Home Inspection Ch. 04: Structure Exam Questions and Answers| New Update with 100%
Correct Answers
What is the function of a footing? A foundation? Footings transfer the live and dead loads of
the building to the soil over a large enough area so that neither the soil nor the building will
move. In areas where frost occurs, footings prevent frost from moving the building.
Foundations transfer loads from the building to the footings. Foundations may also act as
retaining walls, resisting lateral soil pressure, for example.
List the 3 common foundation configurations and footing types. Foundation configurations:
1. basements
2. crawl spaces
3. slab-on-grade
Footing types:
1. spread footings
2. pad footings
3. piles
4. piers
What is the difference between a strip footing and a pad footing and where would each be
used? A strip footing or spread footing is used under a foundation wall. A pad footing is used
under a column. Pad footings distribute concentrated loads. Strip footings handle more evenly
distributed loads.
List several different materials that a foundation might be made of. concrete; concrete
block; cinder block; brick; clay tile; stone; wood
Why is it critical to document how the crawlspace was inspected? The client must
understand the limitations of the inspection. Crawls spaces can be troublesome and it is often
difficult to do a thorough inspection.
,Explain the difference between a live load and a dead load. Give examples. Live loads
(people, wind, snow) vary. Dead loads are relatively fixed.
What is the difference between a pilaster and a pier? A pilaster is a thickening of a
foundation wall to accommodate the concentrated load of a beam or column. A pier is a stand-
alone structural member that can be thought of as a column sunk into the ground.
When a foundation is supported on piles, are the piles typically visible for inspection? No
Name four causes of cracks in foundation walls. 1. shrinkage
2. differential settling
3. heaving
4. horizontal forces
Explain the difference between uniform settlement and differential settlement. In uniform
settlement, the entire house moves and no cracking develops. With differential settlement, one
part of the house moves relative to another. This typically results in cracking.
What is a shrinkage crack and what causes it? Caused by natural curing of concrete.
Describe a typical shrinkage crack. Rarely more than 1/8 of an inch wide and typically do not
involve displacement of the concrete on either side of the crack. Usually show up during the
first year. Do not extend through the footings or up into the structure above. Shrinkage cracks
often occur at stress points such as window openings.
What is the main implication of a shrinkage crack? May be leakage but not structural
problems.
If you identify a foundation crack, is it possible to determine the rate of movement a the time
of the inspection? No
, It's a good idea to inspect the neighborhood as you are arriving at an inspection. What kinds of
things should you look for and how can they help you in your inspection? Look for structural
problems in other homes; erosion or land movement; slope; and general age. Consider
background knowledge such as reclaimed land, high water table, etc.
In general, which crack would be more serious? A crack that has moved in 1 plane or a crack
that has moved in 2 or more planes? 2 or more planes.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a settlement problem and a heaving problem.
Give a few examples of how you would distinguish between the two. 1. Are cracks opening,
crushing, or sliding type cracks?
2. Settlement--patios and driveways slope down to house.
Heaving--patios and driveways slope up toward house.
3. Look for humps or slopes to or away from central columns in the house.
4. Angle of overhead electrical wires compared to neighboring houses.
5. Check adjacent houses/neighborhood for similar problems.
6. Check the soil line against the building for sinking or lifting. If you can see a dirt line 6 inches
above grade, heaving is more likely.
Cracks due to horizontal forces rarely result in structural problems. True or False? False
Often horizontal forces will cause horizontal cracks in a foundation wall. Why might the cracks
disappear near the edge of the wall? The perpendicular wall reinforces the cracked wall near
the end, preventing it from moving.
Give a definition of lateral support as it applies to foundations. Usually a floor system
secured to the top of the foundation wall, preventing it from tipping inward.
Correct Answers
What is the function of a footing? A foundation? Footings transfer the live and dead loads of
the building to the soil over a large enough area so that neither the soil nor the building will
move. In areas where frost occurs, footings prevent frost from moving the building.
Foundations transfer loads from the building to the footings. Foundations may also act as
retaining walls, resisting lateral soil pressure, for example.
List the 3 common foundation configurations and footing types. Foundation configurations:
1. basements
2. crawl spaces
3. slab-on-grade
Footing types:
1. spread footings
2. pad footings
3. piles
4. piers
What is the difference between a strip footing and a pad footing and where would each be
used? A strip footing or spread footing is used under a foundation wall. A pad footing is used
under a column. Pad footings distribute concentrated loads. Strip footings handle more evenly
distributed loads.
List several different materials that a foundation might be made of. concrete; concrete
block; cinder block; brick; clay tile; stone; wood
Why is it critical to document how the crawlspace was inspected? The client must
understand the limitations of the inspection. Crawls spaces can be troublesome and it is often
difficult to do a thorough inspection.
,Explain the difference between a live load and a dead load. Give examples. Live loads
(people, wind, snow) vary. Dead loads are relatively fixed.
What is the difference between a pilaster and a pier? A pilaster is a thickening of a
foundation wall to accommodate the concentrated load of a beam or column. A pier is a stand-
alone structural member that can be thought of as a column sunk into the ground.
When a foundation is supported on piles, are the piles typically visible for inspection? No
Name four causes of cracks in foundation walls. 1. shrinkage
2. differential settling
3. heaving
4. horizontal forces
Explain the difference between uniform settlement and differential settlement. In uniform
settlement, the entire house moves and no cracking develops. With differential settlement, one
part of the house moves relative to another. This typically results in cracking.
What is a shrinkage crack and what causes it? Caused by natural curing of concrete.
Describe a typical shrinkage crack. Rarely more than 1/8 of an inch wide and typically do not
involve displacement of the concrete on either side of the crack. Usually show up during the
first year. Do not extend through the footings or up into the structure above. Shrinkage cracks
often occur at stress points such as window openings.
What is the main implication of a shrinkage crack? May be leakage but not structural
problems.
If you identify a foundation crack, is it possible to determine the rate of movement a the time
of the inspection? No
, It's a good idea to inspect the neighborhood as you are arriving at an inspection. What kinds of
things should you look for and how can they help you in your inspection? Look for structural
problems in other homes; erosion or land movement; slope; and general age. Consider
background knowledge such as reclaimed land, high water table, etc.
In general, which crack would be more serious? A crack that has moved in 1 plane or a crack
that has moved in 2 or more planes? 2 or more planes.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a settlement problem and a heaving problem.
Give a few examples of how you would distinguish between the two. 1. Are cracks opening,
crushing, or sliding type cracks?
2. Settlement--patios and driveways slope down to house.
Heaving--patios and driveways slope up toward house.
3. Look for humps or slopes to or away from central columns in the house.
4. Angle of overhead electrical wires compared to neighboring houses.
5. Check adjacent houses/neighborhood for similar problems.
6. Check the soil line against the building for sinking or lifting. If you can see a dirt line 6 inches
above grade, heaving is more likely.
Cracks due to horizontal forces rarely result in structural problems. True or False? False
Often horizontal forces will cause horizontal cracks in a foundation wall. Why might the cracks
disappear near the edge of the wall? The perpendicular wall reinforces the cracked wall near
the end, preventing it from moving.
Give a definition of lateral support as it applies to foundations. Usually a floor system
secured to the top of the foundation wall, preventing it from tipping inward.
