Structural Systems Inspection Flashcards

What is the function of collar ties in roof framing?

Answer: They resist rafter spread and help prevent the roof from pushing outward on the walls

Collar ties (or collar beams) connect opposing rafters near the ridge to resist the outward thrust that rafters exert on the wall plates.

During a home inspection, the inspector notices that the lintels above several windows in a brick wall are made of wood and showing signs of decay. What is the structural implication?

Answer: Decayed wood lintels can no longer support the masonry above the openings, risking wall failure

Lintels are structural elements that support the masonry above window and door openings; decayed wood lintels can fail and allow the masonry above to crack or collapse.

What is the significance of finding polyurethane foam injected into cracks in a poured concrete foundation wall?

Answer: It suggests previous water intrusion repairs but does not address the underlying structural cause of cracking

Foam injection seals cracks against water infiltration but does not restore structural integrity, and the cause of the crack should still be evaluated.

An inspector observes that floor joists in a home built in the 1950s are supported by a notch cut into a steel I-beam's bottom flange. What is the concern?

Answer: Notching into a steel beam's flange is non-standard and can concentrate stress and weaken the connection

Cutting notches into steel beam flanges creates stress concentrations and reduces the beam's section, which is not an approved structural connection method.

What is the most significant structural concern when an inspector observes a crawl space with standing water under the floor framing?

Answer: Prolonged moisture exposure causes wood rot and deterioration of structural members over time

Persistent moisture in a crawl space accelerates wood decay and can also lead to termite infestation, both of which compromise the structural integrity of floor framing.

When inspecting a home with a concrete block (CMU) foundation, what does horizontal bowing of the wall indicate?

Answer: Excessive lateral soil or hydrostatic pressure is causing the wall to fail in bending

Bowing of a CMU foundation wall is a serious structural deficiency caused by lateral pressure that the wall can no longer resist without repair or reinforcement.

What does an inspector check to evaluate whether a cantilevered deck is structurally adequate?

Answer: The length of the cantilever relative to the backspan, the size and species of joists, and the ledger or beam connection

Cantilevered decks require adequate backspan ratio, properly sized members, and secure connections to resist both downward loads and uplift at the backspan.