National Home Inspector Practice Exam

Questions and Answers

Which of the following describes partial vapor pressure?

Water vapor is common with forced induction natural gas furnaces.

Water vapor is an indication of sick house syndrome.

Water vapor has a tendency to disperse itself equally in the available air. (correct)

Water vapor causes new homes to require house wrap.

In order for soffit vents to operate properly, there MUST be:

Vents on both ends on the outside.

An absence of insect, bee, and bird nests.

A clear air channel between the roof boards and the insulation. (correct)

Continuous vent strips on the length of the soffit.

Home inspectors report receptacles with reversed polarity as potentially hazardous because:

Single phase appliance motors will run backwards.

They contribute to the overheating of the receptacle.

They increase the shock likelihood at connected equipment. (correct)

They trip ground fault circuit interrupter outlets.

The term 'wet vent' refers to a:

Waste line that also functions as a vent. Signup and view all the answers

EIFS is a siding material that:

Looks like stucco but lacks a wire mesh. Signup and view all the answers

The joints on the exterior of the brick chimney should be:

Concaved. Signup and view all the answers

When a water heater thermostat is set at 140 °F or higher, a ______ should be installed to temper the water.

Mixing valve Signup and view all the answers

In a forced air furnace, the burners are used to generate heat in the:

Heat exchanger. Signup and view all the answers

While inspecting a crawl space, you should probe for decay if the _________ is dark in appearance.

Floor joist Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST describes the action a home inspector should take when a safety issue is found in a home?

Determine the degree of immediacy, and report to the appropriate parties. Signup and view all the answers

Ivy has grown across the entire exterior brick wall surfaces of a one-family house. The home inspector should report that the ivy:

Could cause damage to the surface and recommend removal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct termination where the sloped roof terminates with an EIFS wall?

Use kick-out flashing into the gutter. Signup and view all the answers

Fireplace flues must extend AT LEAST:

Three feet above roof penetration and two feet above the highest point within 10 feet. Signup and view all the answers

Damage from ice dams could indicate:

Insufficient attic insulation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vapor Pressure and Home Construction

Partial Vapor Pressure: Water vapor tends to disperse equally in air.
House Wrap Requirement: New homes require house wrap to manage water vapor.

Soffit Vents and Airflow

Soffit Vent Operation: Must have a clear air channel between roof boards and insulation to function properly.

Electrical Safety

Reversed Polarity Hazard: Reversed polarity in receptacles increases the shock likelihood at connected equipment.

Plumbing and Venting Systems

Wet Vent Definition: A waste line that also functions as a vent for proper drainage.

Siding and Construction Materials

EIFS Characteristics: Looks like stucco but does not incorporate wire mesh.

Chimney Construction

Chimney Joint Treatment: Joints on the exterior of brick chimneys should be concaved for water drainage.

Water Heater Safety

Thermostat Setting: At 140 °F or higher, a mixing valve must be installed to temper water.

Furnace Mechanics

Heat Generation Location: In forced air furnaces, burners generate heat in the heat exchanger.

Structural Inspection

Crawl Space Inspection: Probe for decay in floor joists, indicated by a dark appearance.

Reporting Safety Issues

Action for Safety Issues: Determine the urgency of safety issues and report to the appropriate parties rather than merely verbalizing.

Ivy and Exterior Maintenance

Ivy Impact: Ivy can cause surface damage on brick walls and should be reported for removal.

EIFS Wall Termination

Proper Roof Termination: Use kick-out flashing at the junction where the sloped roof meets the EIFS wall to direct water into the gutter.

Fireplace Flue Standards

Flue Extension Requirement: Must extend at least three feet above the roof and two feet above any point within ten feet.

Ice Dams Damage Indicators

Indicators of Insufficient Insulation: Damage from ice dams may suggest inadequate attic insulation.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge with this practice exam flashcard set specifically designed for aspiring home inspectors. Each card presents a question related to vapor pressure and other home inspection concepts. Perfect for anyone preparing for a national home inspector certification.