ASHI Exterior & Roofing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a home inspection, you observe step flashing at a roof-to-wall junction has separated from the wall. What is the most appropriate reporting language?
- Recommend monitoring the area seasonally
- Recommend repair by a qualified roofing contractor (Correct answer)
- Note as a cosmetic issue only
- Report as beyond the scope of the inspection
Correct answer: Recommend repair by a qualified roofing contractor
Separated step flashing is a deficiency requiring repair by a qualified contractor because it allows water intrusion at the roof-wall junction.
Question 2: Which type of window installation deficiency is most commonly associated with exterior water staining below the window on siding?
- Missing interior vapor barrier
- Improper or missing window head flashing (Correct answer)
- Glazing compound failure on older windows
- Window frame expansion from solar gain
Correct answer: Improper or missing window head flashing
Missing or improper head flashing above a window allows water to infiltrate behind the siding and run down the exterior, leaving stain trails.
Question 3: A home inspector notices the fascia boards are soft and discolored directly below the gutters. What is the most likely cause?
- UV degradation of painted surfaces
- Overflowing or clogged gutters causing chronic moisture (Correct answer)
- Normal wood weathering at roof edges
- Improper attic ventilation causing condensation
Correct answer: Overflowing or clogged gutters causing chronic moisture
Soft, discolored fascia below gutters is a classic sign of chronic water overflow from clogged or improperly pitched gutters rotting the wood.
Question 4: What does 'brooming' refer to in the context of roofing inspections?
- Sweeping debris from valleys before inspection
- Shingles that have curled upward at the edges from age
- The bending of shingles over ridges during installation (Correct answer)
- Using a brush tool to apply roof coatings
Correct answer: The bending of shingles over ridges during installation
Brooming is the process of pressing shingles down over ridges or hips during installation to ensure proper seating and adhesion.
Question 5: Exposed nail heads on a roof surface are most directly a concern because they:
- Reduce the roof's fire resistance rating
- Create entry points for water infiltration and rust staining (Correct answer)
- Weaken the shingle's wind uplift resistance
- Void the manufacturer's shingle warranty only
Correct answer: Create entry points for water infiltration and rust staining
Exposed nails allow water infiltration at the penetration point and can rust, staining the shingles and leading to accelerated deck deterioration.
Question 6: When inspecting vinyl siding, which condition is a deficiency that should be reported?
- Slight waviness in panels during hot weather
- Panels installed without overlap at horizontal seams (Correct answer)
- Variation in panel color from sun exposure
- Nail slots used at full length for fastening
Correct answer: Panels installed without overlap at horizontal seams
Vinyl siding panels must overlap at horizontal seams to prevent water from entering behind the cladding; no-overlap seams are a reportable deficiency.
Question 7: Which roof feature is designed specifically to prevent wind-driven rain from entering the attic at the gable ends?
- Drip edge flashing
- Rake board
- Barge rafter
- Gable vent screen (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gable vent screen
Gable vent screens prevent wind-driven rain and debris from entering the attic through ventilation openings at the gable ends.
ASHI Exterior & Roofing 3
During a home inspection, you observe step flashing at a roof-to-wall junction has separated from the wall.
What is the most appropriate reporting language?