ASHI Exterior & Roofing 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a flat or low-slope roof with a built-up roofing (BUR) membrane, what does 'alligatoring' of the surface coating indicate?
- The membrane has been recently recoated with a reflective coating
- The surface bitumen has oxidized and lost elasticity, indicating age and likely failure (Correct answer)
- Alligatoring is a normal texture for gravel-surfaced BUR roofs
- Water has pooled and dried repeatedly, leaving mineral deposits
Correct 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.
Question 2: A home inspector observes that the drip edge at the eaves is installed on top of the roofing underlayment. What should be reported?
- This is an acceptable alternate installation method
- This is incorrect; drip edge at eaves should be installed under the underlayment (Correct answer)
- Drip edge installation method has no effect on water shedding performance
- This is only a concern on roofs with slopes below 4:12
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the ASHI Standards of Practice requirement regarding concealed roofing components?
- Inspectors must probe all accessible areas to detect concealed defects
- Inspectors are not required to inspect or report on components that are not visible and accessible (Correct answer)
- Inspectors must disclose all suspected concealed defects even without direct observation
- Inspectors must use moisture meters to detect all hidden roofing defects
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is the purpose of counterflashing installed at a masonry chimney?
- It anchors the base flashing to the roof deck
- It overlaps and protects the top of the base flashing from water entry at the masonry joint (Correct answer)
- It redirects combustion gases away from the roof surface
- It prevents thermal expansion stress at the chimney-roof junction
Correct 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.
Question 5: An inspector identifies that deck boards on an elevated wood deck show significant checking (surface cracks along the grain). What should be reported?
- Checking is a natural characteristic of wood and requires no reporting
- Severe checking can compromise the deck surface and may indicate moisture damage requiring evaluation (Correct answer)
- Checked deck boards must be immediately replaced per ASHI standards
- Checking only affects aesthetics and is outside the inspection scope
Correct 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.
Question 6: 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:
- Normal thermal expansion of the brick during seasonal changes
- Lintel failure or differential settlement causing veneer to separate from structure (Correct answer)
- Poor mortar mix used during original construction
- Water infiltration at the top of the wall washing out mortar
Correct 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.
Question 7: What condition is the inspector assessing when they check the 'weep holes' in a brick veneer wall?
- Whether the drainage plane behind the veneer can discharge accumulated moisture (Correct answer)
- The structural connection between the veneer and the wall framing
- The quality of mortar used in the veneer construction
- The fire resistance rating of the wall assembly
Correct 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.
ASHI Exterior & Roofing 5
When inspecting a flat or low-slope roof with a built-up roofing (BUR) membrane, what does 'alligatoring' of the surface coating indicate?