Structural Systems Evaluation Flashcards
7 cards from real INTERNACHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Structural Systems Evaluation flashcards as text
An inspector observes that roof rafters are pulling away from the ridge board at their connection points. The MOST likely cause is:
Answer: Outward thrust from inadequate rafter ties combined with heavy roofing material
Heavy roofing materials increase the outward thrust at rafter bases, and without adequate ties this force can cause rafters to separate from the ridge board.
According to InterNACHI standards, when an inspector observes conditions that appear to exceed their scope of knowledge, they should:
Answer: Recommend evaluation by a qualified structural engineer
InterNACHI standards require inspectors to recommend specialist evaluation when conditions are beyond their expertise rather than making unfounded determinations.
An inspector finds that the floor of a home has a noticeable slope toward the center of the house. Which structural condition would MOST likely cause this?
Answer: The central support beam or posts have settled or failed
A floor that slopes toward the center suggests settlement or failure of the central girder or its supporting posts, causing the floor system to sag at that point.
Which of the following is a sign of active structural movement in a foundation wall as opposed to old, stabilized cracking?
Answer: Cracks with fresh, light-colored edges and no staining
Fresh, clean crack edges without staining or debris accumulation indicate recent movement, while stained, weathered crack edges suggest old, potentially stable cracks.
A home inspector notices that the floor joists in a basement span 18 feet without intermediate support. The joists appear undersized for this span. What is the primary visible symptom likely to be observed?
Answer: Excessive deflection (bounce or sag) in the floor above
Undersized joists spanning excessive distances will deflect (sag) under load, which manifests as a bouncy or sloping floor above.
When inspecting a wood-framed wall, an inspector notes that the wall studs are 24 inches on center rather than the typical 16 inches. What structural concern should be noted?
Answer: The wall may have reduced lateral load and shear resistance
Wider stud spacing reduces the wall's ability to resist lateral (wind and seismic) loads and may require engineering review depending on the application.
An inspector observes diagonal cracks radiating from the corners of window and door openings in a concrete block wall. This pattern suggests:
Answer: Settlement or movement causing stress concentrations at opening corners
Diagonal cracks radiating from corners of openings are classic indicators of differential settlement or structural movement creating stress concentrations at those points.