Structure Inspection Section#2 Floors Quiz#1

This Study Session outlines the scope of floor system inspections as set out in the ASHI®/CAHI Standards of Practice (note: ASHI® stands for the American Society of Home Inspectors; CAHI stands for the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors).

The estimated completion time is 45 minutes.

Objectives
At the end of this Study Session, you should be able to:

• Identify what parts of the ASHI® Standards apply to floors.
• Identify the components of floor systems.
• Describe the function of floor systems.
• Describe the problems with wood-soil and wood-concrete contact.
• Describe the function of sills and common sill problems.

How are sills anchored to foundations?

Sills are typically bolted to the foundation.

List five common sill problems.

1. Sills below grade

2. Rot or insect damage

3. Gaps between the sill and foundation

4. Crushed sills

5. Not properly anchored

6. Missing

List five general structural components that must be inspected according to the Standards.

1. The foundation 

2. The floor system

3. The wall system

4. The ceiling system

5. The roof system. 

List five structural components of floors, as defined in this Module.

1. Sills

2. Columns

3. Beams

4. Joists

5. Subflooring

What is the main function of sills?

To connect the top of the foundation to the wood floor system

Why are rotted sills a problem? (3 answers)

1. Rotted sills may be crushed and lead to differential settlement 
2. Rotted sills often mean rotted joists and studs 
3. Rotted sills means the house frame is not well anchored to the foundation

Why is wood contact with concrete near or below grade level discouraged?

Avoid moisture and possible rot

All of these may be floor functions except:

carrying the weight of masonry chimneys <selected answer>

transferring live and dead loads to the foundation

providing lateral support for foundation walls

Floors will bend a little before they break.

True

Vertical loads on beams and columns running through the center of the house can be greater than the vertical loads through foundations.

True