Inspection Procedures & Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Inspection Procedures & Techniques flashcards as text
When inspecting attic ventilation, the inspector is primarily evaluating:
Answer: Whether intake and exhaust ventilation are balanced and adequate to prevent moisture buildup and heat accumulation
Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation prevents moisture condensation, ice dams, and excess heat buildup that damage roofing and structure.
Which type of crack in a concrete foundation wall is most likely to indicate ongoing structural movement?
Answer: Horizontal cracks running parallel to the ground
Horizontal cracks in basement walls indicate lateral soil pressure and potential structural failure, making them the most serious crack pattern.
An inspector should report the absence of a kickout flashing at a roof-to-wall intersection because:
Answer: Without it, water running down the wall can enter behind the siding causing rot and water damage
Kickout (diverter) flashing redirects water away from the wall at roof-wall junctions; its absence is a common and significant water intrusion defect.
When inspecting a deck, which structural component most directly determines the deck's load-carrying capacity?
Answer: The ledger board connection to the house and post-to-beam connections
The ledger-to-house connection and post/beam connections are the primary structural elements transferring load; failures here cause deck collapses.
What is the inspector's obligation when discovering a condition that is beyond their area of expertise during an inspection?
Answer: Report the observation and recommend evaluation by an appropriate specialist
Inspectors must report observed conditions and refer clients to qualified specialists for any condition beyond their competence to evaluate.
When testing GFCI outlets, an inspector should use a plug-in GFCI tester to verify:
Answer: That the GFCI trips on the test function and power is restored after reset
A plug-in GFCI tester confirms the protection trips when simulating a fault and that the reset button restores power, verifying functional protection.
An inspector finds that a gas range has been converted from natural gas to propane but still has the original natural gas orifices. This should be reported as:
Answer: A safety defect because incorrect orifices create improper combustion and carbon monoxide risk
Using natural gas orifices with propane produces incorrect flame size and incomplete combustion, creating a carbon monoxide and fire hazard.