NHIE Exterior Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An inspector observes stair stringers on an exterior deck that are notched to accept the treads. What is the primary concern with this installation?
- Notching reduces the effective depth of the stringer and may weaken it structurally (Correct answer)
- Notched stringers are prohibited by all building codes nationwide
- Treads installed on notched stringers always create a trip hazard
- The wood species used for stringers cannot be notched regardless of depth
Correct answer: Notching reduces the effective depth of the stringer and may weaken it structurally
Deep notches in stair stringers reduce the net section depth, significantly weakening the member and creating a potential structural failure point.
Question 2: Which type of flashing is MOST critical at the intersection of a roof plane and a vertical wall, such as a dormer sidewall?
- Step flashing integrated with each course of shingles (Correct answer)
- A single continuous piece of aluminum flashing
- Counter flashing embedded in the siding only
- Caulk applied along the joint between surfaces
Correct answer: Step flashing integrated with each course of shingles
Step flashing, installed one piece per shingle course, sheds water at each step rather than relying on a single seal that can fail.
Question 3: A home inspector finds that downspouts discharge water directly against the foundation wall. What is the BEST practice the inspector should recommend?
- Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation or connect to underground drainage (Correct answer)
- Splash blocks are always sufficient to redirect water away from the foundation
- Downspout location has no bearing on foundation moisture issues
- The homeowner should install window well covers to compensate
Correct answer: Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation or connect to underground drainage
Extending downspouts at least 6 feet away from the foundation prevents concentrated water from saturating the soil and infiltrating the basement or crawl space.
Question 4: When inspecting fiber cement siding, which installation deficiency is MOST commonly observed and reported by home inspectors?
- Insufficient clearance between the siding bottom edge and roof or flashing surfaces (Correct answer)
- Use of stainless steel nails instead of hot-dipped galvanized nails
- Failure to paint the siding within 180 days of installation
- Siding installed with a vertical rather than horizontal orientation
Correct answer: Insufficient clearance between the siding bottom edge and roof or flashing surfaces
Fiber cement siding requires a minimum clearance from roofs and flashing to prevent chronic moisture absorption at the cut edges.
Question 5: What is the purpose of weep holes in a brick veneer wall assembly?
- To allow moisture that enters the cavity behind the veneer to drain out (Correct answer)
- To provide ventilation to the interior wall framing
- To reduce the weight load of the brick on the foundation
- To equalize air pressure between the exterior and interior wall cavities
Correct answer: To allow moisture that enters the cavity behind the veneer to drain out
Weep holes at the base of brick veneer allow water that penetrates behind the veneer to drain out rather than accumulate in the cavity.
Question 6: During an exterior inspection, an inspector notes that the driveway slopes toward the garage rather than away from it. What is the PRIMARY concern?
- Water will drain toward the garage and may enter the structure during heavy rain (Correct answer)
- The driveway surface will deteriorate faster due to ponding water
- Vehicles parked in the driveway may roll toward the garage
- The garage door threshold will corrode due to repeated water contact
Correct answer: Water will drain toward the garage and may enter the structure during heavy rain
A driveway sloping toward the garage directs surface water to the garage entry, increasing the risk of water intrusion into the garage or adjacent living space.
Question 7: Which handrail deficiency on exterior steps should a home inspector flag as a SAFETY concern?
- A handrail that is not graspable — such as a 2x4 laid flat on top of balusters (Correct answer)
- A handrail made of pressure-treated lumber rather than metal
- A handrail that is painted rather than left in natural finish
- A handrail that does not extend beyond the top riser by 12 inches
Correct answer: A handrail that is not graspable — such as a 2x4 laid flat on top of balusters
Handrails must be graspable in cross section; a flat 2x4 cannot be properly gripped and fails to provide the support needed to prevent falls.
NHIE Exterior Evaluation 3
An inspector observes stair stringers on an exterior deck that are notched to accept the treads.
What is the primary concern with this installation?