NHIE Structural Systems 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Truss framing

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A wall that transfers structural loads to the foundation

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Lateral soil pressure exceeding wall capacity

Answer

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

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'balloon framing'?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test

(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test

NHIE Structural Systems 2