These 5 questions cover siding, trim, grading, drainage, decks, walkways and vegetation. On the National Home Inspector Examination they fall under Property Inspection (70% of the exam). Try each one before you open the answer: the explanation matters more than the letter.
1. Above a window, the inspector observes no flashing where the siding meets the trim, and staining on the interior drywall below. The MOST likely explanation is
- condensation forming on the window glass
- a plumbing leak inside the wall cavity
- normal weathering of the exterior trim
- water entering the wall at the unflashed head joint
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Answer: D. water entering the wall at the unflashed head joint
Flashing at heads of windows and doors, at horizontal trim, and at transitions directs water out of the wall assembly. Missing head flashing allows water running down the siding to enter behind the trim—interior staining below the window is the classic result.
Memory tip: Water follows the joint if flashing doesn’t turn it.
2. Brick veneer on a home has no weep holes at the base of the wall above the foundation. The MOST significant implication is
- water behind the brick has no path to drain out
- the brick will separate from the wall sheathing
- the wall assembly will be unable to breathe
- the mortar joints will crack prematurely
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Answer: A. water behind the brick has no path to drain out
Brick veneer is a drainage wall: water passes through the brick and runs down the drainage plane behind it. Weep holes at the base, above flashing, let that water exit. Without them, water accumulates and can rot sheathing and framing.
Memory tip: Brick leaks by design; weeps let it out.
3. The sealant at the joint between a stucco wall and a window frame is cracked and separated. The inspector should
- report it as cosmetic deterioration of the finish
- recommend replacing the window and its frame
- report the failed sealant as a water entry point
- note it only if staining is visible on the inside
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Answer: C. report the failed sealant as a water entry point
Sealant closes joints between dissimilar materials against water and air. Failed sealant at windows, doors, and penetrations is a common entry point for water into the wall assembly and should be reported with a recommendation to reseal.
Memory tip: Cracked caulk = open joint.
4. A roof has no drip edge, and the fascia board shows staining and softness along its top edge. The MOST likely cause is
- inadequate ventilation of the attic space above
- water wicking back under the shingles onto the fascia
- gutters overflowing during periods of heavy rain
- insect damage along the top edge of the fascia
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Answer: B. water wicking back under the shingles onto the fascia
Drip edge flashing directs water off the roof edge into the gutter and away from the fascia and sheathing. Without it, water clings to the shingle edge and runs back onto the fascia, causing staining and decay.
Memory tip: No drip edge, wet fascia.
5. Deck ledger boards are critical because:
- They tie the deck to the house and must be flashed
- They carry the full weight of the deck posts
- They provide the mounting base for the railings
- They support the weight of the decking only
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Answer: A. They tie the deck to the house and must be flashed
The ledger board attaches the deck to the house structure. Improper ledger attachment and missing or damaged flashing at the ledger is a leading cause of deck collapse and water damage to the house.
Memory tip: Ledger = deck attached to house. Must be properly fastened and flashed. Failure = collapse.