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MONTANA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
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C. 35–50 years D. 50–70 years Asphalt shingle roofs generally last 15–30 years depending on material quality, installation, and weather.
C. Roof coverings D. HVAC systems Underground components are typically excluded from standard inspections due to inaccessibility. 10.The presence of efflorescence on a foundation wall typically indicates: A. Poor mortar quality B. Moisture intrusion C. Excessive heating D. Lack of insulation Efflorescence is the white, powdery residue left when water evaporates from masonry. 11.What is the standard depth for a footing below the frost line in Montana? A. 12 inches B. 24 inches C. 36 inches D. 48 inches Montana requires footings to be below the frost line, generally 36 inches to prevent frost heave. 12.A P-trap is used in plumbing systems to: A. Increase water flow B. Prevent corrosion
C. Prevent sewer gas from entering the home D. Maintain water pressure The P-trap holds water, which blocks sewer gases from backing into the home. 13.Which roofing material typically has the longest lifespan? A. Asphalt shingles B. Cedar shakes C. Slate tiles D. Metal roofing Slate roofs can last over 100 years with proper maintenance. 14.A handrail is required on stairs with: A. 2 or more risers B. 4 or more risers C. 6 or more risers D. 8 or more risers Code usually requires handrails when stairs have four or more risers for safety. 15.Which of the following is a safety hazard in a crawlspace? A. Dry insulation B. Standing water C. Gravel floor D. Flexible ductwork Standing water may indicate drainage issues and increase the risk of mold or structural damage. 16.Which of the following would require immediate repair?
A 5% slope is recommended to direct water away from the foundation. 20.What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall? A. Reduce pests B. Allow moisture to escape C. Support the bricks D. Add ventilation Weep holes allow water that accumulates behind brick veneer to drain out. 21.Which insulation has the highest R-value per inch? A. Fiberglass batts B. Cellulose C. Spray foam (closed-cell) D. Mineral wool Closed-cell spray foam has the highest R-value per inch (~6.5). 22.A home inspector finds a furnace flue pipe with black soot on it. What does this likely indicate? A. Proper combustion B. Lack of insulation C. Incomplete combustion D. Low humidity Black soot usually means improper combustion or venting issues. 23.An AFCI breaker protects against:
A. Ground faults B. Arc faults C. Lightning strikes D. Voltage drops Arc fault circuit interrupters detect arcing that could lead to electrical fires. 24.The minimum clearance in front of an electrical panel is: A. 24 inches B. 36 inches C. 48 inches D. 60 inches National Electrical Code requires 36 inches of clear working space in front of panels. 25.Which of the following HVAC components removes humidity? A. Furnace B. Heat exchanger C. Air conditioner D. Condenser fan motor Air conditioners remove humidity during the cooling process. 26.Which term best describes a roof structure with two slopes on each side? A. Gable B. Gambrel
A. Prevent flooding B. Anchor the house to the foundation C. Seal the roof D. Support floor joists The sill plate connects the framing to the foundation, acting as an anchor. 31.What is the proper slope for a drain pipe? A. 1/8 inch per foot B. 1/4 inch per foot C. 1/2 inch per foot D. 1 inch per foot Drain pipes should slope 1/4 inch per foot to maintain proper flow. 32.Which condition is a potential cause for foundation settlement? A. Wind B. Poor soil compaction C. Dry air D. Sunlight Poor compaction or expansive soils can lead to foundation movement. 33.Knob and tube wiring is: A. Common in new homes B. Outdated and potentially hazardous C. The safest type D. Code compliant in all states
Knob and tube wiring lacks grounding and insulation, posing fire risks. 34.During inspection, condensation in attic is often a sign of: A. Poor ventilation B. Roof leaks C. Solar gain D. Excess insulation Without proper airflow, warm moist air can condense in attics. 35.What does a plumb line measure? A. Vertical alignment B. Air pressure C. Drainage D. Electrical continuity A plumb line checks for vertical alignment in framing and walls. 36.An inspection of a furnace should include: A. Duct cleaning B. Internal repairs C. Condition, age, filter, and function D. Freon recharge Inspectors visually assess HVAC condition and performance but don’t perform repairs. 37.Radon is:
C. Curled shingles D. Roof boots Curled shingles indicate age, poor installation, or weather damage. 41.What is the likely cause of a slow floor drain? A. New construction B. Dry trap C. Partial blockage D. High water pressure Partial blockages restrict water flow and are common in older or poorly maintained drains. 42.What tool is best for detecting moisture behind walls? A. Infrared thermometer B. Flashlight C. Moisture meter D. Compass Moisture meters can detect high moisture levels behind surfaces. 43.A sagging ridge line on a roof suggests: A. Normal settling B. Structural failure in roof framing C. Paint failure D. Ice damming A sagging ridge often means framing issues that need further evaluation.
44.When is the best time to test a smoke detector? A. When house is sold B. During home inspection C. When batteries die D. Once a year Inspectors are encouraged to check basic safety features like smoke detectors during inspection. 45.A hairline crack in a foundation wall is: A. Typically cosmetic B. A reason to condemn the home C. A serious threat D. A radon source Hairline cracks are often due to curing and are not always serious. 46.When inspecting an electric water heater, the inspector should: A. Remove the heating elements B. Flush the tank C. Note the tank condition, label, and TPR valve D. Replace the anode rod Home inspectors perform visual checks and report on safety components. 47.The maximum spacing of balusters in guardrails should be: A. 2 inches B. 4 inches
