National Home Inspector Exam

Exterior components protect the building envelope from weather and provide aesthetic appeal. These systems work together to shed water and resist the elements.

Wall cladding, commonly called siding, is the exterior skin protecting the building from weather. Each material has specific installation requirements and failure modes.

Wood siding includes horizontal lap siding, vertical board siding, shingles, and shakes. Wood siding requires maintenance including painting or staining. Inspectors evaluate wood siding for rot, especially near ground contact, around penetrations, and at horizontal surfaces. Wood siding should maintain at least six inches clearance above grade.

Vinyl siding is low-maintenance but vulnerable to impact damage and can melt from reflected heat sources like windows or barbecue grills. Vinyl must be installed loosely to allow thermal expansion and contraction. Tight nailing causes buckling and distortion. Inspectors check for buckling, loose panels, and damaged sections.

Fiber cement siding offers durability and fire resistance. It requires painting and can crack if improperly handled during installation. Inspectors evaluate for cracking, chipping, and proper caulking at joints and penetrations.

Aluminum siding is durable but dents easily and can oxidize. Original baked-on finishes eventually chalk and fade. Inspectors check for denting, oxidation, and loose panels.

Brick and stone veneer are installed over weather-resistant barriers and attached with metal ties. Weep holes at the base allow moisture drainage from behind the veneer. Inspectors evaluate for cracking, mortar deterioration, efflorescence, and proper flashing at tops and bases of walls.

Stucco, both traditional and synthetic, requires proper installation to prevent moisture intrusion. Traditional stucco consists of three coats over metal lath. Synthetic stucco, or EIFS, is an exterior insulation and finish system that has experienced significant moisture problems when improperly installed, particularly around windows and at grade contact. Inspectors evaluate stucco for cracking, staining, and soft spots that may indicate moisture damage.

Trim provides transitions between different materials and covers joints. Fascia boards close the ends of roof rafters and support gutter systems. Inspectors evaluate trim for rot, especially at horizontal surfaces and near ground contact, and check fascia for proper attachment and deterioration.

Entry doors should operate smoothly, latch securely, and seal properly against weather. Inspectors check weatherstripping, thresholds, and door operation. Security features including deadbolt locks and strike plate installation are evaluated.

Sliding glass doors should roll smoothly on tracks and lock securely. The stationary panel should be secured against lifting. Screen doors should latch and slide properly.

Storm doors protect entry doors from weather and provide additional insulation. Inspectors check glazing, weatherstripping, and hardware operation.

Windows provide natural light and ventilation while maintaining the building envelope. Common window types include single-hung, double-hung, casement, sliding, awning, and fixed.

Double-hung windows have two operable sashes that slide vertically. Single-hung windows have one fixed sash and one operable sash. Casement windows hinge on the side and swing outward. Sliding windows move horizontally on tracks. Awning windows hinge at the top and swing outward.

Inspectors evaluate windows for proper operation, glazing condition, seal integrity, and hardware function. Failed insulated glass seals appear as fogging or condensation between panes. Window operation should be smooth without binding or sticking.

Egress requirements mandate that sleeping rooms have at least one window meeting minimum size and operational requirements for emergency escape. Typical requirements specify minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet, minimum clear width of 20 inches, minimum clear height of 24 inches, and maximum sill height of 44 inches above floor.

Caulking and sealants prevent water intrusion at joints, penetrations, and transitions. Inspectors evaluate sealants around windows, doors, penetrations, and wherever different materials meet. Failed sealant appears cracked, separated, or missing and requires replacement.

Soffits enclose the underside of roof overhangs. Vented soffits provide intake ventilation for attic spaces. Inspectors evaluate soffits for damage, proper ventilation, and pest entry points.

Exterior stairs and porches must be structurally sound and safe. Inspectors evaluate stair rise and run uniformity, guardrail height and baluster spacing, structural connections, and surface condition. Standard requirements include maximum 7.75-inch rise, minimum 10-inch run, and guardrails required when more than 30 inches above grade. Baluster spacing should not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere.

Deck construction receives particular attention. Inspectors evaluate ledger board attachment to the house, post-to-beam and beam-to-joist connections, joist hangers, and guardrail construction. Deck collapses often result from inadequate ledger attachment.

Garage doors should operate smoothly and reverse when encountering obstructions. Automatic openers must have functioning safety reverse mechanisms. Photoelectric sensors near the floor detect obstructions and reverse door travel. Inspectors test auto-reverse by placing an obstacle in the door path.

Springs counterbalance door weight. Extension springs along the horizontal tracks should have safety cables to prevent flying spring hazards if springs break. Torsion springs above the door opening are under extreme tension and require professional service.

Fire separation between attached garages and living spaces requires self-closing, solid-core doors or 20-minute fire-rated doors. Walls between garages and living spaces typically require 1/2-inch gypsum board or equivalent fire resistance.