Structural/Foundation

Question 1

The bottom of footings should be at least _______ undisturbed ground and below the local frost line.

Answer 1

12” inches

Question 2

What’s used to support foundations that must be placed on soil with poor load bearing capacity and to raise houses above flood level.

Answer 2

piles (CMUs or concrete)

Question 3

which components supports a point (concentrated) load?

Answer 3

pier (wood or steel, below grade)

Question 4

Wooden columns should be how thick at minimum?

steel columns should be at least how thick?

Masonry columns how thick at minimum?

Answer 4

wood columns at least 4x4

steel columns at least 3” inch diameter Sched. 40 pipe

masonry piers should have minimum of 8” inches

Question 5

Masonry piers should be built using mortar, not dry stacked and should have a solid cap of at least __________ thick.

Answer 5

4” thick cap.

Question 6

Columns in basements should be ____.
Columns 48” tall or less located in crawl spaces _____

Answer 6

secured.

can be unsecured in crawl spaces under 48”

Question 7

Screw jack columns should not be screwed more than ______ and should be secured at the ______

Answer 7

3” unless approved by manufacturer.
secured at the BOTTOM.

Question 8

Telescoping columns are considered

Answer 8

temporary

Question 9

No agreed upon standard for reportable crack in footing, but cracks exceeding _______ should be considered for evaluation and repair.

Answer 9

cracking more than 1/4” inch in width or 1/4” inch in vert. displacement

Question 10

No agreed upon standard for reportable rotation/bowing but common guideline is anything exceeding ___________in ______ should be considered for evaluation and repair.

Answer 10

rotation/bowing more than 3/8” in 8’ ft

Question 11

(T/F) Basements with stone foundations frequently have water issues.

Answer 11

True. water enters through leaking between/thru stones and migrating via water vapor.

Question 12

Basements that are habitable or usable below grade should:

Answer 12

have foundation drains.

be dampproofed or waterproofed.

Question 13

Whats the purpose of waterproofing

Answer 13

intended to stop the flow of liquid water under hydrostatic pressure

Question 14

whats the purpose of dampproofing?

Answer 14

intended to stop the flow of water vapor and small amounts of liquid water NOT under hydrostatic

Question 15

Foundation wall problems can present as:

Answer 15

cracks in brick veneer
cracks in interior wall covering
cracks and operating problems at doors and windows

Question 16

Repairs of non-structural cracks and water infiltration should have the probelm addressed before making repair. What should home inspectors advise to client regarding specific repairs?

Answer 16

Should NOT recommend specific repairs. It’s okay to discuss repair options verbally: hydralic cement, polyurethane foam, epoxy, waterproofing liquid coating

Question 17

sister walls

Answer 17

1 or more CMU walls installed PARALLEL to a bowing/leaning wall to attempt to prevent further movement.

Question 18

steel ibeams

Answer 18

1 or more beams installed in contract w/ bowing/leaning wall in attempt to prevent further movement.

Question 19

buttress

Answer 19

1 or more CMUs/concrete walls installed PERPENDICULAR to a bowing/leaning wall in attempt to prevent further movement.

Question 20

Current minimum crawl space access opening if through the floor:

Answer 20

18x24”

Question 21

Current minimum crawl space access opening if through a sidewall:

Answer 21

16x24”

Question 22

Crawl space opening if equipment requiring service and replacement is in the crawl space:

Answer 22

22x30”

Question 23

In a crawl space, wood floor JOISTS that are not preservative treated should be at least _____ above the “soil” floor.

Wood BEAMS not preservative treated should be at least _____ above “soil” floor.

Answer 23

18” above

12” above

Question 24

Mat or floating slab foundation

Answer 24

slab on concrete w/ uniform thickness

Question 25

monolithic or turned down edge foundation

Answer 25

slab of concrete w/ footings at perimeter and at interior load bearing walls

Question 26

Slab on grade foundations, basement floors that service habitable space should be built on:

Answer 26

4" sand/gravel and 6 mil polyethylene vapor retarder to reduce moisture from entering house from below (also helps reduce radon entry and other soil gasses)

Question 27

Crazing

Answer 27

small surface cracks that look like irregular honeycomb. Occurs b/c improper finish or when concrete cures too quickly. (doesnt require repair)

Question 28

smaller cracks (less than 1/8" wide) are a result of? larger cracks (larger than 1/4" wide) are a result of?

Answer 28

concrete mix containing too much water (shrinking) larger cracks vertical displacement, soil under concrete settling (frost heaving)

Question 29

almost all surface defects (crazing, dusting, spalling) on concrete slabs are a result of 3 errors:

Answer 29

1)improperly preparing the soil/material under the concrete 2) improper concrete mix, too much water, inadequately air entrained, 3) improper finishing, curing

Question 30

uniform live load for sleeping rooms (bedrooms)

Answer 30

30 psf

Question 31

other rooms uniform live load

Answer 31

40 psf

Question 32

floor joist or beam should have at least _____ bearing on wood and at least ____ bearing on concrete/masonry

Answer 32

at least 1 1/2" on wood; at least 3" on concrete

Question 33

Bolts at least ____ in diameter or should be spaced every 6 FEET to attach the sill plate to the foundation

Answer 33

at least 1/2" in diameter spaced every 6 feet (bolts or straps designed for purpose) BOLTS should have a washer and a fully tightened nut. Should be installed in middle third of the plate.