ASHI Structural Systems 2

Question 1

What does a diagonal crack in a concrete block foundation wall typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

Differential settlement of the foundation

Answer

Diagonal cracks in block foundation walls typically indicate differential settlement, where one area of the foundation sinks more than another.

Question 2

Which condition in a wood floor system would be MOST concerning to an ASHI inspector?

Accepted Answer

Joists notched at the top of their depth near mid-span

Answer

Notching floor joists near mid-span at the top removes material from the tension zone, critically weakening the structural member.

Question 3

A home inspector observes that the ridge board sags in the middle of a gable roof. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Overspanning ridge board without intermediate support

Answer

A sagging ridge board most commonly results from it being undersized or lacking intermediate structural support, causing it to deflect under roof loads.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a wall plate (sill plate) anchor bolt?

Accepted Answer

To transfer lateral loads from the wall into the foundation

Answer

Anchor bolts connect the sill plate to the foundation, transferring lateral (horizontal) loads such as wind or seismic forces into the foundation.

Question 5

An inspector finds that a load-bearing wall has been removed without a beam installed. What is the primary structural concern?

Accepted Answer

Unbraced floor or roof loads now unsupported above

Answer

Removing a load-bearing wall without installing a proper beam leaves the structure above unsupported, which can cause immediate or progressive structural failure.

(ASHI) ASHI Certified Home Inspector Practice Test

(ASHI) ASHI Certified Home Inspector Practice Test

ASHI Structural Systems 2