Structural Systems & Components 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 Structural Systems & Components flashcards as text
What structural problem does 'sagging ridge line' most commonly indicate when observed from the exterior of a home?
Answer: Undersized rafters, missing collar ties, or inadequate ridge beam support
A sagging ridge line typically indicates undersized rafters, missing or failed collar ties, inadequate ridge support, or rafter spread causing the ridge to deflect downward.
What is the term for the condition where floor joists bear on a foundation wall or beam at less than the minimum required distance?
Answer: Insufficient bearing
Insufficient bearing occurs when floor joists rest on a support surface with less than the code-required minimum contact length, typically 1.5 inches on wood and 3 inches on masonry.
What does 'rafter spread' refer to in roof framing?
Answer: The outward movement of exterior walls caused by rafter thrust
Rafter spread is the outward horizontal force exerted by rafters on exterior walls, which can cause walls to bow outward if ceiling joists or collar ties don't resist this thrust.
An inspector finds that a wood beam has a horizontal split running along its length. What type of defect is this?
Answer: Checking or splitting along the grain (seasoning crack)
Horizontal splits running along the grain are called checks or seasoning cracks, caused by wood drying unevenly; while typically cosmetic, deep checks in load-bearing members warrant further evaluation.
Which foundation type is most susceptible to damage from expansive (clay) soils?
Answer: Shallow slab-on-grade foundations
Shallow slab-on-grade foundations are most vulnerable to expansive soils because clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, causing the slab to heave and crack.
What is the structural function of a 'rim joist' (also called band joist or header joist)?
Answer: To cap the ends of floor joists and provide lateral support to the joist system
The rim joist runs perpendicular to floor joists at the perimeter, caps joist ends to prevent rotation, and ties the floor system together laterally.
During an inspection, a home inspector observes walls bowing inward in a basement. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Lateral soil and hydrostatic pressure exceeding wall capacity
Basement walls bowing inward are most commonly caused by lateral earth pressure and hydrostatic pressure from saturated soils exceeding the wall's structural capacity.