ICA EXAM 1 questions and Answers | 2026
UPDATED | 100% CORRECT
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best
choice to verify dampness?
a non-contact moisture meter
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from
rust and metal fatigue
Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as
percentage
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and
copper pipe, will usually cause
electrolysis
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system?
joist width
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is
7 3/4 inches / depth is 10 inches
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed
upstream from the receptacle
Circuit breakers
,protect the wire from an electrical overload
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier,
humidity is reduced by
condensation at the evaporator coil
A home inspection report MUST include
the general life expectancy of the roofing material
Water hammer can occur as a result of
a lack of air chambers.
faulty shutoff valves.
loose piping.
low static water pressure.
If a system designed for use with natural gas is supplied with propane gas
no changes are needed for the equipment to function properly.
the flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed.
the flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed.
the gas regulator and valve must be replaced.
When looking at the exterior wall of a sixty year old brick masonry house with a gable roof,
you notice a horizontal crack in the mortar and outward brick displacement along the
gutter edge of the roof. The displacement is greatest at the center of the top three courses of
brick. This condition is MOST likely caused by
, excessive sand in the mortar mix.
defective brick bonding.
improper ceiling joist installation.
differential settlement.
You inspect a wood framed cantilevered balcony off a second-story bedroom. You find
significant wood deterioration (at least one-half member depth) of all cantilever joists at
the bearing point of the house. You should
notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the occupant and
client in the report.
note the significant hazard and recommend immediate repair, by licensed professional, in your
report.
refer the wood deterioration to a structural pest control operator for professional opinion.
recommend sistering existing framing members to increase strength, prior to further use.
When a cooling unit is located in an attic where damage may result from condensate
overflow
attic ventilation must be increased to avoid condensation.
steel ducting is not allowed because of potential damage from condensation.
an auxiliary condensate drain system is required.
a supplemental condensate pump is required.
Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than
1 in 12.
2 in 12.
UPDATED | 100% CORRECT
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best
choice to verify dampness?
a non-contact moisture meter
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from
rust and metal fatigue
Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as
percentage
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and
copper pipe, will usually cause
electrolysis
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system?
joist width
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is
7 3/4 inches / depth is 10 inches
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed
upstream from the receptacle
Circuit breakers
,protect the wire from an electrical overload
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier,
humidity is reduced by
condensation at the evaporator coil
A home inspection report MUST include
the general life expectancy of the roofing material
Water hammer can occur as a result of
a lack of air chambers.
faulty shutoff valves.
loose piping.
low static water pressure.
If a system designed for use with natural gas is supplied with propane gas
no changes are needed for the equipment to function properly.
the flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed.
the flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed.
the gas regulator and valve must be replaced.
When looking at the exterior wall of a sixty year old brick masonry house with a gable roof,
you notice a horizontal crack in the mortar and outward brick displacement along the
gutter edge of the roof. The displacement is greatest at the center of the top three courses of
brick. This condition is MOST likely caused by
, excessive sand in the mortar mix.
defective brick bonding.
improper ceiling joist installation.
differential settlement.
You inspect a wood framed cantilevered balcony off a second-story bedroom. You find
significant wood deterioration (at least one-half member depth) of all cantilever joists at
the bearing point of the house. You should
notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the occupant and
client in the report.
note the significant hazard and recommend immediate repair, by licensed professional, in your
report.
refer the wood deterioration to a structural pest control operator for professional opinion.
recommend sistering existing framing members to increase strength, prior to further use.
When a cooling unit is located in an attic where damage may result from condensate
overflow
attic ventilation must be increased to avoid condensation.
steel ducting is not allowed because of potential damage from condensation.
an auxiliary condensate drain system is required.
a supplemental condensate pump is required.
Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than
1 in 12.
2 in 12.
