OIC Inspection Techniques & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When walking a roof during an inspection, an inspector feels the decking deflect underfoot. What does this most likely indicate?
- Normal movement in all roof structures
- Rotten or damaged sheathing below the shingles (Correct answer)
- Improperly installed roofing felt
- Inadequate shingle overlap
Correct answer: Rotten or damaged sheathing below the shingles
Soft or spongy areas underfoot on a roof typically indicate deteriorated, wet, or rotten roof sheathing that requires further evaluation.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the correct procedure for operating windows during a home inspection?
- Open only a representative sample of windows in each room
- Operate all accessible windows to check for ease of operation, locking hardware, and condition (Correct answer)
- Check only windows on the ground floor
- Open windows only if the client requests it
Correct answer: Operate all accessible windows to check for ease of operation, locking hardware, and condition
Oregon inspection standards require that inspectors operate all accessible windows to evaluate their function, hardware, and condition.
Question 3: An inspector finds the main electrical panel has double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker). This is significant because:
- It is always a code violation and must be condemned
- It can cause overheating and tripping issues unless the breaker is rated for multiple conductors (Correct answer)
- It only matters if the wires are different gauges
- It is acceptable in all panels manufactured after 2000
Correct answer: It can cause overheating and tripping issues unless the breaker is rated for multiple conductors
Most breakers are rated for a single conductor; double-tapping can cause loose connections, overheating, and nuisance tripping unless the breaker is specifically listed for multiple conductors.
Question 4: What is the inspector's primary concern when examining chimney flashing?
- The aesthetic appearance of the flashing
- Whether the flashing properly seals the joint between the chimney and roof to prevent water intrusion (Correct answer)
- The type of metal used for the flashing
- Whether the flashing matches the shingle color
Correct answer: Whether the flashing properly seals the joint between the chimney and roof to prevent water intrusion
Flashing must create a watertight seal at the chimney-roof junction; failed flashing is one of the most common causes of roof-related water damage.
Question 5: During plumbing inspection, an inspector tests water pressure and finds it is 100 psi. What should be noted in the report?
- This is within the normal range and requires no action
- Pressure exceeds the recommended maximum of 80 psi and a pressure-reducing valve should be evaluated (Correct answer)
- Pressure is too low and a booster pump is needed
- Pressure should be compared only to neighboring homes
Correct answer: Pressure exceeds the recommended maximum of 80 psi and a pressure-reducing valve should be evaluated
Normal residential water pressure should be 40–80 psi; readings above 80 psi can stress pipes and fixtures, warranting a PRV evaluation.
Question 6: When inspecting attic ventilation, which ratio of net free ventilating area to attic floor area is commonly recommended when a vapor retarder is installed?
- 1:100
- 1:150
- 1:300 (Correct answer)
- 1:600
Correct answer: 1:300
With a vapor retarder, the 1:300 ratio (1 sq ft of net free vent area per 300 sq ft of attic floor) is the commonly recommended standard.
Question 7: An inspector notices that the bathroom exhaust fan vents into the attic rather than to the exterior. Why is this a deficiency?
- It increases energy costs only
- It introduces warm, moist air into the attic, promoting mold growth and wood rot (Correct answer)
- It violates fire code only
- It reduces bathroom air quality but causes no structural issues
Correct answer: It introduces warm, moist air into the attic, promoting mold growth and wood rot
Exhausting moist bathroom air into the attic raises humidity, which can cause mold, condensation, and deterioration of attic framing and insulation.
OIC Inspection Techniques & Procedures 3
When walking a roof during an inspection, an inspector feels the decking deflect underfoot.
What does this most likely indicate?