CCPIA flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Live load

The load imposed by occupancy and use, such as people, furniture, and movable equipment. ASCE 7 lists typical values: 50 psf for offices, 100 psf for corridors, and 125 psf for storage.

Dead load

The permanent, static weight of the structure itself, including framing, finishes, roofing, and fixed equipment. It is calculated from material densities and remains constant over the life of the building.

L/360 deflection

A common serviceability limit for floor members under live load, meaning the maximum deflection equals the span divided by 360. Roof members are often limited to L/240.

Thermal bridging

Heat flow through continuous, highly conductive framing that bypasses insulation, causing cold spots and condensation. Continuous exterior insulation or thermal breaks reduce the effect.

Air barrier continuity

An uninterrupted plane that resists air leakage across the envelope. It must be sealed at penetrations and at roof, wall, and foundation transitions, where most leakage occurs.

Positive drainage

Roof design that moves water to drains or scuppers without ponding. Standing water remaining 48 hours after rain indicates inadequate slope or deflected structure.

Roof cricket

A small sloped ridge installed on the uphill side of a chimney or large rooftop unit to divert water around the obstruction and prevent ponding and debris accumulation.

Base flashing height

The upturned membrane or flashing at a roof-to-wall junction, typically at least 8 inches above the roof surface, with counterflashing lapped over its top edge.

Ponding water

Water that remains on a roof more than 48 hours after rainfall. It signals inadequate slope, clogged drains, or structural deflection and can lead to membrane failure and overload.

Infrared moisture survey

A thermographic scan that reveals wet roof insulation as temperature anomalies after sunset. It is a screening tool; nuclear or impedance meters confirm suspect areas.

Trap seal

The water barrier in a plumbing trap, typically 2 to 4 inches deep, that prevents sewer gas from entering the building. Evaporation from disuse can break the seal.

T&P relief valve

A temperature and pressure safety valve on a water heater, mounted within the top 6 inches of the tank, with a full-size discharge pipe terminating 6 to 24 inches above the floor.

GFCI protection

Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection required at bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and within 6 feet of sinks. It trips at a small current imbalance to prevent shock.

Plenum-rated cable

Cable listed for installation in an air-handling plenum, with low smoke and flame spread. It is required by NFPA 90A unless the cable is enclosed in metal conduit.

Phase I elevator recall

Automatic recall of elevators to the designated landing when a lobby, machine room, or hoistway smoke detector activates, removing the car from the fire floor.

Demising wall

The wall separating one tenant space from another or from common areas. In core-and-shell inspections, it commonly marks the boundary of the inspector's scope.

Accessible route

A continuous path connecting accessible elements, with a minimum 36-inch clear width, running slope no steeper than 1:20, and cross slope no steeper than 1:48.

Van-accessible space

A parking space with an adjacent 96-inch access aisle, required for one of every six accessible spaces, with a maximum slope of 1:48 in all directions.

Curb ramp slope

The maximum running slope for a curb ramp is 1:12, with flared sides no steeper than 1:10. Detectable warning surfaces mark the transition to the street.

Trip hazard threshold

A vertical change in walking surface over 1/4 inch is a trip hazard. Displacement over 1/2 inch requires a beveled edge or replacement of the section.

Egress width factor

The IBC occupant load multiplier for egress capacity: 0.2 inch per occupant on level components and 0.15 inch per occupant on stairs, with minimum widths by occupancy.

Travel distance limit

The maximum distance from the most remote point to an exit. It is 250 feet for nonsprinklered business occupancy and 300 feet when sprinklered, subject to local amendment.

Class K extinguisher

A wet-chemical extinguisher for cooking media fires, required in commercial kitchens with deep fryers. Maximum travel distance to the extinguisher is typically 30 feet.

Smoke detector spacing

On a flat ceiling, detectors are placed within 21 feet of any wall, with spacing set by the manufacturer and NFPA 72. They are kept at least 3 feet from supply diffusers.

Self-closing fire door

A door in a rated assembly that closes and latches automatically after each use. Propping or removing the closer defeats the fire separation and is a reportable deficiency.

Representative sampling

Inspecting a documented subset of repeated components, such as a portion of windows or outlets, and stating the sample size and method in the report.

Observed condition language

Report wording that describes what was seen rather than speculating about cause. Causation is stated only when directly observable, such as a stain below a visible roof defect.

Standard of care

The level of care a reasonably competent inspector would exercise under similar circumstances. It is a performance standard, not a warranty against future failure.

Conflict of interest

A situation in which the inspector benefits from repair work identified in the report, such as a referral fee. It must be avoided to preserve objectivity and client trust.

Scope of work

The systems and components the inspector agrees to examine. It must meet the applicable standard of practice and disclose any exclusions or limitations before the inspection.

Errors and omissions insurance

Professional liability coverage for claims of negligent inspection or reporting. It is typically claims-made, so the retroactive date and prior-acts coverage matter.

Limitation of liability clause

A contract provision capping damages, often at the inspection fee. Enforceability varies by state, and some jurisdictions limit or prohibit such caps.