ASHI Attics & Crawl Spaces 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ASHI Standards of Practice, what is the minimum access opening size required for an inspector to enter an attic?
- 16 inches by 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches by 24 inches
- 24 inches by 30 inches
- 12 inches by 18 inches
Correct answer: 16 inches by 24 inches
ASHI Standards require an attic access opening of at least 16 inches by 24 inches for the inspector to enter.
Question 2: Which condition most commonly indicates inadequate attic ventilation?
- Presence of kraft-faced insulation batts
- Staining or moisture damage on the underside of roof sheathing (Correct answer)
- Visible rafter ties connecting opposing rafters
- Ridge vent installed along the full length of the roof peak
Correct answer: Staining or moisture damage on the underside of roof sheathing
Staining or moisture on roof sheathing indicates condensation from warm, moist air accumulating due to poor ventilation.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum depth of attic insulation (R-value) for most US climate zones per current energy standards?
- R-11 (3.5 inches of fiberglass batt)
- R-19 (6 inches of fiberglass batt)
- R-38 to R-49 (10–12 inches of blown insulation) (Correct answer)
- R-60 (16 inches of blown insulation)
Correct answer: R-38 to R-49 (10–12 inches of blown insulation)
Current energy codes recommend R-38 to R-49 in most US climate zones, typically achieved with 10–12 inches of blown insulation.
Question 4: An ASHI inspector observes that bathroom exhaust fans terminate in the attic space rather than at the exterior. This is considered:
- Acceptable if insulation covers the duct
- A deficiency that introduces moisture into the attic (Correct answer)
- Standard practice in older homes built before 1980
- Acceptable if the attic has adequate ridge ventilation
Correct answer: A deficiency that introduces moisture into the attic
Exhaust fans must terminate at the exterior; terminating in the attic introduces moisture that can cause mold and structural damage.
Question 5: When inspecting a crawl space, which of the following ground cover conditions should an inspector report as a deficiency?
- 6-mil polyethylene sheeting covering 100% of the soil
- Bare soil with no vapor retarder installed (Correct answer)
- Overlapping sections of vapor barrier taped at seams
- Gravel layer placed over polyethylene sheeting
Correct answer: Bare soil with no vapor retarder installed
Bare soil in a crawl space allows ground moisture to evaporate into the space, causing wood decay, mold, and high humidity.
Question 6: What is the minimum headroom clearance that allows an ASHI inspector to enter and inspect a crawl space?
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 24 inches
ASHI Standards of Practice require at least 18-inch width and 24-inch height access for crawl space entry, with 18 inches of clearance for traversal.
Question 7: Which type of insulation, when installed on attic floor joists with the facing material facing upward, creates a potential fire hazard?
- Rigid foam board insulation
- Unfaced fiberglass batt insulation
- Kraft-faced fiberglass batt insulation (Correct answer)
- Blown cellulose insulation
Correct answer: Kraft-faced fiberglass batt insulation
Kraft-faced batts installed with the facing up and exposed in an attic are a fire hazard because the kraft paper is combustible and must be covered.
ASHI Attics & Crawl Spaces 1
According to ASHI Standards of Practice, what is the minimum access opening size required for an inspector to enter an attic?