InterNACHI Exterior and Grounds Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does negative grading around a foundation indicate to a home inspector?
- Soil slopes away from the foundation properly
- Soil slopes toward the foundation, risking water intrusion (Correct answer)
- The lot has been recently regraded
- Underground drainage is functioning correctly
Correct 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.
Question 2: When inspecting wood siding, which condition most strongly suggests active moisture intrusion?
- Faded paint color
- Cupping or buckling of boards (Correct answer)
- Minor surface checking
- Knot stains bleeding through paint
Correct answer: Cupping or buckling of boards
Cupping or buckling of wood siding indicates moisture has penetrated, causing the wood fibers to swell unevenly.
Question 3: A home inspector notices the bottom course of lap siding is within 2 inches of grade. What is the primary concern?
- Aesthetic appearance
- Increased risk of wood rot and pest entry (Correct answer)
- Violation of setback requirements
- Inadequate ventilation behind siding
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a weep screed at the base of stucco cladding?
- To anchor the stucco to the framing
- To allow moisture trapped behind stucco to drain out (Correct answer)
- To provide a decorative trim line
- To prevent thermal expansion cracking
Correct 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.
Question 5: During an exterior inspection, which window condition requires reporting as a deficiency?
- Single-pane glass in a temperate climate
- Missing or damaged glazing compound (putty) around glass (Correct answer)
- Painted-shut interior storm window
- Aluminum frame oxidation
Correct 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.
Question 6: What condition at a chimney cricket (saddle) should an inspector flag as a deficiency?
- Cricket is wider than the chimney
- Cricket flashing is not sealed or is pulling away from the chimney (Correct answer)
- Cricket is constructed of metal
- Cricket slope is steeper than the main roof
Correct 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.
Question 7: An inspector observes that a deck ledger board is attached directly to the house band joist without flashing. What hazard does this present?
- Deck may not support live loads
- Water can infiltrate behind the ledger, causing rot and structural failure (Correct answer)
- Ledger attachment violates fire separation rules
- Deck boards will shrink away from the house
Correct 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.
InterNACHI Exterior and Grounds Inspection 2
What does negative grading around a foundation indicate to a home inspector?