Practice Test Geeks(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test
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Structural Systems 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 Structural Systems flashcards as text

  1. Which type of roof framing system uses pre-engineered components manufactured off-site and delivered to the construction site?

    Answer: Truss framing

    Roof trusses are pre-engineered, factory-built components that are delivered and installed as a unit, as opposed to stick-framed roofs built rafter by rafter on-site.

  2. A home inspector observes that floor joists are notched at mid-span. What is the primary concern?

    Answer: Notching at mid-span significantly reduces the joist's bending strength

    Notching floor joists at mid-span removes material at the zone of maximum bending stress, greatly reducing load-carrying capacity.

  3. What does the term 'bearing wall' mean in residential construction?

    Answer: A wall that transfers structural loads to the foundation

    A bearing wall carries vertical loads from above (roof, floors, or upper walls) and transfers them down to the foundation or another structural element.

  4. Horizontal cracking in a masonry block foundation wall most commonly indicates:

    Answer: Lateral soil pressure exceeding wall capacity

    Horizontal cracks in masonry foundation walls are typically caused by excessive lateral pressure from soil or hydrostatic forces pushing inward.

  5. Which of the following best describes 'balloon framing'?

    Answer: Wall studs run continuously from foundation sill to roof plate across all floors

    In balloon framing, wall studs run continuously from the sill plate to the top plate without interruption at intermediate floor levels.

  6. What is the purpose of a ridge board in conventional roof framing?

    Answer: To serve as a point of connection for opposing rafters at the peak

    A ridge board is a non-structural member that simply provides a nailing surface where opposing pairs of rafters meet at the peak.

  7. When inspecting a crawl space, a home inspector finds that wood girders are resting directly on concrete piers without any separation. What is the primary concern?

    Answer: Moisture transfer from concrete to wood causing decay

    Direct contact between wood and concrete allows moisture to wick into the wood, promoting decay and compromising structural integrity over time.