ICA EXAM 1 questions and answers 2026\2027 A+
Grade
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify
dampness?
- correct answer a non-contact moisture meter
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from
- correct answer rust and metal fatigue
Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as
- correct answer percentage
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe, will
usually cause
- correct answer electrolysis
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system?
- correct answer joist width
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is
- correct answer 7 3/4 inches / depth is 10 inches
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed
- correct answer upstream from the receptacle
Circuit breakers
- correct answer 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
- correct answer condensation at the evaporator coil
A home inspection report MUST include
- correct answer the general life expectancy of the roofing material
Water hammer can occur as a result of
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 1 in 12.
2 in 12.
3 in 12.
4 in 12.
If a poured concrete foundation has an unusually large number of vertical cracks, each no wider than
1/32 inch, the cause is likely to be
- correct answer differential settlement from adverse drainage conditions.
excessive amounts of aggregate in the concrete mix.
settlement from compaction of soils below the footings.
shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
Where should squash blocks (web blocking) be found in a wood I-joist floor system?
- correct answer at bearing ends and load bearing walls above with support girders below
at bearing ends and all splices
at bearing ends and plumbing penetrations
at perimeter ends, plumbing penetrations, and splices over girders
Columns typically support
- correct answer footers.
Grade
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify
dampness?
- correct answer a non-contact moisture meter
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from
- correct answer rust and metal fatigue
Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as
- correct answer percentage
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe, will
usually cause
- correct answer electrolysis
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system?
- correct answer joist width
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is
- correct answer 7 3/4 inches / depth is 10 inches
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed
- correct answer upstream from the receptacle
Circuit breakers
- correct answer 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
- correct answer condensation at the evaporator coil
A home inspection report MUST include
- correct answer the general life expectancy of the roofing material
Water hammer can occur as a result of
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 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
- correct answer 1 in 12.
2 in 12.
3 in 12.
4 in 12.
If a poured concrete foundation has an unusually large number of vertical cracks, each no wider than
1/32 inch, the cause is likely to be
- correct answer differential settlement from adverse drainage conditions.
excessive amounts of aggregate in the concrete mix.
settlement from compaction of soils below the footings.
shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
Where should squash blocks (web blocking) be found in a wood I-joist floor system?
- correct answer at bearing ends and load bearing walls above with support girders below
at bearing ends and all splices
at bearing ends and plumbing penetrations
at perimeter ends, plumbing penetrations, and splices over girders
Columns typically support
- correct answer footers.
