicates moisture cycling stress and should be evaluated for structural and safety implications.

During an exterior inspection, a brick veneer wall shows horizontal cracking along a mortar joint running the full length of the wall. This pattern most likely indicates:

Answer: Lintel failure or differential settlement causing veneer to separate from structure

A continuous horizontal crack in brick veneer typically indicates lintel failure, differential settlement, or separation between the veneer and structural wall behind it.

What condition is the inspector assessing when they check the 'weep holes' in a brick veneer wall?

Answer: Whether the drainage plane behind the veneer can discharge accumulated moisture

Weep holes allow water that penetrates behind brick veneer to drain out at the base of the wall through the drainage cavity, preventing moisture accumulation.