Question 1

Asbestos can be found in which of the following materials?
A)Wall cladding
B)Vinyl flooring
C)Roofing shingles
D)Insulation
E)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Asbestos can be found in all of the above materials. Asbestos is the leading cause of occupation-related cancer in the country. Home inspectors need to take precautions to protect against exposure to asbestos, especially when inspecting older homes. Asbestos is in everything from adhesives to textured paint.

Question 2

What is a floating foundation?
A)Foundation with high water-to-cement ratio
B)Foundation that relies on flexible joists
C)Foundation that does not include footings
D)Foundation that can withstand seismic activity

Accepted Answer

A floating foundation is a foundation that does not include footings. The foundation is basically a cement slab foundation. It is sensitive to temperature changes. Because it actually alters its structure and expands in relation to temperatures, it seems to "float." Most garage floors use floating foundations.

Question 3

What characteristics of mortar joints do you want to see when inspecting the exterior of a chimney?
A)Compressed
B)Concave
C)Both A and B
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The characteristics of mortar joints you want to see when inspecting the exterior of a chimney include both A and B. Mortar joints that are compressed and concave can discard water easier. Bricks that collect or retain water will deteriorate faster. You notice this on older homes where the brick has dissolved over the years.

Question 4

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of deck?
A)Swale
B)Composite
C)Free-standing
D)Rooftop

Accepted Answer

A swale is not a type of deck. Swales are related to drainage systems. When inspecting decks, begin by testing the deck supports to make sure they are strong. Check to verify no wood supports are in the ground unless they have been treated to withstand moisture and pests.

Question 5

Most homes have gutters that require inspections. Which of the following examples is a type of gutter?
A)J-style
B)Seamless
C)Round
D)Seasonal

Accepted Answer

The example that is a type of gutter is seamless. Seamless gutters are single unit gutters. Instead of connecting multiple gutter components to form a single "gutter," seamless gutters are made from one piece of metal. These are essentially "made-to-fit" or customized gutters.

Question 6

Which of the following statements related to electrical systems that use aluminum wiring is true?
A)It is easy to test the safety of aluminum wiring during a home inspection.
B)It only takes a few minutes to test the safety of aluminum wiring during a home inspection.
C)A certified electrician is the only one able to determine if the wiring is safe.
D)Any home inspector can use an infrared device can determine if the wiring is safe.

Accepted Answer

Only a certified electrician is able to determine if aluminum wiring is safe. An electrician can test every connection, junction box, light switch, and outlet. This is necessary because homes with aluminum wiring can catch fire if the aluminum wiring is bad.

Question 7

Which of the following deficiencies is a common defect of combustion venting systems?
A)Noises in the heating system
B)Smoke from the heating system
C)Burn marks on the furnace
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above are common defects of combustion venting systems. You might hear squealing or rattling noises when the furnace kicks on, is running, or turns off. In some instances, the furnace might emit smoke. Or, there might be burn marks if there is insufficient ventilation.

Question 8

Fixtures and faucets are components of the plumbing system. Common defects of fixtures and faucets include all but which one of the following deficiencies?
A)Leaks and drips
B)Low water pressure
C)Rusted areas
D)Cold and hot reversed

Accepted Answer

Fixtures and faucets are components of the plumbing system. Common defects of fixtures and faucets include all but low water pressure. Fixtures and faucets do not affect water pressure. Leaks and drips can eventually result in damaged fixtures. Rust can be hazardous. When cold and hot water are reversed, it may lead to scalding.

Question 9

Why are restraining cables needed for garage doors?
A)To allow the garage door to open
B)To keep the garage door from closing suddenly
C)To prevent injuries if the garage door spring breaks
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Restraining cables are needed for garage doors to prevent injuries if the garage door spring breaks. The restraining cable keeps the spring in place. Even if it breaks, the restrained spring is unable to whip around and cause an injury.

Question 10

Lawn irrigation systems tend to have which one of the following defects?
A)Pipes that need to be replaced
B)Broken vacuum breaker
C)Damaged girders
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Lawn irrigation systems tend to have pipes that need to be replaced. If the wrong type of piping is used, it can deteriorate quickly from constant contact with the soil. Since most of the piping for lawn irrigation systems is underground, owners often neglect the piping and fail to provide ongoing maintenance to keep systems working properly.

Quiz 2: Building Science

Asbestos can be found in which of the following materials?

What is a floating foundation?

What characteristics of mortar joints do you want to see when inspecting the exterior of a chimney?

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of deck?

Most homes have gutters that require inspections. Which of the following examples is a type of gutter?

Which of the following statements related to electrical systems that use aluminum wiring is true?

Which of the following deficiencies is a common defect of combustion venting systems?

Fixtures and faucets are components of the plumbing system. Common defects of fixtures and faucets include all but which one of the following deficiencies?

Why are restraining cables needed for garage doors?

Lawn irrigation systems tend to have which one of the following defects?