1
Q
what is a linear floor plan
A
one room deep
2
Q
what is a massed floor plan
A
two rooms deep
3
Q
what is a transitional-style floor plan
A
- I.e. cape cod, saltbox
- Commonly 1 ½ rooms deep
4
Q
what is a four square floor plan
A
2 rooms deep & wide
5
Q
what is a compound floor plan
A
L, T, U ,H floor plans
6
Q
what are the 5 common floor plan types
A
- linear
- meassed
- transitional
- four square
- compound
7
Q
what are the 6 common sloped roof types
A
- shed
- gable
- butterfly
- hip
- gambrel
6.mansard
8
Q
what type of floor plan is not suitable in heavy rain/snow fall areas
A
butterfly
9
Q
what is another word for a hip roof design
A
four square hip roof
10
Q
what is another name for the gambrel roof design
A
dutch colonial
11
Q
what is a bell-cast eave
A
plane of the roof on its lower part flare out; prone to ice damming
12
Q
what are the 5 types of roof details
A
- pinnacles
- cupolas
- cresting
- widow’s walk
- turret
13
Q
what are the 5 types of gable details
A
- finial
- vergeboard/bargeboard
- trusses in gables
- beams projecting from gables
- gingerbread
14
Q
what are the functions of roof overhangs
A
- helps shield walls from snow,/rain
- helps shield windows from direct sunlight
- can be used a roofs for porches
15
Q
what are the 8 common dormer shapes
A
- gable
- hip
- arched
- shed
- inset
- flat
- eyebrow
- segmental
16
Q
What is a cornice
A
Decorative trim around the perimeter of the house at the top of the wall & below the roof
17
Q
What is a entablature
A
Fancy trim with 3 components:
- cornice
- frieze
- architrave
18
Q
What are dentils
A
- Series of small rectangular blocks projecting out like teeth
- Decorative details around eaves
19
Q
What is a bracket
A
Decorative details around eaves
20
Q
Describe a tudor-style wall system
A
- Half-timbered effects
- Decorative wood members (non-structural)
- Spaces filled with masonry or stucco
21
Q
What is a nogging wall system
A
Brick or masonry b/w wood posts
22
Q
What is Adobe wall system
A
Exterior walls built of blocks made of soil & straw
23
Q
What is quoning
A
-Detail at corners of walls (full height)
-Rectangular blocks of different color/texture than rest of wall
24
Q
How does a fixed window open
A
It doesnt
25
How does a double hung window open
2 operating sashes that move vertically
26
How does a single hung window open
Bottom part of window opens
27
How does a casement window open
Either
Hinged on one side
Pivot so both sides of the window are accessible
Swing in or out
28
How do slider windows open
- Move horizontally
-Whole window can be a slider or just the bottom half
-Can be sashless (no pane)
29
How do awning windows open
Hinged at top & swing out or in
30
How do Hopper windows open
Hinged at bottom & swing in
31
Why are Jalousie or louver windows not ideal in cold weather
Not weather tight
32
How are oriel windows different than bay or bow windows
Does not extend all the way down
33
What's the difference between columns and pilasters
Pilasters are attached to the house
34
Ancient classical styles include what two types of buildings?
Government and institutional buildings
35
Name four integral features and three of the subclasses of ancient classical buildings
Integral Features
* Columns
* Symmetry
* Low slope roofs
* Bold entablatures
Subclasses
* Early Classic Revival
* Greek Revival
* Neoclassical
36
Porches are common on ancient classical houses.
True
37
Georgian, Italianate, French Colonial, and Adam are subclasses of what common style?
Renaissance Classical
38
Medieval architecture is usually asymmetric.
True
39
Name five specific examples of medieval architecture.
* Gothic
* Victorian
* Romanesque
* Tudor
* Queen Anne
40
What feature is most often predominant in medieval-style houses?
Roofs
41
Arts and Crafts and Machine Age are two general classifications of what type of architecture?
Modern
42
What is the most striking feature of Machine Age buildings?
Lack of exterior detailing.
43
Flat roofs are common to both Modernistic and International homes.
True
44
Name four subclasses of Spanish-style architecture.
* Spanish Colonial
* Mission
* Pueblo Revival
* Monterey
45
Are steep roofs more common in medieval styles or modern styles?
Medieval
46
What is usually the focal point of Colonial Revival houses?
The front door
47
When were Italian Renaissance houses common?
Late 1800s to early 1900s
48
List four elements common to Italianate houses.
* Low sloped hip roofs
* Wide roof overhang with decorative brackets
* Tall narrow windows with rounded tops
* Slender columns in groups, on porches
49
Stick houses are often painted in bold colors.
True
50
Stick style can be thought of as a link between what two styles?
Gothic revival and Queen Anne styles
51
When were Queen Anne houses commonly built?
Late 1800s to early 1900s
52
Queen Anne houses often have towers.
True
53
Gable ornamentation on Queen Anne houses is called what?
Gingerbread, or Eastlake
54
What can be said of Queen Anne house wall surfaces?
Very few flat wall surfaces.
55
What kind of dormers are common on Shingle-style houses?
Hip and eyebrow dormers
56
When were Tudor-style homes popular?
1900 to 1940s
57
The most common design element of Tudor-style homes is
Roofs and chimneys
58
Tudor-style homes usually have hip roofs.
False
59
Describe porch supports for Prairie-style homes.
Massive, square masonry porch supports.
60
On Craftsman-style houses, are roof overhangs large or small?
Large
61
Vivid painting is a characteristic of Craftsman-style houses.
False
62
List three features of Modernistic houses.
* Smooth walls
* Flat roofs with coping
* Facade is asymmetrical
63
What type of windows are common to the Mission style.
Quatrefoil
64
How can one distinguish between a Cape Cod and a Saltbox home?
A saltbox is two-story in front, one-story in back. The back roof is longer than the front. A Cape Cod has a symmetric roof.
65
List one thing that inspectors have to describe, operate or report on under most home inspection standards.
Describe wall cladding materials
66
List five things that are not required to be included under most home inspection standards.
* Screening, shutters, awnings and other seasonal accessories
* Fences
* Geological conditions
* Recreational facilities
* Outbuildings other than garages and carports
67
To what extent do inspectors have to look at landscaping features?
Only to the extent that they affect the building.
68
List three main functions of exterior cladding.
* Protect the structure from water
* Provide reasonable security
* Enhance the appearance of the house.
69
List six other house systems that you might gain information about while doing your exterior inspection.
* Electrical
* Heating
* Air conditioning and heat pumps
* Insulation
* Plumbing
* Structure
70
List six common components of an exterior wall assembly.
* Structural members
* Interior finishes
* Insulation
* Sheathing
* Building paper or housewrap
* Siding
71
List three functions of building or sheathing paper.
* Protects the wall from water that gets past the siding
* Helps prevent wind from blowing into the insulation
* Allows vapor to move through the wall from inside to outside
72
List six common problems that are found on all wall systems.
* Water penetration
* Too close to grade
* Too close to roof surface at the bottom of the siding
* Planters and gardens against the wall
* Vines
* Insulation problems
73
What are the implications of a foundation wall that is below the exterior grade level?
* Rotted structural members
* Damaged siding materials
74
What are the implications of burying weep holes on brick veneer walls?
Spalling bricks, and rotted structural members
75
Describe efflorescence. What is it? What causes it?
Efflorescence is a whitish powdery salt deposit that is associated with water moving through masonry. Water dissolves the salts from masonry or mortar and deposits them on the surface as crystals when evaporating.
76
Explain how freezing temperatures damage brick.
Water in the brick expands when it freezes, and spalls the surface of the brick.
77
Antifreeze used in mortar can lead to what problems with masonry exterior walls?
Corrosion of the brick ties, and efflorescence.
78
Siding should be atleast ? inches above roof
2 inches
79
Siding should be ? inches above grade
6-8 inches
80
What does the absence of headers & presence of weep holes indicate with masonry walls
masonry veneer
81
Stucco is made up of what three things?
Cement, aggregate and water
82
Stucco is similar:
to plaster that is used on the inside of buildings.
83
Behind conventional stucco over wood frame construction, before you get to the sheathing, you are likely to find what two things?
Waterproof building paper and metal lath
84
What is the problem with having aluminum in contact with stucco?
It oxidizes (deteriorates).
85
What are the names of the three layers of a conventional stucco coat?
* Scratch or base coat
* Brown coat
* Finish coat
86
How thick should a three-layer stucco coat be?
7⁄8 inch.
87
How thick should a two-layer stucco coat be?
5⁄8 inch.
88
What is the single largest component of stucco?
Aggregate (clean sand)
89
List three functions of a drip screed.
* Provides a finished edge
* Allows drainage
* Prevents water from being drawn up into the wall.
90
Stucco over masonry does not require what two things, assuming that the masonry surface is rough enough.
Building paper or lath
91
Describe how you would determine whether stucco is over wood or masonry.
Tap on the stucco. Wood frame structures sound hollow compared to masonry walls.
92
List five common problems with conventional stucco.
* Cracks, crumbling, loose or bulging
* Incompatible flashings
* Mechanical damage
* Rusted lath or trim
* No drip screed
93
List four common components of an EIFS wall assembly applied on the outside of the studs. Start with the innermost material.
* Expanded polystyrene insulation
* Base coat
* Glass fiber reinforcing mesh
* Finish coat
94
What is meant by 'backwrapping'?
Backwrapping is when the glass fiber reinforcing mesh is wrapped around the edges of the insulation at the ends and openings.
95
List five ways in which synthetic stucco is different from conventional stucco.
* EIFS typically has insulation board
* Most EIFS installations have neither building paper nor housewrap
* The base coat is polymer based, not cement based
* Metal reinforcement is not used
* The finish coat is acrylic based, and very thin.
* EIFS is more flexible than traditional stucco.
96
What is the problem that people are experiencing with EIFS?
Water is getting into the wall system at penetrations and causing
structural damage.
97
What is a kickout?
A flashing used where a wall extends beyond a roof, to shed roof water away from the stucco.
98
List three causes of problems that are unique to EIFS.
* Lack of building paper
* No drainage plane
* Poor drying potential
99
Is conventional stucco more like a drain screen or a rain screen?
Drain screen
100
What is one way to differentiate between EIFS and conventional stucco in the field?
Tap on it. EIFS yields a hollow sound or very little sound. Hardcoat stucco feels like tapping on thin concrete. This sounds solid. Tapping on hardcoat stucco hurts more than tapping on synthetic stucco.
101
List six factors that may suggest concealed problems with an EIFS application.
* High wind exposure
* High rainfall area
* Small or no overhang
* Lots of penetrations
* Attention to detail at openings is poor
* Horizontal stucco surfaces
* Poor caulking maintenance
102
List two areas in basements and crawlspaces to look for with respect to problems on EIFS installations.
* Mold, mildew or rot on joists, sills, rim joists and subflooring
* Stains on foundations coming from sill area
103
List four possible components to an EIFS test.
* Scan for moisture
* Probe wet areas
* Remove siding
* Write report
104
Why is drying potential important with respect to the life of wood siding?
Because the sun drives moisture into the wood, so it needs to escape from the backside of the siding. The faster and more completely wood dries, the longer it will last.
105
What is the effect of vines growing on wood siding?
Vines hold water, and reduce the drying potential.
106
List five different types of wood siding.
* Bevel
* Board and batten
* Tongue and groove
* Shiplap
* Channel and drop
107
What are the best two nail materials for wood siding?
Aluminum and stainless steel
108
Explain in two sentences the one-nail versus two-nail controversy with respect to lap siding.
One nail may promote cupping. Two nails can cause shrinkage cracking as the board is pinned.
109
Describe in two sentences a siding nail and why it has special characteristics.
A siding nail has a rounded head to hold the board on top away from the board underneath. This promotes good drying potential.
110
How many layers of shingles are typically used in a siding application?
Two
111
List five common problems with conventional wood siding (boards, shingles or shakes).
* Rot
* Splitting
* Warping
* Paint/stain problems
* Loose
112
How far above grade level should wood siding be kept?
8 inches
113
How far above grade should plywood, hardboard and OSB siding be kept?
8 inches
114
Hardboard is a type of what kind of board?
Fiber
115
Which is stronger: hardboard or plywood?
Plywood
116
Which tends to swell more when it gets wet: lumber or OSB?
OSB
117
List five common problems with plywood, OSB and hardboard.
* Rot, swelling and delamination
* Buckling or cracking
* Loose
* Mechanical damage
* Inner-Seal siding problems
118
What is the life expectancy of vinyl and aluminum siding?
More than 40 years
119
What metal other than aluminum is commonly used for siding?
Steel
120
List eight common problems with metal and vinyl siding.
* Buckled or wavy
* Loose
* Flashing and caulking defects
* Mechanical damage
* Discolored
* Metal siding not grounded
* Rust
* Reflected sunlight (vinyl siding)
121
What is the single most common problem with metal and vinyl siding?
Buckled or wavy siding
122
Why should metal siding be grounded?
So the house shell cannot become electrically charged.
123
What are two implications of reflected sunlight damage on vinyl siding?
* Cosmetic
* Damage allowing water entry
124
Asphalt shingles are installed on walls the same way as on roofs.
False
125
List three common problems with asphalt shingles used as siding.
* Shingles missing/torn/mechanical damage
* Loose tabs
* Aging
126
Asbestos cement shingles should be removed from homes.
False
127
What is the most common problem with asbestos cement shingles?
Mechanical damage because the siding is brittle.
128
List three common problems with modern fiber-cement shingles.
* Mechanical damage
* Missing paint or caulking
* Nailing problems
129
List three common problems with clay and slate shingles.
* Missing or loose
* Broken
* Flashing and joint defects
130
List two common problems with Insulbrick siding.
* Mechanically damaged, torn or missing
* Aging
131
How far should wood siding be kept above grade level?
8 inches
132
List two common problems to look for on the exterior of exposed foundations.
* Cracks
* Spalling
133
Where are soffits and fascia typically found?
At the rafter ends.
134
What materials are commonly used for soffits and fascia?
Wood, aluminum, fiber-cement, hardboard, OSB, plywood or vinyl.
135
What are the issues surrounding a double layer of soffit material (e.g. aluminum over wood)?
* Damage on the original layer cannot be detected.
* Soffit vents can be covered up, rendering them ineffective.
136
List four common problems with soffits and fascia.
* Loose or missing pieces
* Rot
* Damaged
* Paint or stain needed
137
List seven different things you would want to evaluate with respect to doors and windows.
* Appearance
* Condition
* Operability
* Security
* Energy efficiency
* Comfort
* Water leakage
138
Explain how framing shrinkage can cause inappropriate sill slope.
The window sill spans the brick veneer and the wood frame wall.
As the frame shrinks, the sill is twisted inwards, because the brick
doesn’t shrink. This allows water on the sill to run towards the frame,
which causes deterioration.
139
Give three examples of where flashings would typically be found on exterior walls
* Over windows or doors
* At bottoms of walls
* At horizontal siding joints in panel type siding
140
All types of caulking are equally well suited to outdoor applications.
False
141
List three mechanisms by which water may get into wall systems from the building exterior.
* Rain driven by wind
* Rain running down the wall (gravity)
* Water wicking into the wall (capillary action)
142
What are the defining features of a balcony?
Lack of steps and access to grade level.
143
Balconies are most often made from what materials?
Wood, metal or concrete.
144
Garage floors can be made of what materials?
Concrete, dirt, gravel, wood or masonry.
145
Deck deficiencies can be broken down into two categories:
Condition of the materials and construction details.
146
What are two reasons why decks are often overlooked by inspectors?
* May be considered a non-essential item.
* May be considered a luxury item.
147
Why should all the risers in a set of steps be uniform?
Uneven risers are a trip hazard.
148
Rise is usually ________ inches maximum, and runs are typically ________ to ________ inches minimum.
Rise is 8 inches maximum, run is 9 to 11 inches minimum.
149
The tread depth (width) is usually ________ inch(es) more than the run.
1 inch
150
Minimum dimensions for landings are often stated as ________ feet by ________ feet.
3 feet by 3 feet.
151
Explain why the absence of a landing may be a safety hazard.
An outward opening door can knock someone off the stairs.
152
The top step or landing should be at least ________ inches below the door sill.
6 inches
153
Describe spalling.
Spalling is the crumbling, flaking, chipping or shaling of the surface of
the masonry.
154
List three possible causes of spalling.
* De-icing salts
* Poor quality concrete or masonry
* Water accumulation and freezing in the concrete or masonry
155
Two causes of wood/soil contact are –
* Poor initial construction
* Landscaping changes around the steps or landing.
156
What is the best way to check for rot in a wooden stair stringer?
Probe the wood with an awl or screwdriver.
157
If unsupported at the leading edge, stringers and treads should be a minimum of ________ inches thick.
11⁄2 inches thick
158
Why can carpet on wood porches be bad?
It prevents close inspection, and holds water against the wood, causing rot.
159
Guardrails are typically required on porches, decks, or balconies more than ________ or ________ inches above grade.
24 or 30 inches
160
A single handrail is adequate for stairs up to ________ inches wide.
44 inches
161
List four reasons that a railing may be loose.
* Rotted wood
* Rusted metal
* Improper fasteners or corroded fasteners
* Original design or installation with inadequate strength
162
The openings between railing spindles should not be greater than ________ to ________ inches.
4 to 6 inches
163
Why should spindles be vertical, not horizontal?
Horizontal spindles are climbable.
164
Railings on stairways should be between ________ inches and ________ inches, or between ________ inches and ________ inches, above the stair nosing depending on your area.
32 to 38 or 34 to 38 inches
165
Guardrails should be at least ________ inches high, or ________ inches high if the deck is less than six feet above the ground.
42 inches or 36 inches
166
List eight possible causes of column shifting.
* Inappropriate foundations and footings
* Soil erosion
* Frost heave
* Mechanical damage
* Greater loads than were intended
* Eccentric loads
* Deterioration of the column or its connection points
* Poorly secured at the top or bottom
167
List four potential causes of a sagging beam.
* They are undersized or overspanned
* Loading is greater than was designed for
* Rot, mechanical damage, holes or notching has weakened the beam
* A column has been removed
168
Why shouldn’t you align a beam with a gutter to check for sag?
Gutters slope so they always look off level.
169
What is the requirement for beam end bearing?
31⁄2 inches
170
How might paint indicate that a beam has slipped out of its pocket?
If the beam has been painted and there are unpainted parts visible at the
supports, this may indicate movement of the beam.
171
Beams should be mechanically fastened to their supporting members.
True
172
Why is it a good idea to space out the members of an exterior built-up beam?
To avoid trapping water between the individual pieces of wood.
173
Joists are usually spaced ______ or ______ inches on center.
16 or 24 inches
174
The metal brackets used to support joists are called:
Joist hangers.
175
In what two ways might installing joists with hangers be considered superior to toe-nailing them to beams?
There is more protection against uplift and twisting with a joist hanger.
176
What two inspection techniques can you use to check for sagging joists?
* Bounce on the deck
* Scan the deck with your eye at deck level
177
What is the correct way to attach a ledgerboard to a wood-frame structure?
Carriage or lag bolts and nuts into the studs or the rim joists spaced 16 to 24 inches apart.
178
Describe the proper way to flash a ledgerboard installed over siding.
Flashing extends from under the siding, over the top of the ledgerboard,
and down.
179
What is the biggest problem with cantilevered decks?
Rot is found where the joists penetrate the wall.
180
On many old house porches, the joints in the floor boards run perpendicular to the house wall. Why is this so?
To allow the water to drain to the outside edge.
181
Where do deck boards often rot first?
At butted ends over supports.
182
Why should deck boards be installed crown up?
To prevent cupping that would hold water.
183
Why are plywood or waferboard sheets poor choices for porch or deck flooring?
They absorb water readily and rot.
184
It’s a good idea to have a ______ -inch step up into the house from the porch, deck or patio floor. Why is this?
6-inch. This reduces the chance of snow or water getting into the structure under the bottom of the door.
185
What are two reasons that a porch roof structure may move or settle?
* Moisture damage
* Poor installation
186
What is garage gas-proofing?
Drywall or plaster finished in the garage to prevent automobile fumes getting into the house.
187
Why should there be no supply or return registers from heating/cooling ductwork in a garage?
To prevent fumes from entering the house.
188
Garage-to-house doors in attached garages should be __________ and__________ and should have a ____________ closer attached.
Tight fitting and weatherstripped, and have a self closer.
189
In what two ways is combustible plastic insulation a severe fire hazard?
* It gives off a toxic smoke.
* It contributes tremendous fuel to a fire.
190
Where plastic insulation is noted in a garage, recommend that it be ______________ or _____________.
Covered or removed.
191
Most garage floors are not structural.
True
192
Garage floors that are suspended and have storage or living space below -
should be investigated by a specialist.
193
A good concrete garage floor slab is usually at least __________ inches thick and has __________ inches of gravel beneath it.
3 inches thick, with 5 inches of well compacted gravel below.
194
List three possible causes of a cracked garage floor.
* Settling
* Heaving
* Shrinkage during curing
195
Which way should garage floors slope?
To drain (usually towards the door)
196
Explain how in a northern climate, a garage floor might settle only around its perimeter.Explain how in a northern climate, a garage floor might settle only around its perimeter.
The foundation trench allows some settlement of backfill, while the center of the slab rests on undisturbed soil, so doesn’t settle
197
What does a hollow sound on the garage floor indicate?
Settled soil under the slab. The slab is now suspended.
198
Describe mud jacking. What is another name for it?
Injection of a concrete slurry through holes in the slab to fill voids. Also called pressure grouting.
199
Why do many authorities discourage floor drains in garages?
Because automotive fluids can find their way into municipal sewers.
200
The diameter of a garage drain exit pipe should be at least ______ inches.
3 inches
201
Why should the end of the drain pipe in a driveway drain turn down?
To reduce the amount of debris that gets into the drain pipe.
202
Automatic garage door openers have to be strong because they lift the weight of the door.
False
203
List five problems to look for on a typical sectional garage door.
* Difficult to open or close
* Rot or insect damage
* Paint or stain problems
* Rust or denting
* Automatic opener problems
204
It’s best to test a garage door opener from inside or outside the garage?
inside
205
If the vehicle door stops two inches short of the garage floor, there is a problem with the __________ ?
Adjustment of the closing limit
206
What is the recommended way to test the automatic reverse on a garage door opener?
With a two inch block of wood placed in the door’s path.
207
Combustion appliances should be at least ______ inches above the garage floor level.
18 inches
208
In freezing climates, digging the soil away from a foundation wall makes it prone to the effects of what?
Frost
209
What is the recommended approach to protecting the house from heaving when a walkout is installed?
Underpin or insulate the foundation around the walkout to prevent frost
heaving the foundation.
210
The best backfill material for around a walkout is:
free draining granular material
211
If you see an obviously new basement walkout installation that shows no sign of problems, you should report that it has been well installed.
False
212
Why don’t some walkout floor drains have traps?
Because water in an outside trap may freeze in cold climates. In warm climates these drains usually connect to a floor drain upstream of its trap,
so no separate trap is needed.
213
The minimum recommended size of a walkout drain is _________ inches.
3 inches
214
Describe a proper walkout door threshold.
A four to six inch lip that will allow water to pond rather than spilling into
the house.
215
State two causes of failing walkout walls.
* Frost pressure
* Hydrostatic pressure of the soil itself
216
Spalling or efflorescence on masonry walkout walls may indicate:
* Moisture moving through the wall and evaporating
* Freezing at the interior surface
217
It is recommended that perimeter drainage tiles discharge into the walkout floor drain.
False
218
We only have to look at vegetation for -
Its effect on the building.
219
When might it be important to check a fence?
When the fence joins the house.
220
You do have to inspect hot tubs.
False
221
What is the most common complaint that home inspectors hear about basements?
They leak.
222
What is the commonly recommended slope for ground around a house?
1 inch per foot drop away from the foundation for 6 feet.
223
Dramatic slope is likely less important if the ground surface is –
Asphalt
224
Bad grading will always cause wet basements.
False
225
What does a black bituminous coating on an old foundation wall indicate?
Recent damproofing, possibly indicating excavation, drainage tile and
damproofing, but not necessarily.
226
Three insulation materials used in basement dampproofing are –
Extruded polystyrene, mineral wool board or high density fiberglass insulation
227
Briefly describe a common foundation drainage material.
A black plastic dimpled membrane that acts to relieve hydrostatic pressure in the soil.
228
To work well, a foundation drainage layer requires –
Perimeter drainage tile.
229
Why does the soil around the perimeter of a newer house often settle?
Because the backfill settles from the construction.
230
Three possible implications of poor lot grading are –
* Wet basements and crawlspaces
* Damage to foundations
* Damage to siding materials, in severe cases.
231
What is used to keep soil away from a basement window?
A window well
232
Briefly define a French drain.
A hole filled with gravel that collects water from catch basins. It acts as a
reservoir in the short term and allows water to leach slowly into the soil. It
should be far from the house.
233
What solution is undertaken when leakage can’t be addressed by keeping water away from the house?
Excavation, dampproofing and drainage tile.
234
Why is the end of an outlet pipe of a catch basin turned down 90 degrees?
To reduce the amount of debris that can enter the pipe.
235
A drain pipe from a catch basin should be at least ___ inches in diameter.
3 inches
236
Why are porous surface materials near a house a potential problem?
The earth below them may be impervious, and slope towards the house.
237
List five clues to look for concerning ravine or sloping lots.
* Is there vegetation growing over the whole surface?
* Are there bands of freshly exposed topsoil?
* Are the tree trunks vertical?
* Is there cracking in the walls on the ravine side of the house?
* Are retaining walls leaning out over the ravine?
238
Briefly state the function of gutters and downspouts.
Gutters and downspouts carry water from the roof away from the building, protecting the cladding system and the foundation.
239
Gutters are also called ______________________ or ______________________. Downspouts are also called __________________________________________, ________________________________, or ________________________________.
Gutters are called troughs, or eavestroughs. Downspouts are called rain water leaders, leaders, or conductor pipes.
240
Why are gutters and downspouts sometimes left off in northern areas?
Because of ice damming problems
241
What does a Yankee gutter look like?
An L-shaped trough slipped under the shingles at the edge of the roof. It is sloped to drain water out of the low end.
242
List the four most common gutter materials.
* Aluminum
* Galvanized steel
* Plastic
* Copper
243
Three less common gutter materials are –
* Terne
* Vinyl coated steel
* Wood
244
What are integral gutters also called?
Built-in or box gutters.
245
Integral gutters have to be lined. They can be lined with what seven materials?
* Lead
* Copper
* Steel
* Asphalt based roll roofing
* PVC
* EPDM
* Modified bitumen roofing
246
List six ways to distinguish between steel and aluminum gutters.
* Steel is painted on site, aluminum has an enameled finish
* Steel is gray on the inside, aluminum is silvery
* Steel shows red-brown rust on the inside
* Steel downspouts are round or rectangular, aluminum are rectangular or square
* Steel is typically more rigid than aluminum
* Steel attracts a magnet, aluminum does not
247
What three causes might explain missing gutters?
* Not initially installed
* Deteriorated
* Removed for ice damming problems
248
Steep roofs may have a large surface area, but a small __________________ _______________. This means their gutters can be smaller than you might expect.
Horizontal projection.
249
Roof shingles should not project more than _______ inches out over the inner edge of the gutter.
1 inch maximum projection.
250
Gutter leaks are most common at –
Seams and changes in direction.
251
How can an inspector manually test the amount of solid metal left on a steel gutter?
Push on the bottom of the gutter. Firm resistance indicates that there is lots of metal left.
252
What can cause copper gutters to develop pinhole leaks?
Corrosive action from leaves or needles from trees.
253
A house with integral gutters is more prone to ice damming it if has a steep roof.
False
254
Gutter spikes should be nailed through the fascia and into the rafter ends.
True
255
What are three possible disadvantages of gutter screens?
* Water can overshoot the gutters
* They make cleaning more difficult
* Screens often fall into the gutters, causing clogs.
256
A typical gutter slope is:
1 inch drop over 200 inches run
257
What can happen to roof material if a dormer has gutters but no downspouts?
Localized discoloration and premature wear occur below the gutter.
258
Most home inspectors use a hose to test gutters and downspouts.
False
259
What is the function of a strainer in a gutter at the top of a downspout?
The strainer helps to keep the downspout from clogging.
260
List three advantages of downspouts discharging above grade.
* Easy to repair or replace
* Easy to know if the downspouts and gutters are working properly
* With a proper extension, the landscaping is not damaged
261
List three disadvantages of downspouts discharging above grade.
* Traffic problems at building corners
* They must be moved or lifted to cut the grass
* If drainage is poor, the water can pool near the house
262
List three disadvantages of downspouts discharging into drains below grade.
* Tough to inspect
* Repair is expensive
* They may go into the floor drains on old houses which can flood the basement if the floor drain trap is clogged, collapsed or broken.
263
State a simple solution to problems with a below-grade downspout pipe.
Redirect the downspout to discharge water above grade with an extension away from the building.
264
What are three methods of draining flat roofs?
* Scuppers
* Internal drains
* Gutters and downspouts
265
Briefly describe how ponding water on a flat roof can lead to structural problems.
Ponding water can cause the roof to collapse if the weight of the water exceeds the design load of the roof structure.
266
How is it that over time interior drains for flat roofs may end up at the high points of the roof?
Drains installed in a wall become the high point when the roof structure sags between walls.
267
What five materials are window well walls commonly made from?
* Steel
* Wood
* Concrete
* Masonry units
* Plastic
268
The top of the gravel in a window well should be _____ inches away from the window frame.
6 inches
269
If recommending the floor level of a window well be lowered, what other issue should be considered?
The well walls may have to be modified if they do not extend down far enough.
270
Describe a possible alternative to providing a drain in an existing window well.
Provide a plastic window well cover.
271
What should the compacted thickness of walks and driveways be?
2 to 4 inches.
272
What does a network of random cracks in a poured concrete walkway or driveway indicate?
A poor installation – poor concrete mix, a lack of control joints or an improper sub-base.
273
Clay brick pavers need to be __________ to resist water absorption.
Very dense
274
On a sloping walkway, why are few large steps preferable to many small steps?
Many small steps are a trip hazard.
275
What are the risks associated with an improperly draining walkway?
Moss or ice, which are slip hazards. Surface damage of the material itself, and water penetration into the building if the surface is against the house.
276
List four possible problems that can arise from a large tree growing too close to a house:
* damage the siding
* prevent air and sunlight from drying the siding
* heave or push in the foundation
* damage roofs.
277
What might a long stretch of new sod running from the front of the house to the street indicate?
A new water or sewer line.
278
List four types of retaining wall:
* Gravity
* Cantilevered
* Pile retaining walls
* Tied back retaining walls
279
What type of wall is a gabion?
Gravity wall
280
Briefly describe how the ‘ratchet effect’ can push over a retaining wall:
Slight movement every winter or with every rain is called the ratchet effect. Frost or hydratic pressure moves the wall out a little each cycle, and the wall does not move back in summer.
281
What would you tell a client about a retaining wall that is leaning over, but not broken, cracked or damaged?
It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist
282
Why might you install insulation on the back of a retaining wall and under the topsoil behind the wall?
This is done for frost control
283
Ideally, weep holes in a solid retaining wall are at least ______ inches in diameter, and not more than ______ feet apart.
4 inches in diameter, and not more than 10 feet apart.
Exterior
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