Practice Test Geeks(InterNACHI) International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Practice Test
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Exterior and Grounds Inspection Flashcards

7 cards from real INTERNACHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Exterior and Grounds Inspection flashcards as text

  1. What does negative grading around a foundation indicate to a home inspector?

    Answer: Soil slopes toward the foundation, risking water intrusion

    Negative grading means the ground slopes toward the foundation, which can direct surface water into the basement or crawlspace.

  2. When inspecting wood siding, which condition most strongly suggests active moisture intrusion?

    Answer: Cupping or buckling of boards

    Cupping or buckling of wood siding indicates moisture has penetrated, causing the wood fibers to swell unevenly.

  3. A home inspector notices the bottom course of lap siding is within 2 inches of grade. What is the primary concern?

    Answer: Increased risk of wood rot and pest entry

    Siding that is too close to grade is exposed to soil moisture and splash-back, accelerating rot and providing a pathway for termites.

  4. What is the purpose of a weep screed at the base of stucco cladding?

    Answer: To allow moisture trapped behind stucco to drain out

    A weep screed is a metal flashing strip at the base of stucco that allows any water infiltrating behind the cladding to escape.

  5. During an exterior inspection, which window condition requires reporting as a deficiency?

    Answer: Missing or damaged glazing compound (putty) around glass

    Missing or damaged glazing compound allows water to seep between the glass and frame, leading to rot and water intrusion.

  6. What condition at a chimney cricket (saddle) should an inspector flag as a deficiency?

    Answer: Cricket flashing is not sealed or is pulling away from the chimney

    Unsealed or separated cricket flashing allows water to penetrate at the junction between the chimney and roof, a common leak point.

  7. An inspector observes that a deck ledger board is attached directly to the house band joist without flashing. What hazard does this present?

    Answer: Water can infiltrate behind the ledger, causing rot and structural failure

    Without flashing, water is trapped between the ledger and band joist, causing accelerated rot that can lead to ledger pull-away and deck collapse.