Exterior Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real NHIE 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 Evaluation flashcards as text
When inspecting a wood deck, what does the inspector use to evaluate the structural integrity of posts embedded in soil or concrete?
Answer: A probe or awl to test for soft, punky wood indicating decay
Probing with an awl or probe tool detects soft, decayed wood in posts that may appear sound visually but are structurally compromised.
What is the MOST common cause of paint failure (peeling or bubbling) on exterior wood siding?
Answer: Moisture migrating from inside the building through the wall and pushing the paint off
Interior moisture vapor that passes through the wall assembly can condense behind the paint film and cause it to peel away from the substrate.
A home inspector observes that a flat roof has a parapet wall with no scuppers or overflow drains. Why is this a concern?
Answer: If the primary drains clog, water can accumulate and structurally overload the roof
Without overflow scuppers, a clogged primary drain on a flat roof allows water to pond and accumulate weight that can collapse the roof structure.
When evaluating lot grading around a home, what is the generally recommended minimum slope away from the foundation?
Answer: 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet from the foundation
The widely recommended standard is a minimum 6-inch drop in the first 10 feet from the foundation to ensure positive drainage away from the structure.
Which condition at a masonry chimney crown should be reported as a deficiency by a home inspector?
Answer: Cracks in the crown mortar that allow water to penetrate and damage the chimney below
Cracks in the chimney crown allow water to enter and accelerate deterioration of the masonry, flashing, and firebox below.
An inspector sees that caulk has been applied over exposed end grain of wood trim rather than replacing a missing drip cap. What should the inspector note?
Answer: Caulk alone is a temporary measure; end grain requires a proper drip cap to shed water long-term
End grain absorbs water rapidly, and caulk eventually fails; a proper drip cap physically redirects water away and is the correct long-term solution.
What does efflorescence on an exterior masonry wall indicate to a home inspector?
Answer: Water is moving through the masonry and depositing mineral salts on the surface
Efflorescence is the white crystalline deposit left behind when water carries soluble salts through masonry and evaporates at the surface, indicating moisture movement.