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National Home Inspector Examination® (NHIE) practice questions

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Question 1Structural

In a conventional wood-frame house, which structural member runs horizontally along the top of wall studs to transfer loads from the structure above?

  1. Ledger board
  2. Sill plate
  3. Rim joist
  4. Top plate Correct answer.

Explanation

The top plate is the horizontal member capping the studs at the top of a wall and collecting loads from ceiling joists, rafters, or upper floors. The sill plate sits at the bottom of the wall on the foundation, so it serves a different function.

Question 2Structural

A crack in a poured concrete foundation wall follows a diagonal line from a window corner and is wider at the top than at the bottom. This pattern most commonly indicates what?

  1. Differential settlement or frost heave Correct answer.
  2. Uniform settlement of the entire footing
  3. Normal shrinkage of curing concrete
  4. Adequate reinforcement with no concern

Explanation

A diagonal crack that widens toward one end suggests one portion of the foundation has moved relative to another, which points to differential settlement or frost heave. Uniform settlement would tend to produce level, horizontal cracking rather than a diagonal taper.

Question 3Structural

Which term describes the vertical distance from the top of a foundation wall to the finished grade, measured to help keep siding and framing above soil?

  1. Bearing height
  2. Frost depth
  3. Clearance Correct answer.
  4. Rise

Explanation

Foundation clearance is the exposed height of the foundation above grade, which keeps wood framing and siding away from soil contact and moisture. Frost depth is the depth to which soil freezes and is unrelated to the exposed wall height.

Question 4Structural

When inspecting a floor system, you observe that a nominal 2x10 floor joist has a notch cut into its top edge near midspan. Which statement best reflects the structural concern?

  1. A midspan notch actually strengthens the joist by removing dead load
  2. A top-edge notch near midspan reduces the joist's bending capacity in its tension zone Correct answer.
  3. Notches in the top edge are always acceptable if the joist is painted
  4. Notching is permitted anywhere as long as the notch is less than half the depth

Explanation

The bottom edge of a simply supported joist is in tension, and notches or holes in high-stress zones reduce section and can initiate splitting. A top-edge notch near midspan removes material where bending stress is significant, so it warrants evaluation rather than automatic acceptance.

Question 5Structural

A home inspector observes that roof rafters bear against a ridge board that is a nominal 1-inch board rather than a structural ridge beam. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. The rafters are decorative and carry no load
  2. The ridge board must be replaced with a beam in every case
  3. The ridge board carries the full roof load to the foundation
  4. The ridge board provides no significant vertical support and the rafters rely on opposing thrust balance Correct answer.

Explanation

A non-structural ridge board is a alignment member that rafters nail to; it does not carry roof load as a beam, and the roof relies on balanced rafter pairs and ceiling joists or collar ties to resist thrust. Only a properly sized and supported ridge beam acts as a load-carrying member.

Question 6Structural

Which component is designed to resist the outward thrust of a gable roof by tying opposing rafters together near the top of the roof?

  1. Soffit vent
  2. Rafter tail
  3. Collar tie Correct answer.
  4. Fascia board

Explanation

A collar tie connects opposing rafters in the upper third of the roof to help resist outward thrust and rafter separation. Rafter tails and fascia are at the eaves and do not tie opposing rafters together.

Question 7Structural

During an inspection you find a steel column in a basement resting on a concrete floor slab with no footing visible and no mechanical connection to the beam above. This condition should be reported because it may indicate what?

  1. A properly engineered floating column detail
  2. An acceptable condition if the column is painted
  3. Normal practice for post-1970 construction
  4. Inadequate load path and potential for point-load failure of the slab Correct answer.

Explanation

A column must transfer load through a footing to stable soil and should be secured to the beam it supports. Bearing directly on an unreinforced slab without a footing risks punching through, and lack of connection allows lateral displacement, both of which are load-path deficiencies.

Question 8Structural

A balloon-framed wall differs from a platform-framed wall primarily because balloon framing uses what?

  1. Studs interrupted at each floor with a sole and top plate
  2. Masonry walls instead of wood studs
  3. Continuous studs extending from the foundation to the roof line Correct answer.
  4. No wall studs at all

Explanation

Balloon framing uses long continuous studs running from the sill to the eave, with floor joists let into the studs, which creates continuous vertical cavities that can channel fire. Platform framing interrupts studs at each floor level with plates.

Question 9Structural

You observe horizontal cracking along the mortar joints of a brick veneer wall near mid-height, with the crack running parallel to the bed joints. Which cause is most plausible?

  1. Properly installed flashing
  2. Excessive compressive load from the roof
  3. Differential movement between the veneer and the backing wall or inadequate shelf angle support Correct answer.
  4. Normal weathering with no structural implication

Explanation

Horizontal cracking in brick veneer often reflects differential movement, such as the veneer expanding while the backing shrinks, or inadequate support at shelf angles. It is a movement-related distress pattern rather than a compressive overload from above.

Question 10Structural

In a wood-frame house, which member is typically installed perpendicular to floor joists to prevent them from twisting and to provide lateral support?

  1. Header
  2. Girder
  3. Bridging Correct answer.
  4. Subfloor

Explanation

Bridging, either solid or cross, is installed between joists to resist twisting and distribute loads. Headers frame openings, subfloor is the decking, and girders are primary beams, none of which serve the anti-twist function described.

Question 11Structural

A deck ledger attached to a house has lag screws spaced irregularly, some of which are located in the gap between rim joist and band joist. What is the primary structural risk?

  1. The decking boards will warp
  2. The deck railing will be too low
  3. The deck will not meet energy code requirements
  4. The deck may pull away from the house because the ledger connection is compromised Correct answer.

Explanation

The ledger-to-rim connection carries the deck's lateral and vertical loads to the house, and fasteners placed in gaps or with irregular spacing may not develop the intended capacity. A compromised ledger connection can lead to separation and collapse.

Question 12Structural

Which term describes the ratio of a roof's vertical rise to its horizontal run, often expressed as a fraction such as 4/12?

  1. Overhang
  2. Span
  3. Fascia
  4. Pitch Correct answer.

Explanation

Roof pitch expresses the vertical rise per unit of horizontal run, commonly written as x/12. Span is the total horizontal distance covered by the roof, and overhang is the projection beyond the wall.

Question 13Structural

An inspector finds that a load-bearing wall has been removed and replaced with a header that bears on a single jack stud at one end, with no king stud. Which statement best describes the concern?

  1. The absence of a king stud improves load distribution
  2. The header is decorative and need not be supported
  3. The header is adequately supported because one jack stud is sufficient
  4. The header end lacks adequate support and lateral restraint, creating a potential structural deficiency Correct answer.

Explanation

A header requires proper end bearing and lateral restraint, typically provided by jack and king studs. A single jack stud without a king stud may provide insufficient bearing and bracing, so the alteration should be flagged for evaluation.

Question 14Structural

Which foundation type relies on a perimeter footing and stem wall with a slab placed inside, often used where a full basement is not needed?

  1. Caisson foundation
  2. Crawl space foundation Correct answer.
  3. Mat foundation
  4. Pile foundation

Explanation

A crawl space foundation uses perimeter footings and stem walls with an accessible shallow space beneath the floor. Piles and caissons are deep foundation elements, and a mat is a large slab supporting the whole structure.

Question 15Structural

In a steel-framed structure, a beam that spans between columns and supports other beams is best described as what?

  1. Girder Correct answer.
  2. Purlin
  3. Joist
  4. Stud

Explanation

A girder is a primary beam that supports secondary beams or joists and transfers their loads to columns. Purlins support roof sheathing, joists are closely spaced secondary members, and studs are vertical wall members.

Question 16Structural

A homeowner reports that a second-floor room has a noticeable slope toward the center, and the first-floor ceiling below shows a sagging beam. Which is the most reasonable initial hypothesis?

  1. The roof sheathing is delaminated
  2. The foundation is perfectly sound and no evaluation is needed
  3. An undersized or deteriorated girder or beam is deflecting under load Correct answer.
  4. The window flashing is improperly installed

Explanation

A sagging first-floor beam aligned with a sloped second floor suggests deflection of a primary support member carrying floor loads. Undersized, overloaded, or deteriorated beams are common causes and should be evaluated.

Question 17Structural

Which condition most directly indicates that a wood sill plate has been compromised by moisture and should be reported as a structural concern?

  1. Sill plate is painted a darker color
  2. Sill plate is pressure-treated and dry
  3. Sill plate has a small surface stain
  4. Sill plate shows soft, crumbly wood with visible decay near anchor bolts Correct answer.

Explanation

Soft, crumbly wood indicates decay that reduces the sill plate's capacity to anchor and support the wall. Pressure-treated dry wood and surface stains do not by themselves indicate structural loss.

Question 18Structural

A roof truss has a diagonal web member that appears to have been cut to make room for a duct. Why is this a significant concern?

  1. Trusses are decorative and cutting a web has no effect
  2. Truss members are designed as a system, and cutting a web member can redistribute loads and cause failure Correct answer.
  3. Cutting a web member only affects attic ventilation
  4. The duct will be too large for the space

Explanation

Roof trusses act as an engineered system in which each web member carries specific tension or compression, so cutting one alters the load path and can overload adjacent members. Field modifications require engineering review, not casual cutting.

Question 19Structural

Which structural element is designed to resist lateral loads from wind and earthquakes by acting as a vertical plane of stiffness in a wood-frame wall?

  1. Shear wall Correct answer.
  2. Drop ceiling
  3. Collar tie
  4. Soffit

Explanation

A shear wall is a wall segment designed and fastened to resist in-plane lateral forces, often using structural sheathing and hold-downs. Collar ties resist roof thrust, while ceilings and soffits are non-structural.

Question 20Structural

In a masonry wall, a horizontal crack that follows a stair-step pattern through mortar joints and is accompanied by a bulge in the wall most likely indicates what?

  1. Lateral earth pressure or loss of wall stability Correct answer.
  2. Thermal expansion of the roof
  3. Properly functioning weep holes
  4. Normal efflorescence

Explanation

Stair-step cracking with bulging suggests the wall is moving out of plane, often from lateral soil pressure, inadequate drainage, or loss of anchorage. This is a stability concern requiring prompt evaluation.

Question 21Structural

A floor joist spans between two bearing walls and has a hole drilled through its center near midspan. Which statement best describes the general rule for such holes?

  1. Holes are permitted anywhere regardless of size
  2. Holes should always be placed at the bottom edge
  3. Holes may be permitted in the middle third of the span if sized and located within recognized limits Correct answer.
  4. Holes are never permitted in floor joists

Explanation

Recognized limits generally allow holes in the central portion of a joist span where shear stress is lower, provided the hole diameter and spacing stay within permitted dimensions. Holes near the top or bottom edges or near bearings are more likely to be prohibited.

Question 22Structural

Which is the best description of a post-and-beam foundation system compared with a stud-wall foundation?

  1. Post-and-beam uses large spaced posts and beams with infill, while stud-wall uses closely spaced vertical members Correct answer.
  2. Post-and-beam foundations cannot support floors
  3. Stud-wall foundations contain no vertical members
  4. Post-and-beam uses only masonry piers

Explanation

Post-and-beam construction uses relatively few large posts and beams with infill panels, whereas stud-wall construction uses closely spaced repetitive vertical members. Both are framing approaches and differ in member spacing and sizing.

Question 23Structural

An inspector sees that a chimney is leaning away from the house and has a visible gap at the roof flashing. Which structural issue should be considered first?

  1. The flashing gap is purely cosmetic
  2. The chimney is correctly separated for expansion
  3. The roof pitch is too steep
  4. The chimney may have inadequate foundation support or footing movement Correct answer.

Explanation

A leaning chimney with separation at the roof line suggests movement of its foundation or footing, which is a safety concern because chimneys are heavy and can collapse. Flashing gaps may also admit water, but the movement itself is the primary structural issue.

Question 24Structural

Which type of beam is built up from multiple wood members fastened together to carry heavier loads than a single member?

  1. Sill sealer
  2. Built-up beam Correct answer.
  3. Joist hanger
  4. Cantilever

Explanation

A built-up beam combines multiple members, such as nailed plies of lumber, to increase capacity. A cantilever is a structural condition, a joist hanger is a connector, and a sill sealer is a gasket material.

Question 25Structural

A home has a steeply pitched roof with no ceiling joists and no ridge beam, and the exterior walls show outward bowing at the top plate. Which explanation best fits?

  1. The gutters are undersized
  2. The roof sheathing is too thick
  3. Rafter thrust is pushing the walls outward because the roof lacks adequate tie-down or collar ties Correct answer.
  4. The foundation is too deep

Explanation

Without ceiling joists or a structural ridge, opposing rafters push outward at the wall tops, a condition known as rafter thrust. Over time this can bow walls outward and is a serious framing deficiency.

Question 26Structural

Which framing member in a platform-framed floor system is installed on top of the sill plate and provides the surface to which floor joists are nailed?

  1. Rim joist Correct answer.
  2. Sill sealer
  3. Band joist
  4. Subfloor

Explanation

The rim joist (also called a band joist) is the outermost joist that sits on the sill plate and caps the ends of the floor joists. It transfers loads from the floor to the foundation and provides a nailing surface for the subfloor and exterior sheathing.

Question 27Structural

A crawlspace inspection reveals that the floor joists are notched at their bearing ends where they rest on the foundation sill. Which condition should the inspector report?

  1. The joists are correctly end-nailed to the sill plate.
  2. The joists are using a cantilever detail at the foundation.
  3. The joists have been over-notched, reducing their load capacity. Correct answer.
  4. The joists are properly let into the sill for bearing.

Explanation

Notching a joist at its end reduces the effective depth of the member at the point of maximum shear and bending stress. Building codes limit end notches to no more than one-quarter of the joist depth, so an excessive notch is a structural deficiency that should be reported.

Question 28Structural

Which statement best describes the function of a girder in a wood-frame floor system?

  1. It is a small member placed between joists to keep them aligned.
  2. It supports the ends of floor joists and transfers their loads to posts or walls. Correct answer.
  3. It is a diagonal brace used to stiffen the wall sheathing.
  4. It is the finish flooring layer that spans between joists.

Explanation

A girder is a primary beam that carries the ends of floor joists and delivers those loads to columns, piers, or bearing walls. It is typically larger than the joists it supports and is a key element in the load path from floor to foundation.

Question 29Structural

During an inspection, you observe that a built-up wood girder in the basement is supported at midspan by a single 4x4 post resting on a concrete floor with no footing. What is the primary concern?

  1. The girder is over-supported and may deflect upward.
  2. The post may punch through the slab because it lacks a proper footing. Correct answer.
  3. The post is too large for the girder.
  4. The post material is not allowed in basements.

Explanation

A post must bear on a footing sized to distribute the concentrated load to the soil. A post set directly on a slab without a footing can crack or punch through the slab and settle, causing floor deflection and structural distress.

Question 30Structural

Which term describes a foundation system in which wood posts are set on concrete piers and support beams that carry the floor above?

  1. Post-and-beam foundation Correct answer.
  2. Full basement foundation
  3. Grade-beam foundation
  4. Slab-on-grade foundation

Explanation

A post-and-beam foundation uses isolated concrete piers or treated wood posts to support perimeter and interior beams, which in turn carry the floor joists. It is common in crawlspace construction and raises the floor above grade.

Question 31Structural

A concrete foundation wall shows a vertical crack that is wider at the top than at the bottom and is accompanied by inward bowing of the wall. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Soil pressure exceeding the wall's design capacity Correct answer.
  2. A crack caused by a missing control joint
  3. A settlement crack from a footing failure
  4. Normal shrinkage cracking

Explanation

Vertical cracks that are wider at the top and paired with inward bowing indicate lateral soil or hydrostatic pressure pushing the wall inward. This is a serious structural condition that may require engineering evaluation and repair.

Question 32Structural

Which type of foundation is most appropriate where the soil has a high water table and a basement is desired?

  1. Basement with perimeter drain tile and waterproofing Correct answer.
  2. Crawlspace with a polyethylene ground cover
  3. Slab-on-grade with a vapor barrier
  4. Pier-and-beam with open crawlspace

Explanation

A basement in a high-water-table area requires a perimeter drainage system and waterproofing to manage hydrostatic pressure. Drain tile collects water and directs it away, while waterproofing protects the wall from moisture penetration.

Question 33Structural

In a wood-frame wall, which member is installed horizontally between studs to provide lateral support and to serve as a nailing base for interior finishes?

  1. Blocking Correct answer.
  2. Cripple stud
  3. Header
  4. Sole plate

Explanation

Blocking is short horizontal framing installed between studs to stiffen the wall, provide fire stopping, and support edge nailing for sheathing or drywall. It is distinct from a header, which spans openings, and from a sole plate, which is the bottom horizontal member.

Question 34Structural

An inspector observes that a wall has been removed between a kitchen and dining room, and the ceiling joists above now span the full width with no visible support at midspan. What should the inspector report?

  1. The removal of the wall may have eliminated a bearing point, causing deflection. Correct answer.
  2. The joists are properly cantilevered.
  3. The ceiling is supported by the flooring above.
  4. The joists are designed for the longer span.

Explanation

Interior walls often provide midspan bearing for ceiling or floor joists. Removing such a wall without installing a beam and posts can cause excessive deflection and cracking in the finishes above, so the condition should be flagged for evaluation.

Question 35Structural

Which wall framing method uses continuous studs that extend from the foundation sill to the roof rafters, with floor joists attached to the studs via a ledger?

  1. Timber framing
  2. Balloon framing Correct answer.
  3. Platform framing
  4. Post-and-beam framing

Explanation

Balloon framing uses full-height studs that run from the sill to the eave, with floor joists supported on a ribbon or ledger let into the studs. This differs from platform framing, where each floor is built as a separate platform.

Question 36Structural

A two-story house has balloon-framed walls, and the inspector notices that the floor joists are pocketed into the studs with no fire blocking visible at the floor line. Why is this a concern?

  1. The wall lacks a continuous load path.
  2. The joists may not be deep enough.
  3. The joists may rot from lack of ventilation.
  4. The stud cavities can act as a chimney for fire spread. Correct answer.

Explanation

In balloon framing, the continuous stud cavities create a vertical void from the basement to the attic. Without fire blocking at each floor level, these voids can channel flames and smoke rapidly through the building.

Question 37Structural

Which roof framing member is a horizontal beam that runs parallel to the ridge and supports the lower ends of rafters, often at the top plate of the wall?

  1. Valley rafter
  2. Ridge board
  3. Wall plate Correct answer.
  4. Hip rafter

Explanation

The wall plate (top plate) is the horizontal member at the top of the wall that receives the ends of the rafters and transfers roof loads to the wall. It is distinct from the ridge board at the peak and from hip or valley rafters at roof intersections.

Question 38Structural

During a roof inspection, you see that the rafters are 2x6 members spaced 24 inches on center and the roof covering is heavy concrete tile. The rafters show noticeable sag between supports. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. The rafters are undersized for the added dead load of the tile. Correct answer.
  2. The roof sheathing is too thick.
  3. The rafters are properly sized but the tile is too light.
  4. The rafters are spaced too closely together.

Explanation

Concrete tile is much heavier than asphalt shingles, and roof framing must be designed for that dead load. Sagging rafters at 24-inch spacing suggest the members are undersized or the spacing is too wide for the tile load.

Question 39Structural

Which structural element is a horizontal member that ties the tops of opposing rafters together and resists the outward thrust of a gable roof?

  1. Ceiling joist
  2. Ridge beam
  3. Rafter tie
  4. Collar tie Correct answer.

Explanation

A collar tie is a horizontal member placed in the upper third of opposing rafters to resist their outward thrust. It is distinguished from a ceiling joist, which is at the bottom of the rafter and also ties the walls together.

Question 40Structural

A house has a hip roof with no visible sag, but the inspector notices that the ends of the ridge board are not supported by a hip rafter and the ridge appears to float. Which condition should be reported?

  1. The roof sheathing is improperly installed.
  2. The hip rafters are too short.
  3. The ridge board lacks end support and may allow rafter spread. Correct answer.
  4. The ridge board is properly supported by the hip rafters.

Explanation

A ridge board must be supported at its ends by hip rafters or gable end walls to resist the thrust of the opposing rafters. An unsupported ridge can allow the rafters to spread and the roof to sag.

Question 41Structural

Which type of wood beam is made by gluing together multiple layers of lumber to create a member stronger and more dimensionally stable than a solid sawn beam of the same size?

  1. LVL beam
  2. I-joist
  3. Built-up beam
  4. Glulam beam Correct answer.

Explanation

A glulam (glued laminated timber) beam is manufactured by bonding layers of lumber with adhesive, producing a strong, stable member that can span long distances. Built-up beams are nailed or bolted, while LVL is made from veneers, and I-joists are shaped like the letter I.

Question 42Structural

An inspector finds that a floor joist has been drilled with a 3-inch hole located 2 inches from the bottom edge in the middle third of the span. What is the concern?

  1. The hole is too small to matter.
  2. The hole is too close to the edge and may weaken the joist. Correct answer.
  3. The hole is in the correct location for a joist.
  4. The hole will improve ventilation.

Explanation

Holes in floor joists must be located away from the top and bottom edges, where bending stresses are highest. A hole close to the edge reduces the effective depth and can cause splitting or failure, so it should be reported.

Question 43Structural

Which statement best describes the purpose of a sill plate in a wood-frame house?

  1. It is a vertical member that supports the floor above.
  2. It is the top horizontal member that supports the roof.
  3. It is a diagonal brace that resists wind loads.
  4. It is the lowest horizontal member of the wall, anchored to the foundation. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sill plate is the bottom horizontal member of the wall framing, anchored to the foundation with anchor bolts. It transfers wall loads to the foundation and provides a level base for the studs.

Question 44Structural

During an inspection, you observe that the anchor bolts securing the sill plate to the foundation are spaced 8 feet apart and the house is in a high-wind region. What should you report?

  1. The spacing is adequate for all regions.
  2. The bolts should be replaced with nails.
  3. The bolts are spaced too far apart for high-wind resistance. Correct answer.
  4. The bolts are too close together.

Explanation

Anchor bolt spacing is governed by code and must be tighter in high-wind or seismic areas to resist uplift and sliding. Eight feet is generally too wide for high-wind regions, where spacing is often 4 to 6 feet.

Question 45Structural

Which condition is a sign that a foundation wall may be experiencing settlement rather than lateral soil pressure?

  1. A horizontal crack at mid-height with bowing.
  2. A vertical crack that is wider at the top.
  3. A diagonal crack that is wider at the bottom near a corner. Correct answer.
  4. A crack that follows a control joint.

Explanation

Settlement typically causes cracks that are wider at the bottom, often diagonal from a corner, as one part of the foundation drops relative to another. Lateral pressure causes bowing and cracks wider at the top or mid-height.

Question 46Structural

Which term describes a horizontal beam that supports the ends of floor joists where they meet a foundation wall, often part of a crawlspace foundation?

  1. Header
  2. Girder
  3. Rim joist Correct answer.
  4. Sill plate

Explanation

The rim joist is the outermost joist that runs perpendicular to the floor joists and caps their ends at the foundation. It provides a nailing edge and helps transfer loads to the foundation.

Question 47Structural

A homeowner reports that a second-floor bedroom door sticks and the floor feels springy near the center of the room. The first-floor ceiling below shows a crack along the wall-ceiling joint. Which structural issue is most likely?

  1. The floor joists are overspan and deflecting. Correct answer.
  2. The door frame is out of square due to settling.
  3. The subfloor is too thick.
  4. The wall studs are too closely spaced.

Explanation

Springy floors and cracks at wall-ceiling joints often indicate that floor joists are undersized or overspanned and are deflecting under load. The deflection can cause doors to stick and finishes to crack.

Question 48Structural

Which component is designed to resist lateral loads from wind and earthquakes by acting as a vertical plane of stiffness in a wood-frame house?

  1. Bearing wall
  2. Cantilever beam
  3. Grade beam
  4. Shear wall Correct answer.

Explanation

A shear wall is a wall designed to resist in-plane lateral forces by transferring them to the foundation. It is typically sheathed with structural panels and anchored with hold-downs and nails.

Question 49Structural

An inspector sees that a wood-framed house has plywood sheathing on the exterior walls, but the sheathing is not nailed to the studs at the edges in a high-seismic area. Why is this a problem?

  1. The sheathing may not act as a shear wall. Correct answer.
  2. The sheathing will increase the building's weight.
  3. The sheathing will block insulation.
  4. The sheathing will rot more quickly.

Explanation

Shear walls rely on properly nailed and edge-supported sheathing to transfer lateral loads. Missing edge nailing reduces the wall's shear capacity and can lead to failure during an earthquake.

Question 50Structural

A brick veneer wall on a wood-frame house shows a stair-step crack in the mortar joints that is wider at one end and accompanied by a bulge in the veneer. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Thermal expansion of the brick.
  2. Inadequate veneer ties or support. Correct answer.
  3. Missing flashing at the roof.
  4. Normal mortar shrinkage.

Explanation

A stair-step crack with bulging in a brick veneer wall often indicates that the veneer is not properly tied to the backing or that the shelf angle or foundation support is inadequate. The veneer may be pulling away, which is a safety concern.