Defect Recognition and Reporting
Domain 6: Defect recognition and reporting
This domain tests how you classify what you see and write a report that is useful, accurate, and defensible. The exam emphasizes distinguishing cosmetic conditions from performance defects and avoiding unsupported diagnosis.
Core rules
- Classify findings by mechanism: installation error, material failure, movement, moisture, or cosmetic finish defect. A crack can be any of these.
- Describe pattern and location. Hairline map cracking is often cosmetic; a straight crack at a control joint, corner, or floor line suggests movement. Displacement, widening, or repeated cracking raises concern.
- Look for delamination, hollow areas, soft sheathing, rust, efflorescence, staining, failed sealant, missing flashings, grade contact, and exposed EPS. These are performance clues.
- Report in a consistent format: location, observation, likely implication, limitation, and recommendation. Use 'consistent with' when cause is not proven.
- Recommend evaluation or repair by a qualified stucco/EIFS contractor; do not specify structural repairs unless qualified.
Worked example
A horizontal crack runs along a floor line, with a rusted weep screed below and finish that sounds hollow. Reasoning: the horizontal line aligns with a framing transition, so movement is plausible; rust and hollow sound suggest water has been present. The combination is more significant than a hairline crack alone. Report all three findings, note that concealed damage is possible, and recommend invasive evaluation and repair.
Traps
Do not call every crack structural. Do not dismiss staining as cosmetic. Do not omit location or size. Do not give a repair prescription you cannot support. Do not report no moisture without testing.