Building and Property Inspection Module 1 Review| Questions and Answers, 100% Correct| Lat, Exams of Physics

Download Building and Property Inspection Module 1 Review| Questions and Answers, 100% Correct| Lat and more Exams Physics in PDF only on Docsity! Building and Property Inspection Module 1 Review| Questions and Answers, 100% Correct| Latest 2024-2025 What is the purpose of exterior cladding? Protect the building structure and interior from damage due to water and snow, wind, pests, and mechanical damage. Provide reasonable security, and enhance the appearance of the house How far above grade should wall cladding materials be to protect the cladding system and structure from damage? 6 to 8 inches How far above grade should masonry be? 4 inches For most sidings, how far above grade should cladding be? 6 inches Where are weep holes typically found? On masonry veneer walls For best practice, how far above the roof should siding be? 2 inches above the roof Since when has adhered masonry veneer been available? Since the 1960's When did adhered masonry become popular? The 1990's What is efflorescence? It is a salt deposit on a masonry or concrete surface that is associated with water moving through walls. What is a lintel? It is a structural horizontal block that spans the space between two vertical supports. Often on doors, windows, and fireplaces. What are the two most durable mortar joints? Concave joint and a V-joint When did it become common for masonry veneer walls to have weep holes? Around the 1980's What is the purpose of weep holes? To allow air into the cavity of a masonry wall to equalize the pressure while allowing water to drain out. What is the purpose of sheathing paper? To protect the wall from moisture and it extends down to overlap the bottom flashing. What is one reason that a masonry wall might be bowing? When siding is installed horizontally or on the diagonal, there should be at least how many feet between joints? 3 feet When caulking around windows, if the gap is greater than 1/4 inch what should be used? A Backer rod What is a backer rod? It is a foam rope or rod that helps to seal the joint and support the caulking. What is the purpose of grounding metal siding? It is a safety measure. Grounding provides a safe escape route for electricity. When was Asbestos-cement siding a popular siding material? In the mid 1990's What is Asbestos-cement siding? Also called mineral-fiber siding, it is essentially a light concrete panel reinforced with asbestos fibers. What is parging? It is a thin coat of cement plaster, typically applied to concrete block walls before a bituminous damp-proofing coat is applied. What is the purpose of parging? It is not the damp-proofing; it the surface that accepts the damp-proofing. What is the purpose of soffits and fascia? To enclose rafter ends at the roof overhang. What is the purpose of roof overhangs? To provide ventilation to the attic, protect the exterior cladding from water damage and to prevent large volumes of water from dropping directly on the foundation. When is a drip cap not required? If the roof overhang is more than 4 or more times greater than the distance from the top of the window to the soffit. On stair, what is usually the maximum rise? 7 3/4 inches On stairs, what is usually the minimum tread depth? 10 inches What are the minimum dimensions for landings? 3x3 feet What is the purpose of guards on stairs? To keep people from falling off. When is a handrail required? If there are more than 3 risers. When would a stair way need handrails on both sides? If it is more than 44 inches wide. How far out from the wall should a handrail be? At least 1 1/2 inches How wide across the top should a handrail be? 1 1/2 inches When are guards required? If the surface is more than 30 inches above grade. What is another name for spindle? Baluster In general, handrails should be how high above the ground? 36 inches What is a portico? Small roof assemblies over entrances supported by columns. What is the purpose of columns? To transfer loads from joists or beams to foundations or footings or both. How far above ground should metal and wood column footings be? More than 4 inches What is the purpose of joists? They transfer loads from flooring or decking to beams or walls. How far apart are deck boards typically spaced? 3/8 inches When looking up, it will be pulled away from the fascia. What is the ideal gutter slope? Approximately 1:25 Where is it most common for downspouts to be missing? On small secondary roofs, such as dormers. What is a french drain? When a downspout drains into a dry well below ground. What sloped roof qualifies as a flat roof? Any roof with a pitch of less than 2 in 12 What is a scupper? It is a penetration through a parapet wall or drip edge that allows water to run off the roof. On window wells, how far below the window frame should the floor be? 6 inches What 3 things are walkways, driveways and grounds inspected for? Trip hazards, maintenance and drainage. Generally, it is good practice to keep trees how far away from the home? 3 feet Generally, it is good practice to keep shrubbery how far away from the home? 12 inches What are the minimum dimensions of a ledgerboard? 2x8 How thick must the door be separating the garage from the house? At least 1 3/8 inches thick or a 20-minute fire-rated door. What is the fundamental difference in strategy between a flat-roof surface and a sloped-roof surface? Sloped-roof surfaces shed water, while flat-roof surfaces are watertight. Is a sloped roof waterproof? Explain. Sloped roofs are not waterproof. They are designed to shed water like a series of umbrellas. They are not designed to control standing water. What is the pitch of a roof and how is it usually expressed? The pitch of the roof is the slope, usually expressed as a ratio of the rise over the run. On a 10 year old house, how old would you expect the roof surface to be? 10 years old Which side of a roof will wear faster in climates where ultraviolet light is the main aging factor? South and West What is an ice dam? It is a buildup of ice at the bottom of a roof slope. Which of the following roofs are MOST prone to ice dams? A low-slope roof with a wide soffit. What areas of the roof are most prone to ice dams? North slopes, Bottom of valleys, Low-sloped roofs, Roofs that change slope near the eaves, Roofs with wide soffits, Roofs over porches or balconies What are possible actions to minimize ice damming? Upgrade insulation and ventilation, add eave protection, or add electric heating cables Which is the best options for minimizing ice damming? Upgrading the attic insulation and ventilation What is eave protection? It is a system to mitigate the damages from water backing up as a result of ice damming. It typically is a material laid along the lower edge of the roof or anywhere dams may occur. Where can you look on a roof to determine the number of layers? Look at the gable ends and lower edges of the roof, at flashings, or check the nail pattern protruding through the sheathing from the underside. What are the three parts of an asphalt shingle? A base material; an asphalt body or coating; surfacing granules What is the typical life expectancy of an asphalt-shingle roof? Valley flashing Synthetic roofing is typically less expensive in both installation and material costs compared to what material it resembles? Slate Is it more common for a roof to leak at the flashings or at other areas of the roof surface? At the flashings Are valley flashings a watertight or shedding type of flashing? Valley flashings are a shedding type of flashing What are the two common materials used for open valley flashing? Roll roofing; Metal What are the two types of closed valleys? Closed cut or half woven valley, and fully woven valley What is the BEST spot from which to inspect the installation of the valley flashing? From the eaves What are the implications of a valley flashing problem? Leakage A flashing is not required on the bottom edge of the chimney. False Is caulking an acceptable substitute to letting the flashing into the mortar joints? Why or why not? No. A caulked joint will be an ongoing maintenance item. What is the implication of poor chimney flashings? Leakage Is your chimney inspection finished when you get off the roof? Why or why not? No. You must also inspect the area below the chimney flashing for evidence of leakage Pipe flashings might be found at which roof penetrations? Plumbing stacks; electrical masts; exhaust vents Common stack flashing materials are- Steel, rubber, lead, copper, aluminum Roof/sidewall flashings are similar to what flashing that we discussed earlier? Flashings at the sides of chimneys Should step flashings be nailed to the wall or the roof? Either, but usually to the roof Where a steep roof meets a masonry wall at the side, counterflashing should be used. The counterflashing should be nailed or bolted securely to the face of the brick wall and the joint filled with caulking. T/F False Which metal flashing material is not compatible with masonry mortar? Aluminum The primary implication of sidewall flashing problems is- Leakage Roofs' intersecting walls above need flashings similar to- Bottom chimney flashings Nailing flashings to both the roof and the wall is- Worse because it doesn't allow for movement of the wall and roof Exposed nail heads through the metal flashing into the roof may result in what? Leakage Some ridge flashing systems have a second function, not related to keeping the roof watertight. What is it? Ventilation of the roof space Fasteners on hips and ridges should be mostly- Concealed There are two types of double-glazing systems on skylights: hermetically sealed and- Ventilated Which type of skylight is MOST likely to be successful: a skylight mounted on a curb or a skylight that is mounted directly to the roof? Aluminum is not compatible because of galvanic reaction. What is a cant strip and where is it used? Triangular blocks used at 90-degree intersections to allow asphalt-based roofing materials to make two 45-degree bends The base flashing on a flat roof is a "shedding system." False On a flat-roof flashing system, the counterflashing is typically attached to the vertical surface or the horizontal surface? Vertical When a skylight is installed on a flat roof, an 8-inch high curb is built for the skylight frame to sit on. Does the skylight frame go over the base flashing or does the base flashing extend up the sides of the skylight frame? Over the base flashing What is the purpose of a "pitch pocket"? Used to flash irregularly shaped roof penetrations What is the purpose of a secondary scupper? They act as emergency drains in case the primary drains are obstructed Fill in the blank: When a steep roof drains onto a flat roof, the flat-roof membrane should extend about ____ feet up under the steep roofing shingles or tiles. 3 feet. Is a sloped roof waterproof? They are not waterproof. They are designed to shed water. Why is there an increased potential for failure on complex roof systems? Complexity. The more complex the roof, the shorter the life expectancy. Complex roofs include those with many changes in direction, many valleys, penetrations, or roof-mounted equipment. Name 3 possible actions to minimize ice damming. Upgrading insulation and ventilation; Adding eave protection; Adding electric heating cables Name 3 poor slate repair methods. Face nailing new slates; Replacing slates with metal or other roofing materials; Covering the damaged area with asphalt How are metal roofs attached to the home? With nails, screws or clips to the sheathing or battens. List 4 common flashing materials Felt paper; rubberized asphalt; metal; roll roofing; rubber What is the purpose of an upstand that can be found in a metal valley flashing? A water diversion. Helps keep water that is shedding from one slope into the valley from entering under the shingles of the opposing roof What type of roofs shed water and rely on gravity and capillary action? Steep roofs What is conventional roof slope? 4 in 12 Generally, which roofs last longer? Steep roofs or shallow roofs? Steep roofs. Metal flashings that are unpainted or painted differently from the remainder may indicate what? Patching. Between northern slopes and southern slopes, which is more vulnerable to ice damming? Northern What kind of roofs are most prone to ice damming? Roofs with low slopes and wide over hangs. What is the minimum slope for asphalt shingles? 2 in 12 What is the minimum slope for wood shingles? 3 in 12 What is the life expectancy of wood shingles and shakes? 20 to 40 years Whats the difference between live load and dead load? Live load: People, wind, snow, any sort of variable weight Dead Load: Any sort of fixed weight What is the difference between a pilaster and a pier? Pilaster: Thickening of foundation wall to accommodate the concentrated load of a beam or column. Pier: A stand alone structural member that can thought of as a column sunk in the ground. When a foundation is supported on piles, are the piles typically visible for inspection? No Name four causes of cracks in foundation walls. 1. Shrinkage 2. Differential settlement 3. Heaving 4. Horizontal forces Explain the difference between uniform settlement and differential settlement. Uniform settlement: The entire house moves and no cracks develop. Differential settlement: One part of the house moves causing cracks What is a shrinkage crack and what causes it? Shrinkage cracks are caused by natural curing of concrete What is the main implication of shrinkage cracks? Leakage maybe, not structural If you identify a foundation crack, is it possible to determine the rate of movement at the time of the inspection? No In general, which crack would be more serious? A crack that has moved in one plane or a crack that has moved in two different planes? Cracks in more than one plane Cracks due to horizontal forces rarely result in a structural problem. T/F False Often horizontal forces will cause horizontal cracks in a foundation wall. Why might the crack disappear near the edge of the wall? The perpendicular wall reinforces the cracked wall near the end preventing it from moving What is the definition of lateral support as it applies to foundations? A floor system secured to the top of a foundation wall, preventing it from tipping inward Why might a damaged foundation wall start to move suddenly after a heavy rain? Increase in hydro static pressure, or swelling of expansive soil. Which is stronger, a poured concrete wall or a concrete block wall of the same dimensions? A poured concrete wall What is a cold joint? When foundation is poured at two separate times, the place where they meet Why should the foundation extend far enough out of the ground to keep wood members above grade? Rot List the 5 components of floors 1. Sills 2. Joist 3. Columns 4. Beams 5. Subfloor All of these may be floor functions except? A. Transferring live/dead load to foundation B. Providing lateral support to foundation walls C. Carrying the weight of masonry chimney C Floors will bend before they break? T/F False Wood beams should not be supported directly on hollow concrete blocks. T/F? True Wood beams in pockets in masonry or concrete walls should have 1/2" of air space around the sides, top and ends, why? to avoid rot Checking of wood beams: a. Indicates failure b. Requires repair but not replacement c. results from drying d. is usually not serious C,D Columns that rest on the midpoint of a beam spans may? a. indicate very good design b. overstress the beam c. create a concentrated load d. prevent beam sag b,c The function of joist is to: a. transfer live load to beams b. transfer dead load to foundation c. transfer live and dead loads directly to columns d. transfer live loads to walls a,b,d Joist see vertical load only. T/F? False Joist typically need ____ " of end bearing when supported by wood 1 1/2" Joist notched at their ends are stronger than normal joist? False Joist resting on foundation walls or at grade level are prone to rot. T/F True Generally, how is a ledgerboard fastened? The ledger board is fastened to the beam near the bottom and the joist rests on top of the ledger board. Holes in joist should be near the bottom rather than the middle of the joist. T/F False What is a cantilever? The member is supported at one end and partway along the length. One end is unsupported Outdoor cantilevers are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage. Where is the problem most likely to occur and why? The problem is most likely to occur where the joists pass through the walls because this is the area that is likely to stay wet. Partition walls exert no load on floor joist because they are not load bearing walls. T/F False Subfloors act like: (2) a. joists b. foundations c. columns d. footings e. beams A,E What is one possible disadvantage of diagonal plank sub flooring? Unsupported edges may be springy Shrinkage crack patterns in concrete floors are usually? A. in circles B. in straight lines B. Are a serious structural Problem C. Are Common D. Often result in minor structural Problems E. Most always are parallel to joist. C, D Missing fire stopping: A. Is more common on balloon frame than platform construction B. is a fire hazard C. is tough to see on most inspections D. is only found in masonry houses A,B,C Interior wall cracks radiating up from the top of windows may mean: A. sagging lintels B. Foundation settlement C. Over-spanned joists D. A lack of wall sheating E. Shrinkage of framing members A,B,E In masonry veneer walls: A. The masonry is roughly 1" thick B. The masonry is supported primarily by the wood framing C. Header courses are found every 7th row D. Weep holes are often found E. Metal ties are never used D. The masonry veneer is a load bearing part of the structure. T/F False Briefly describe the functions of arches and headers. Arches and headers transfer Dead/live loads above round around openings End bearing for steel lintels in masonry should be at least _____ "? 4" End bearing for headers in wood frame walls should be at least_____"? 1 1/2" The top of the exposed edge of a steel lintel should be caulked. T/F? False Wood lintels on the exterior face of a building are particularly prone to ______ problems. Rot Proper end bearing is required for rafters and ceiling joists. Generally speaking, what is the minimum recommended end bearing? 1 1/2" on wood 3" on masonry What is the main function of a collar tie? Collar ties help prevent rafter sag What is the difference between a knee wall and a purlin? Knee walls and purlins both provide mid-point support for rafters. Knee walls provide their support by transferring the loads down to ceiling joists and walls or beams below. Purlins act as beams running along the underside of rafters. What can cause sagging of the top plate on a knee wall? If it is a single plate and if the stud is not lined up with the rafter above. On a roof truss, what is the difference between a chord and a web? A chord is on the perimeter of a truss. Webs are the internal members. Why is it common to find sagging of roof sheathing on trusses? Trusses are spaced further than rafters and common plywood may not be thick enough to span 24" under load Why might a drywall ceiling sag below trusses Drywall may sag because 1/2" drywall cannot span the 24" between trusses without sagging, especially if the drywall has been wet as a result of condensation, or during construction and finishing Where are notches and holes commonly permitted in trusses? Web-Chord- Neither What is the minimum room area/ 70 square feet, the exception is a kitchen. What is the minimum ceiling height? 7 feet What is the minimum room width? 7 feet, the exception is a kitchen What are the 5 main components of windows? Frames, sashes, muntins, panes and mullions. What is a window sash? It is the part of a window that moves and holds the glass panes together. What is a muntin of a window? They are the narrow strips of wood that divide the individual panes of glass in a traditional sash. Generally, how many different types of windows are there? 9 Can you name the 9 different types of windows? Single hung, double hung, casement, horizontal slider, awning, hopper, fixed, fixed glass box, jalousie. What is fenestration? It is the arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations of a building. What is U-value? It is the measurement of how well a window insulates. Generally when was hardwood flooring common? Pre-1970's What type of drywall is firerated? Type X What type of drywall is moisture and mold resistant? Green board When was plastered walls and ceilings phased out? 1960's When are light fixtures required on stairs? If there are more than 6 risers. Where is rot most likely to occur in a wood frame flooring system? Around plumbing fixtures, especially around toilets List one metal ceiling problem. Rust List two functions of trim in the interior of homes. 1. Cover joist at changes of material and directions 2. Protect walls List 4 window functions. 1) Light 2) Ventilation 3) Architectural appeal 4) Emergency Exit Under what circumstance might a window be considered too small. If thew window is required for egress Most wet basement problems come from what 2 sources? 1) Surface water from rain or snow 2) Groundwater Appliances remaining with the home may be inspected, the exceptions are: Free standing appliances, trash compactors, and refrigerators Where do dishwashers usually drain into? Either through the disposer or through the main kitchen sink drain. The dishwasher ______ provides water under pressure to the dishwasher spray arms to clean the dishes. pump The ______ is usually one the most expensive parts of the dishwasher. pump The ________ is an electronically operated valve that allows water to enter the pump. splash guard The _______________________________ is mounted near the top of the cutting chamber and allows the dishwasher to drain into the disposer and on into the sanitary sewer pipe. dishwasher drain attachment tube The disposer drain must be located above the _______________________ in order to allow for proper drainage. top of the sanitary drain p-trap The disposer has a motor rated at ___ to___ horsepower. 1/2 to 1 The bottom of the disposer has a fitting which allows a ____ _______ wrench to enter. The purpose of this fitting is to help free up the motor in case it becomes jammed. hex head On a food disposer there is a _________ ______ _______ located at the bottom to of the disposer that may be used to restart the unit if it becomes jammed and integrated fuse/breaker at the unit forces the unit to shut down. thermal reset button A kitchen exhaust vent is not required by building codes. True or False? True Kitchen exhaust systems have an expected life of _________. 7-12 years On range hoods and exhaust systems, __________ provide the circulation/power to remove the odors and smoke from the kitchen area if the unit is of the ducted type. blowers On range hoods and exhaust systems, the _____ passes the smoke and odors form the hood to the exterior of the house. vent The vent piping must be made of what 3 materials? Stainless steel, copper or galvanized steel As always the number one problem with appliances is: that they are not working On an oven ______ setting typically utilizes the lower element/burner to achieve the set temperature and maintain the set temperature. bake Some ovens utilize a _________ function that uses both the top and lower oven elements/burners to achieve the set temperature faster. preheat ______ setting utilizes only the upper element/burner and is used for top heating/cooking. Broil ______________ cooking utilizes a fan to produce even heat throughout the oven cooking chamber. Convection A ________ is a combination cook top and oven is a single unit. range The oven door should additionally have springs which will prevent the door falling too quickly. True or False? True The interior of the oven is called the: Oven Chamber The _______________________ reads the interior temperature of the oven and determines whether the oven burners/elements should turn on or off. temperature control sensor The oven inspection should begin by first: making sure the oven is not being used for storage. If the oven is a gas oven make sure that the gas shut off valve is accessible within ___ feet of the oven. 6 On a gas oven, the flexible gas line should be no longer than ___ feet. 18-36 What is the minimum and maximum chord length on a built-in oven? 36-48 What is the minimum and maximum chord length on a trash compactor? 36-48 What is the minimum and maximum chord length on range hoods? 18-36 What is the minimum and maximum chord length on dishwashers? 36-48 What is a flue? An interior passage within a chimney that moves gases upward from different fuel- burning appliances What is a chimney? it is a structure used to carry exhaust products safely out of the house What is a vent? It is a metal device for getting exhaust gases from burning fuels out of the house safely Chimneys may have multiple flues. (T/F) True Masonry chimneys usually help support wood-frame structures. (T/F) False What is the maximum that a chimney can be offset from vertical? 30° maximum How far is should a masonry chimney extend above the roof? 3ft minimum and 2ft above anything within 10ft horizontally What is the minimum total height for a chimney serving a wood stove? Minimum 15ft When did masonry chimneys start to get built with clay liners? Approximately the 1950's You can tell whether a chimney is lined by looking for a liner extending above the top. (T/F) False Generally speaking, how far should wood-framing members be kept away from masonry chimneys? Minimum 2 inches Tow wood-burning fireplaces can share a single flue, as long as they are on the same floor level. (T/F) False B vents are typically used for which fuels? Natural gas and propane Class A chimneys are typically used for which fuels? Oil and some wood-burning appliances Factory-built chimneys (super chimneys) are typically used for which fuels? Solid fuels Any B-vent can be installed up the outside of a house. (T/F) False Metal chimneys often have several flues. (T/F) False Metal chimneys that extend more than ____ feet above the roof should be laterally supported. 5ft Metal chimney for wood fireplace typically need _____ inches of clearance from combustibles. 2 inches What part of metal chimneys often rust? (Give the location.) Above the roof line It is good practice to connect a metal chimney to a masonry chimney partway up a house so that the exterior part of the chimney is masonry. (T/F) False Define creosote. The hearth extension typically sits on _____ inches of _______. 4; poured concrete Hearths should extend ____ inches out in front and ____ inches to either side of the fireplace opening. 16" out and 8" to the side or 20" in front and 12" to either side If the firebox is raised, the hearth extension can be smaller. (T/F) False The function of a firebox is ______. Contain the fire A common minimum firebox depth requirement is _______ inches. 20 Metal fireboxes should be mortared tightly to the masonry of the fireplace. (T/F) False Clay tile liners should be supported on metal fireboxes. (T/F) False Lintels should be mortared tightly into place. (T/F) False Zero-clearance fireplaces require footings and foundations. (T/F) False Can dampers ever be at the top of the chimney? Yes Would you ever find a damper that was permanently open? Yes, where gas logs have been inserted. Which is more dangerous: 240-volt heater on a 120-volt circuit or a 120-volt heater on a 240-volt circuit? 120-volt heater on a 240-volt circuit What are common sizes for electric furnaces? 10 to 30 kilowatt Briefly describe the operation of a sequencer. They prevent all the elements from coming on at the same time. A time delay of 30 seconds between elements coming on allows the current flow to gradually build up. Describe how a staged electric furnace would come on. When the thermostat calls for heat only or two elements will come on. If the thermostat continues to sense that the temperature is still dropping the next element will start. Once the room temperature begins to rise no more elements will come on. Can you look at the elements on an electric furnace or boiler? No What is the normal setting of a high-temperature limit for an electric furnace? 200°F What is a sail switch? Protects the elements from overheating by making sure there is adequate airflow across them. What is the typical temperature rise on an electric furnace? 50°F to 60°F What is a spark arrestor? It is a screen at the top of a chimney to prevent sparks or embers from escaping and to keep animals and birds out.