InterNACHI Exterior and Grounds Inspection 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reason an inspector checks the slope of an attached garage floor toward the overhead door?
- To ensure vehicles can park without rolling (Correct answer)
- To verify carbon monoxide and vehicle fumes drain away from the living space
- To confirm the slab meets minimum thickness requirements
- To check for frost heave damage
Correct answer: To ensure vehicles can park without rolling
A garage floor sloped toward the door prevents water, fuel spills, and fumes from pooling inside and also aids drainage away from the house.
Question 2: An inspector finds that the gap between a wood deck and the house exterior wall is filled with caulk instead of flashing. What is the concern?
- Caulk creates an airtight seal that traps heat
- Caulk will eventually fail and allow water intrusion behind the siding (Correct answer)
- Caulk is a fire hazard near the house
- The gap size violates building code
Correct answer: Caulk will eventually fail and allow water intrusion behind the siding
Caulk is a maintenance item that deteriorates over time; proper flashing provides a durable, physical barrier to water at the deck-to-house junction.
Question 3: When examining exterior trim, which condition is most indicative of long-term water damage rather than recent or cosmetic damage?
- Surface paint cracking
- Soft, spongy wood that probes easily with a screwdriver (Correct answer)
- Dirt accumulation in crevices
- Faded stain on trim boards
Correct answer: Soft, spongy wood that probes easily with a screwdriver
Wood that is soft and easily penetrated by a probe tool indicates advanced decay where structural integrity of the trim or underlying framing may be compromised.
Question 4: What is the significance of finding displaced or missing mortar (tuckpointing failure) in a chimney's brick joints?
- The chimney's height does not meet code
- Water can penetrate the joints, freeze, expand, and accelerate masonry deterioration (Correct answer)
- The chimney cap is oversized
- Flue liner replacement is required immediately
Correct answer: Water can penetrate the joints, freeze, expand, and accelerate masonry deterioration
Open mortar joints allow water infiltration; freeze-thaw cycles cause spalling and can eventually compromise chimney structural integrity.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes proper head flashing installation above an exterior door or window?
- Flashing sits on top of the casing trim only
- Flashing is installed behind the siding and extends over the top of the door or window casing to shed water outward (Correct answer)
- Flashing is caulked to the face of the wall above the opening
- Flashing is only required on north-facing elevations
Correct answer: Flashing is installed behind the siding and extends over the top of the door or window casing to shed water outward
Head flashing must be integrated behind the cladding and project over the casing so water is directed outward and away from the opening.
Question 6: An inspector notes that an exterior receptacle cover closes tightly only when no plug is inserted. Which type of cover should be installed instead?
- Bubble cover (in-use weatherproof cover) that protects plugged-in cords (Correct answer)
- Standard flat plate cover rated for outdoor use
- GFCI receptacle with a standard flat cover
- Extension cord rated for outdoor use
Correct answer: Bubble cover (in-use weatherproof cover) that protects plugged-in cords
In-use weatherproof covers (bubble covers) maintain protection when cords are plugged in, which is required for all new outdoor receptacle installations.
Question 7: What vegetation condition near a foundation should an inspector note as a maintenance concern?
- Annual flowers planted in a border bed 18 inches from the house
- Large shrubs or trees with roots growing against or under the foundation (Correct answer)
- Lawn grass maintained within 6 inches of siding
- Ground cover mulch at correct depth and slope
Correct answer: Large shrubs or trees with roots growing against or under the foundation
Roots from large shrubs or trees can exert pressure on foundation walls and footings, cause cracking, and clog drainage systems.
InterNACHI Exterior and Grounds Inspection 5
What is the primary reason an inspector checks the slope of an attached garage floor toward the overhead door?