Virginia hic Exam
Questions with correct
Answers
Section 1: Site Work, Foundations & Concrete
Question: What is the main purpose of reinforcing steel in a concrete slab?
Answer: To resist tensile stresses and prevent cracking.
Question: What should be the minimum concrete curing time before placing heavy
loads?
Answer: Typically 7 days for light loads and 28 days for full strength.
Question: When excavating near a foundation, what is the safest slope ratio for soil
that is mostly clay?
Answer: 1:1 (45° slope).
Question: Which type of footing distributes load across a larger area to prevent
settlement?
Answer: Spread footing.
Question: What is the minimum required depth of a concrete footing in Virginia?
Answer: At least 12 inches below undisturbed ground and below the frost line
(usually 18–24 inches).
Section 2: Masonry & Carpentry
Question: What is the typical mortar joint thickness in masonry work?
Answer: 3/8 inch.
Question: What type of lumber is best for outdoor framing exposed to weather?
, Answer: Pressure-treated lumber.
Question: When installing a header above a door, what is its function?
Answer: To transfer load from above to the framing on each side.
Question: What is the purpose of a sill plate in wall framing?
Answer: It anchors the structure to the foundation.
Question: How far apart are wall studs typically spaced in residential framing?
Answer: 16 inches on center (O.C.).
Section 3: Roofing
Question: What is the minimum roof slope recommended for asphalt shingles?
Answer: 2:12.
Question: What underlayment is used beneath asphalt shingles?
Answer: Roofing felt (usually #15 or #30).
Question: What is the main function of roof flashing?
Answer: To prevent water penetration at joints and intersections.
Question: What is the most common cause of roof leaks?
Answer: Improperly installed or damaged flashing.
Question: When nailing shingles, how many nails are typically used per shingle?
Answer: Four nails per shingle (six in high-wind areas).
Section 4: Siding, Windows & Doors
Question: What is the primary function of house wrap under siding?
Answer: To act as a weather-resistant barrier while allowing vapor to escape.
Questions with correct
Answers
Section 1: Site Work, Foundations & Concrete
Question: What is the main purpose of reinforcing steel in a concrete slab?
Answer: To resist tensile stresses and prevent cracking.
Question: What should be the minimum concrete curing time before placing heavy
loads?
Answer: Typically 7 days for light loads and 28 days for full strength.
Question: When excavating near a foundation, what is the safest slope ratio for soil
that is mostly clay?
Answer: 1:1 (45° slope).
Question: Which type of footing distributes load across a larger area to prevent
settlement?
Answer: Spread footing.
Question: What is the minimum required depth of a concrete footing in Virginia?
Answer: At least 12 inches below undisturbed ground and below the frost line
(usually 18–24 inches).
Section 2: Masonry & Carpentry
Question: What is the typical mortar joint thickness in masonry work?
Answer: 3/8 inch.
Question: What type of lumber is best for outdoor framing exposed to weather?
, Answer: Pressure-treated lumber.
Question: When installing a header above a door, what is its function?
Answer: To transfer load from above to the framing on each side.
Question: What is the purpose of a sill plate in wall framing?
Answer: It anchors the structure to the foundation.
Question: How far apart are wall studs typically spaced in residential framing?
Answer: 16 inches on center (O.C.).
Section 3: Roofing
Question: What is the minimum roof slope recommended for asphalt shingles?
Answer: 2:12.
Question: What underlayment is used beneath asphalt shingles?
Answer: Roofing felt (usually #15 or #30).
Question: What is the main function of roof flashing?
Answer: To prevent water penetration at joints and intersections.
Question: What is the most common cause of roof leaks?
Answer: Improperly installed or damaged flashing.
Question: When nailing shingles, how many nails are typically used per shingle?
Answer: Four nails per shingle (six in high-wind areas).
Section 4: Siding, Windows & Doors
Question: What is the primary function of house wrap under siding?
Answer: To act as a weather-resistant barrier while allowing vapor to escape.
