CHI CHI Roofing Systems Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a chimney, a home inspector notices that the mortar crown (chimney cap) has cracks running from the flue liner to the edge. What should the report state?
- Monitor annually; minor cracking is expected
- The crown should be sealed or replaced to prevent water penetration and spalling (Correct answer)
- The cracks are cosmetic and do not affect function
- The flue liner should be replaced before the crown is addressed
Correct answer: The crown should be sealed or replaced to prevent water penetration and spalling
Cracks in the chimney crown allow water to enter the masonry assembly, causing freeze-thaw spalling that can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of the chimney.
Question 2: What does 'ponding water' on a flat or low-slope roof indicate to a home inspector?
- The roof membrane is new and has not fully cured
- Inadequate drainage or structural deflection requiring further evaluation (Correct answer)
- The roof was recently installed and the drains are still being adjusted
- Normal behavior in climates with frequent heavy rainfall
Correct answer: Inadequate drainage or structural deflection requiring further evaluation
Ponding water (standing water remaining more than 48 hours after rain) on a flat roof indicates drainage deficiencies or structural sagging that accelerate membrane deterioration.
Question 3: A home inspector observes that roof ventilation is provided only by soffit vents with no ridge or upper vents. What is the primary concern?
- The soffit vents will collect debris faster without upper vents
- Without high exhaust vents, air cannot circulate through the attic effectively (Correct answer)
- Soffit-only ventilation accelerates granule loss on the shingles
- The insulation will become over-compressed due to airflow restriction
Correct answer: Without high exhaust vents, air cannot circulate through the attic effectively
Effective attic ventilation requires both low intake (soffit) vents and high exhaust (ridge or gable) vents; without the high exhaust point, air cannot rise and exit the attic.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'blistering' observed on asphalt shingles during a roof inspection?
- Moisture or volatile compounds trapped beneath the shingle surface causing bubbles (Correct answer)
- Thermal expansion separating shingle layers at the tabs
- UV degradation creating surface oxidation pockets
- Hail impact depressions that soften the shingle mat
Correct answer: Moisture or volatile compounds trapped beneath the shingle surface causing bubbles
Blisters form when moisture or residual solvents vaporize and push up through the shingle mat, creating raised bubbles that rupture and expose the asphalt to accelerated weathering.
Question 5: During a home inspection, the inspector notes that the gutter system has no downspout extensions and downspouts terminate at grade directly against the foundation. What is the primary concern?
- Increased mosquito habitat near the foundation
- Concentrated water discharge that can cause basement or crawlspace water intrusion (Correct answer)
- Accelerated corrosion of the gutter hangers at the fascia
- Soil erosion that may expose the footing drain system
Correct answer: Concentrated water discharge that can cause basement or crawlspace water intrusion
Downspouts discharging at the foundation concentrate roof runoff at the most vulnerable point, overwhelming foundation waterproofing and increasing hydrostatic pressure against basement walls.
Question 6: A home inspector observes that the pipe boot flashings around plumbing vents on a composition shingle roof are cracked and brittle. What material failure is occurring?
- Galvanic corrosion between the pipe and flashing collar
- UV and ozone degradation of the neoprene or EPDM rubber collar (Correct answer)
- Thermal expansion splitting the lead flashing skirt
- Freeze-thaw cycling fracturing the aluminum base flange
Correct answer: UV and ozone degradation of the neoprene or EPDM rubber collar
The rubber boot collar surrounding the pipe is typically made of neoprene or EPDM, which deteriorates from UV radiation and ozone exposure, eventually cracking and allowing water to enter around the pipe.
CHI CHI Roofing Systems Inspection 2
When inspecting a chimney, a home inspector notices that the mortar crown (chimney cap) has cracks running from the flue liner to the edge.
What should the report state?