✓ TradeExamPro

TradeExamPro › Inspector › Residential building inspector

Coverings practice questions

23 questions from the residential building inspector practice test.

Coverings practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

Asphalt felt is being applied horizontally as a water-resistive barrier on a wall. How should the courses be lapped?

  1. Each lower course laps over the course above it, to lock it in
  2. Each upper course laps over the one below, shingle fashion
  3. The courses are butted edge to edge and sealed with caulking
  4. The lap direction does not matter if cap staples are used
Show the answer

B. Each upper course laps over the one below, shingle fashion

Water runs downhill, so each upper layer must overlap the layer below, the same way shingles lap. Reverse laps funnel water behind the barrier and into the wall, which is one of the most common leak causes an inspector finds.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 7 (Wall Covering): exterior covering; water-resistive barrier

Where does the residential code require flashing on an exterior wall?

  1. At window and door openings and where the wall meets roofs, decks and similar projections
  2. Only at the base of the wall, where the wall framing meets the foundation
  3. Only where the wall covering is masonry veneer or cement plaster
  4. Only on walls that face the prevailing wind direction for the site
Show the answer

A. At window and door openings and where the wall meets roofs, decks and similar projections

Corrosion-resistant flashing is installed in shingle fashion at window and door openings, at intersections with chimneys, roofs, porches and decks, under copings and sills, and above projecting trim, so water is directed back to the exterior. The requirement is not limited by cladding type or wall orientation.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 7 (Wall Covering): exterior covering; flashing

What is the maximum spacing of weep holes in anchored masonry veneer under the residential code?

  1. 16 inches on center
  2. 48 inches on center
  3. 33 inches on center
  4. 72 inches on center
Show the answer

C. 33 inches on center

Weep holes are spaced no more than 33 inches on center, are at least 3/16 inch in diameter, and are located immediately above the flashing. The 33-inch figure is close to the length of four standard bricks and their joints.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 7 (Wall Covering): anchored stone and masonry veneer; weepholes

Other topics