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InterNACHI Wind Mitigation study materials
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InterNACHI Wind Mitigation practice questions

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Question 1Introduction; buildings and wind

A wind mitigation inspector is describing how wind loads reach a house. Which statement best explains the role of the building envelope?

  1. The envelope applies load only to the foundation, never to the roof.
  2. The envelope transfers wind pressure and uplift from the roof and walls into the structural frame. Correct answer.
  3. The envelope resists loads only after the roof sheathing has failed.
  4. The envelope insulates the interior, so wind pressure bypasses it entirely.

Explanation

The building envelope, meaning roof covering, sheathing, walls, windows and doors, is what wind pressure actually pushes and pulls on. Those pressures must be transferred through connections into the structural frame and then to the foundation. If any link in that load path is weak, the envelope can peel away even when the frame itself is sound.

Question 2Introduction; buildings and wind

Which term describes the tendency of wind flowing over a roof to create an upward suction force?

  1. Sliding
  2. Racking
  3. Overturning
  4. Uplift Correct answer.

Explanation

Uplift is the net upward pressure produced when fast-moving air over a roof creates lower pressure above the surface than below it. It is the force that lifts roof sheathing, tiles and trusses if the connections are inadequate. Racking, overturning and sliding are lateral and global responses to horizontal wind pressure, not the vertical suction on the roof.

Question 3Introduction; buildings and wind

In wind mitigation terminology, what does the secondary water barrier on a roof deck primarily do?

  1. It replaces the need for roof sheathing fasteners.
  2. It provides a redundant layer that sheds water if the primary roof covering is breached. Correct answer.
  3. It seals the roof-to-wall connection against water intrusion.
  4. It prevents wind uplift by bonding the trusses to the deck.

Explanation

A secondary water barrier is installed over the roof deck beneath the primary covering so that water cannot readily enter the attic if tiles or shingles are blown off. It is a water-shedding redundancy, not a structural element. It does not substitute for fasteners or for the roof-to-wall connection.

Question 4Introduction; buildings and wind

An inspector is explaining why a continuous load path matters in high wind. Which description of a continuous load path is accurate?

  1. A path that carries only gravity loads from the ridge to the ridge board.
  2. A connected chain from roof covering through sheathing, trusses, wall framing and foundation. Correct answer.
  3. A route that allows wind pressure to dissipate into interior partitions.
  4. A continuous bead of sealant along all exterior joints.

Explanation

A continuous load path is an unbroken, connected chain that carries wind uplift and lateral forces from the roof down through the walls and into the foundation. Each link, such as sheathing to truss, truss to wall and wall to foundation, must be able to transfer the load. A single weak or missing connection breaks the path and concentrates force at that point.

Question 5Introduction; buildings and wind

Which roof shape generally experiences the highest localized suction pressures at its corners and edges during a hurricane?

  1. A flat roof with a parapet on all sides
  2. A gable roof with large gable-end overhangs Correct answer.
  3. A shed roof sloping away from the wind
  4. A low-slope hip roof with a wide overhang

Explanation

Gable ends and their overhangs present sharp edges where wind accelerates and separates, producing strong localized suction. Hips distribute pressure more evenly around the perimeter and generally perform better in wind. Overhangs on any shape increase uplift exposure, but the gable end is the classic high-suction zone.

Question 6Introduction; buildings and wind

Why do wind mitigation reports place so much emphasis on roof-to-wall connections?

  1. They control attic ventilation rates.
  2. They determine the shingle warranty period.
  3. They are the only connections inspected by the building department.
  4. They are the link that transfers roof uplift into the wall and foundation system. Correct answer.

Explanation

Roof-to-wall connections, such as straps, clips or truss anchors, are the structural link between the roof assembly and the vertical load path. When uplift from the roof exceeds what these connections can resist, the roof can separate from the walls. That is why their type, spacing and condition carry heavy weight in a mitigation report.

Question 7Introduction; buildings and wind

A two-story home has a hip roof with a small gable over the garage. The inspector notes that wind pressure on the windward wall is positive while pressure over the roof is negative. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. Both surfaces are being pushed inward equally.
  2. The wall is being pushed inward while the roof is being pulled upward. Correct answer.
  3. The wall is being pulled outward while the roof is being pushed down.
  4. Pressure differences cancel and no net load reaches the frame.

Explanation

Windward walls experience positive pressure that pushes them inward, while airflow over the roof lowers pressure above the deck, producing net uplift. The two effects act together and both must be resisted by the load path. They do not cancel; they load different parts of the structure in different directions.

Question 8Introduction; buildings and wind

During an inspection, an inspector finds roof sheathing attached with 8d nails spaced 6 inches on center at the panel edges and 12 inches in the field. How should this be characterized in the context of wind mitigation?

  1. It is irrelevant because only the covering type is reported.
  2. It is a strong nailing pattern that improves uplift resistance compared with wider spacing. Correct answer.
  3. It guarantees the roof will not lose sheathing in any storm.
  4. It indicates the sheathing is decorative rather than structural.

Explanation

Closer fastener spacing at panel edges and in the field increases the sheathing's capacity to resist uplift and improves load sharing between panels. Tighter nailing is generally credited in mitigation evaluations. No fastener pattern, however, can guarantee performance in every storm.

Question 9Introduction; buildings and wind

A homeowner asks why the inspector records the year the home was built and the applicable building code edition. What is the best reason?

  1. The code edition identifies the insurance carrier.
  2. The code edition indicates which wind-resistant construction requirements likely applied. Correct answer.
  3. The code year determines the property tax rate.
  4. The build year proves the roof was replaced recently.

Explanation

Building codes have progressively strengthened wind provisions, especially after major storms. Knowing the code edition in force at construction helps the inspector anticipate features such as strap type, sheathing nailing and impact protection. It is a starting point for verification, not proof, since construction can vary.

Question 10Introduction; buildings and wind

An inspector observes that roof trusses are secured to the top plate with metal straps that wrap over the truss and are nailed to the side of the wall. Which feature is being documented?

  1. A secondary water barrier
  2. A soffit ventilation opening
  3. A ridge vent detail
  4. A roof-to-wall connection Correct answer.

Explanation

Wrapping straps that tie the truss to the wall top plate are the classic roof-to-wall connection credited in wind mitigation. Their presence, type and fastening determine how well uplift is transferred into the wall. Ventilation and water barrier details are separate items on the report.

Question 11Introduction; buildings and wind

A garage door on a coastal home is rated for design pressure and has horizontal and vertical reinforcement. Why does this matter for the whole-building wind performance?

  1. It keeps the garage interior cool during outages.
  2. It eliminates the need for roof-to-wall straps.
  3. It increases the roof's shingle adhesion.
  4. It prevents a large opening from forming that would pressurize the interior and increase uplift. Correct answer.

Explanation

A failed garage door creates a large opening, letting wind pressurize the interior and adding to roof uplift and wall loads. A properly rated and reinforced door keeps the envelope closed and preserves the assumed load path. It does not, however, replace structural ties elsewhere.

Question 12Introduction; buildings and wind

An inspector sees a roof with a self-adhered underlayment over the entire deck and taped seams. Which report item does this most directly support?

  1. Impact-rated glazing present
  2. Secondary water barrier present Correct answer.
  3. Hip roof shape credit
  4. Continuous load path verified

Explanation

A full-deck membrane with sealed seams is exactly what qualifies as a secondary water barrier. It protects the interior if the primary covering is breached. It says nothing about glazing, structural ties or roof geometry, which are documented separately.

Question 13Introduction; buildings and wind

Why is the presence of a gable-end overhang often noted as a vulnerability in a wind mitigation report?

  1. It shortens the shingle service life by shading the roof.
  2. It blocks attic ventilation and traps moisture.
  3. It presents an exposed edge that wind can catch, adding uplift and suction at the gable. Correct answer.
  4. It prevents the installation of a secondary water barrier.

Explanation

An overhang is an unsupported projection, and at a gable end it sits in a region of strong edge suction. Wind can catch the soffit or fascia and lever the edge upward, so these areas are often braced or clad differently. Shading and ventilation are separate matters and are not the structural concern.

Question 14Introduction; buildings and wind

A report lists a hip roof, a secondary water barrier, and toe-nailed trusses with no straps. Which conclusion is most defensible?

  1. The hip roof makes roof-to-wall connections unnecessary.
  2. The roof shape and water barrier help, but the weak roof-to-wall connection limits uplift resistance. Correct answer.
  3. The secondary water barrier compensates for the missing straps.
  4. The toe nails are acceptable because the roof is a hip.

Explanation

Favorable features do not offset a weak structural link. Toe nails alone provide limited uplift capacity compared with straps or clips, and the load path is only as strong as its weakest connection. The hip shape and water barrier reduce risk but do not restore the missing tie capacity.

Question 15Introduction; buildings and wind

An inspector is evaluating a home with a screened pool enclosure attached to the main structure. How should this be treated in the wind evaluation?

  1. It automatically qualifies the home for a stronger roof credit.
  2. It should be evaluated as a separate structure whose failure could damage the home or create debris. Correct answer.
  3. It proves the main house has impact-rated glazing.
  4. It should be ignored because it is not part of the dwelling.

Explanation

Accessory structures such as pool enclosures and carports can fail in wind and produce debris that damages the main building. They are assessed on their own connections and anchorage. They neither upgrade nor prove anything about the main dwelling's envelope.

Question 16Introduction; buildings and wind

Which statement correctly contrasts design wind speed with the wind speed used in a mitigation inspection?

  1. Both refer to the same gust value measured at the site on the inspection day.
  2. The inspection replaces the design wind speed with an estimated value from the insurer.
  3. Design wind speed is a code-based value for the region, while the inspection documents features that affect performance at that site. Correct answer.
  4. Design wind speed is measured with an anemometer during the inspection.

Explanation

Design wind speed comes from code maps and represents the regional hazard the structure is designed for. The inspector does not measure it on site; the inspector documents construction features that determine how the building will perform against that hazard. The two concepts are complementary, not identical.

Question 17Introduction; buildings and wind

A home built in the 1970s has a hip roof, but the inspector finds no visible straps at the truss-to-wall interface and cannot access the connection from the attic. What is the most appropriate approach?

  1. Report the connection as a strap because the home has survived prior storms.
  2. Report the connection as unverified based on what could be observed, without assuming a type. Correct answer.
  3. Assume straps are present because the roof is a hip.
  4. Report the connection as absent and require structural repairs.

Explanation

Mitigation reports must reflect observed conditions. When a connection cannot be seen, the correct entry is unverified rather than an assumed type or an assumed absence. Past storm survival is not evidence of a specific connection type.

Question 18Introduction; buildings and wind

Two homes in the same neighborhood have identical roof shapes and covering. One has a continuous load path with straps, ring-shank nails and a rated garage door; the other has toe nails and an unrated door. Which explanation best accounts for their expected difference in performance?

  1. The difference comes from how completely wind loads are transferred and how well the envelope stays closed. Correct answer.
  2. The difference comes from the lot size and landscaping.
  3. The difference comes from the shingle color and solar exposure.
  4. The difference comes from the age of the HVAC system.

Explanation

With the same geometry and covering, performance differences come from the structural load path and envelope integrity. Straps, ring-shank nails and a rated door keep uplift and internal pressurization within the capacity of the frame. Cosmetic and mechanical features do not govern wind response.

Question 19Introduction; buildings and wind

An inspector documents that roof sheathing panels are oriented with the long dimension perpendicular to the supports and that panel edges fall on framing. Why is this detail significant?

  1. It ensures the panels can develop their rated bending and diaphragm capacity. Correct answer.
  2. It eliminates uplift pressure on the roof.
  3. It allows the use of unrated fasteners.
  4. It reduces the need for a secondary water barrier.

Explanation

Panels perform as intended when they span across supports and their edges are supported, allowing them to carry bending and diaphragm shear. Unsupported edges and wrong orientation reduce capacity and can lead to edge lift or panel loss. Fastener ratings and water barrier requirements are unaffected by orientation.

Question 20Introduction; buildings and wind

A mitigation form asks for the roof covering type. A homeowner has clay tiles over a membrane. Which statement about the wind relevance of this assembly is most accurate?

  1. The membrane alone determines uplift resistance.
  2. Tiles are unaffected by wind because they are heavy.
  3. Individual tiles can be lifted by suction, so attachment method and the underlying barrier matter. Correct answer.
  4. Tile roofs never require a secondary water barrier.

Explanation

Heavy tiles are still subject to uplift and can be peeled from the edge inward, so the fastening method, such as mortar, foam adhesive or mechanical fixings, is important. Because tile loss exposes the deck, the underlying barrier also matters. Weight alone does not make a covering immune to suction.

Question 21Building envelope influences and damage

In a wind mitigation inspection, what does the roof covering rating primarily describe?

  1. The total weight of the roof structure in pounds per square foot
  2. The color and reflectivity of the shingles for energy efficiency
  3. The age of the roof permit in years
  4. The impact and uplift resistance class of the roof covering material Correct answer.

Explanation

The roof covering rating describes how well the covering resists impact and wind uplift, typically expressed through product approval or class ratings such as those from a recognized testing standard. Inspectors record the covering type and rating because it affects how the roof performs under windborne debris and pressure. Reflectivity and structural weight are separate considerations not captured by the covering rating.

Question 22Building envelope influences and damage

A home has a gable end wall with no bracing and a large unsupported overhang. Why does this matter for wind mitigation?

  1. Gable end failures can breach the envelope and pressurize the attic Correct answer.
  2. Gable ends reduce the roof pitch below the minimum allowed
  3. Gable ends increase the dead load beyond the foundation capacity
  4. Gable ends prevent the installation of secondary water barriers

Explanation

Unbraced gable ends are a common failure point in high winds; when they fail, the envelope is breached and wind-driven rain and pressure enter the attic. That breach can lead to progressive roof and wall damage. Dead load, roof pitch, and water barrier installation are unrelated to gable bracing performance.

Question 23Building envelope influences and damage

Which opening protection feature most directly reduces the risk of internal pressurization during a hurricane?

  1. A gravel ballast layer on a flat roof
  2. A ridge vent installed along the roof peak
  3. Impact-rated glazing or approved shutter systems on all openings Correct answer.
  4. Exterior paint rated for coastal salt exposure

Explanation

Internal pressurization occurs when wind enters through a breached opening, raising pressure on the roof and walls from inside. Protecting all openings with impact-rated glazing or approved shutters keeps the envelope closed and limits that pressure increase. Vents, paint, and ballast do not prevent opening breach.

Question 24Building envelope influences and damage

A garage door is rated for wind pressure but has no horizontal or vertical reinforcement. How should the inspector treat it?

  1. Record the pressure rating and note the absence of a reinforcement system Correct answer.
  2. Assume the door is fully compliant because it carries a pressure rating
  3. Reject the door entirely and record no protection credit
  4. Record the door as impact-rated glazing

Explanation

A pressure rating alone does not establish that the door will stay in its tracks under load; reinforcement systems are commonly required to keep the door engaged. The inspector should document the rating and the missing reinforcement accurately rather than assume compliance. Garage doors are not glazing and cannot be recorded as such.

Question 25Building envelope influences and damage

Why is a secondary water barrier under the roof covering relevant to wind mitigation?

  1. It raises the wind speed rating of the shingles
  2. It reduces the dead load of the roof assembly
  3. It increases the uplift resistance of the roof-to-wall connection
  4. It limits water intrusion when the primary covering is damaged by wind Correct answer.

Explanation

A secondary water barrier is a membrane installed beneath the primary covering to keep water out of the attic if shingles or tiles are blown off. It addresses water intrusion after wind damage rather than structural uplift or product wind ratings. It also adds weight rather than reducing dead load.

Question 26Building envelope influences and damage

During inspection, an inspector observes that roof-to-wall straps are present but are fastened with only one nail per strap. What is the correct approach?

  1. Record the straps as fully compliant because straps are present
  2. Record the strap type and note the deficient fastening pattern Correct answer.
  3. Record the straps as clips instead of straps
  4. Ignore the straps because they are partially installed

Explanation

Wind mitigation credits depend on both the type of connector and the number and type of fasteners used. A strap with insufficient fasteners may not develop its intended capacity, so the inspector should record the observed condition and the fastening deficiency. Presence alone does not establish compliance, and straps must not be mislabeled as clips.

Question 27Building envelope influences and damage

What does the term 'continuous load path' mean in the context of wind mitigation?

  1. A continuous band of fascia around the eave
  2. A continuous ridge vent running the full length of the roof
  3. A single continuous layer of roof underlayment
  4. A tied chain of connections from roof to foundation that transfers wind loads Correct answer.

Explanation

A continuous load path means the roof, walls, and foundation are connected so that wind uplift and lateral loads travel safely through the structure to the ground. Missing or weak links, such as inadequate straps or anchors, break that path. Vents, underlayment, and fascia are not load-path elements.

Question 28Building envelope influences and damage

A tile roof is installed with mortar-set tiles and no mechanical fasteners. How does this affect the wind mitigation evaluation?

  1. The tiles are automatically treated as mechanically fastened
  2. The attachment method is recorded as mortar set, which may not qualify for the strongest credit Correct answer.
  3. The tile attachment is irrelevant to the form
  4. The roof is recorded as a metal roof

Explanation

Tile attachment matters because mechanically fastened tiles generally resist uplift better than mortar-set tiles, which can debond over time. The inspector records the observed attachment method so the underwriter can apply the appropriate credit. Mortar set is not equivalent to mechanical fastening, and tile roofs are not metal roofs.

Question 29Building envelope influences and damage

Which condition on a masonry wall is most likely to indicate a wind-driven rain intrusion pathway?

  1. A concrete slab-on-grade foundation
  2. A fresh coat of elastomeric paint on the wall
  3. Unsealed penetrations and open mortar joints above windows Correct answer.
  4. A screened porch attached to the wall

Explanation

Wind-driven rain enters through gaps such as unsealed utility penetrations and deteriorated mortar joints, especially around openings. Sealing these details protects the envelope from water intrusion during storms. Paint, slab foundations, and attached porches are not intrusion pathways in themselves.

Question 30Building envelope influences and damage

What is the primary purpose of recording the roof geometry (hip versus gable) on a wind mitigation inspection?

  1. Gable roofs are required to have secondary water barriers
  2. Hip roofs always weigh less than gable roofs
  3. Hip roofs generally experience lower uplift than gable roofs at the same wind speed Correct answer.
  4. Roof geometry determines the home's flood zone

Explanation

Roof shape affects how wind flows over the structure; hip roofs tend to have lower uplift and fewer high-pressure corners than gable roofs. Insurers use the geometry to assign risk. Weight, water barrier requirements, and flood zone are determined by other factors.

Question 31Building envelope influences and damage

An inspector finds a skylight that is not protected by glazing or a shutter. What is the correct documentation?

  1. Record the skylight as an unprotected opening Correct answer.
  2. Record the skylight as impact-rated because it is above the roof
  3. Exclude the skylight because it is not a wall opening
  4. Record the skylight as a garage door opening

Explanation

Skylights are roof openings and can be breached by windborne debris, so unprotected skylights must be recorded as such. Their location on the roof does not make them impact rated. Skylights are neither wall openings to exclude nor garage door openings.

Question 32Building envelope influences and damage

Why does the presence of a screened enclosure or pool cage matter to a wind mitigation inspector?

  1. It increases the wind speed rating of the main roof
  2. Its failure can create debris that damages the building envelope Correct answer.
  3. It provides impact protection for the windows behind it
  4. It is required for the home to qualify for any wind credit

Explanation

Screened enclosures are lightweight structures that can fail in high winds, and the resulting aluminum frames and panels become debris that strikes the home. Inspectors note them because they can affect the building's exposure. They do not improve roof ratings, do not count as opening protection, and are not a prerequisite for credits.

Question 33Building envelope influences and damage

What does an 'enhanced' or 'large missile' impact rating on a window indicate?

  1. The glazing resisted a specified large projectile impact test without penetration Correct answer.
  2. The window is rated only for water resistance
  3. The window was installed with extra screws at the frame
  4. The window has a higher visible light transmittance

Explanation

Large missile impact ratings come from standardized tests in which a heavy projectile is fired at the assembly to confirm it resists penetration. The rating describes tested performance, not installation details or optical properties. Water resistance is a separate performance characteristic.

Question 34Building envelope influences and damage

A homeowner claims all windows are protected because shutters are stored in the garage. How should the inspector evaluate this?

  1. Stored shutters count as protection for every opening in the home
  2. Stored shutters count only if they are painted to match the house
  3. Protection is credited only for openings with permanently attached or readily deployable approved systems Correct answer.
  4. Stored shutters are irrelevant because shutters never earn credit

Explanation

Opening protection credit depends on approved systems that are actually associated with each opening and can be deployed, not merely on hardware stored somewhere on the property. Documentation must show which openings are protected and by what product. Paint color has no bearing, and approved shutters can earn credit when properly documented.

Question 35Building envelope influences and damage

Which exterior wall cladding condition is most consistent with a risk of wind-driven water infiltration at the wall base?

  1. Missing flashing and sealant where the cladding meets the foundation Correct answer.
  2. A sealed penetration with an approved boot
  3. A properly lapped weather-resistive barrier behind the cladding
  4. A continuous weep screed installed at the base

Explanation

At the base of a wall, flashing and sealant direct water away from the assembly; when they are missing, wind-driven rain can enter behind the cladding. Weep screeds, lapped barriers, and sealed penetrations are all correct details that manage water. The absence of these details is the risk indicator.

Question 36Building envelope influences and damage

How does a hip roof's geometry influence the number of high-uplift corner regions compared with a gable roof?

  1. Hip roofs increase the dead load at the ridge
  2. Hip roofs always have more overhangs that increase uplift
  3. Hip roofs eliminate the need for roof-to-wall connections
  4. Hip roofs generally have fewer sharp corners that concentrate uplift Correct answer.

Explanation

Sharp corners and ridges on gable roofs create localized high suction, while hip roofs slope on all sides and tend to distribute wind pressure more evenly. This generally reduces the extent of high-uplift zones. Hip roofs still need proper connections and can have overhangs, and dead load is a material issue.

Question 37Building envelope influences and damage

What is the purpose of a wind-borne debris region designation on an inspection report?

  1. It specifies the minimum foundation depth
  2. It identifies areas where opening protection is expected to resist missile impacts Correct answer.
  3. It sets the maximum allowed roof pitch for the home
  4. It determines the required number of roof vents

Explanation

Wind-borne debris regions are geographic areas where windborne missiles are a recognized hazard, so opening protection is expected to meet impact standards. The designation guides which protection products qualify. Roof pitch, vent counts, and foundation depth are unrelated code items.

Question 38Building envelope influences and damage

An inspector observes that the roof deck is attached with 8d nails spaced 12 inches on center. How should this be evaluated?

  1. Record the fastener type and spacing, which affect the deck's uplift resistance Correct answer.
  2. Record the deck as fully compliant because nails are present
  3. Record the deck as metal because nails are metal
  4. Record the deck as glued because nails are common

Explanation

Roof deck attachment credit depends on the fastener type, length, and spacing, because closer spacing and proper fasteners improve uplift resistance. The inspector must document the observed pattern rather than assume compliance. Nails are not adhesive, and a nailed deck is not a metal roof.

Question 39Building envelope influences and damage

Why might an inspector document the presence of a gable-end vent or ridge vent when evaluating envelope performance?

  1. Vents increase the impact rating of the roof covering
  2. Vents are required for every wind mitigation credit
  3. Vent openings can allow wind-driven rain and pressure into the attic if not properly designed Correct answer.
  4. Vents replace the need for a secondary water barrier

Explanation

Attic vents are intentional openings, and if they are not designed to shed wind-driven rain they can admit water and pressure into the attic. Documenting them helps explain observed moisture or pressure pathways. Vents do not raise covering impact ratings, are not universally required for credits, and do not substitute for a water barrier.

Question 40Building envelope influences and damage

Which factor most directly determines whether a home's windows qualify for opening protection credit?

  1. Whether the windows have interior blinds installed
  2. Whether each opening has an approved impact-rated product or approved shutter system Correct answer.
  3. Whether the windows face the street
  4. Whether the window frames are painted

Explanation

Opening protection credit depends on approved products, either impact-rated glazing or an approved shutter system, documented for each opening. Interior blinds, orientation, and paint do not provide windborne debris protection. The inspector records the product and its coverage per opening.

Question 41Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

Under the wind mitigation inspection method, a glazed opening is credited as a rated impact opening only when which documentation is available at the time of inspection?

  1. A verbal statement from the homeowner that the windows were upgraded after the last storm
  2. A building permit receipt with no product or approval number listed
  3. A manufacturer's product approval or NOA showing the opening assembly meets the large-missile impact and pressure standards Correct answer.
  4. A receipt from a general contractor describing the work as hurricane grade

Explanation

Credit for impact-rated glazing requires documentary proof that the specific opening assembly carries a product approval, NOA, or equivalent listing showing compliance with the large-missile impact test and applicable pressure rating. Homeowner statements and generic receipts do not identify a tested assembly, so they cannot support the rating.

Question 42Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

A home has glazed openings that are rated for impact but the inspector finds no label, NOA number, or approval paperwork anywhere on site. How should the opening be reported?

  1. As rated only if the opening is more than three feet above grade
  2. As not rated for impact protection because verification is absent Correct answer.
  3. As impact rated because the glass visibly shows a laminated interlayer
  4. As impact rated if the homeowner signs an affidavit

Explanation

The rating is a documentary determination, not a visual one; without a label, approval number, or paperwork the opening cannot be verified and must be reported as not impact rated. Visible laminated glass alone does not prove the assembly passed the missile impact test.

Question 43Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

Which opening protection configuration receives the strongest wind mitigation credit for a home in the wind-borne debris region?

  1. Impact-rated glazing on every opening, with no separate shutter devices Correct answer.
  2. Unrated single-pane windows with plywood panels stored in the garage
  3. Unrated windows with permanently mounted accordion shutters on the rear elevation only
  4. Unrated windows protected by shutters that must be installed by a contractor after a storm watch

Explanation

The highest credit goes to openings that are themselves rated to resist missile impact and design pressure, because protection is in place at all times without human intervention. Partial or improvised protection, or protection requiring installation after a warning, is treated less favorably.

Question 44Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

When a garage door is evaluated for wind mitigation credit, which combination of features is most relevant?

  1. Whether the door is steel faced and how recently it was painted
  2. Door color and the presence of a garage door opener
  3. Labeled pressure and impact rating plus the number and type of attachment points to the framing Correct answer.
  4. Width of the driveway apron and the door's insulation value

Explanation

Garage door credit depends on a labeled rating for wind pressure and, where required, impact resistance, together with how the door and its tracks are anchored to the structure. Cosmetic or convenience features carry no weight in the rating.

Question 45Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

A garage door carries a label showing a design pressure rating but the inspector observes that the vertical tracks are anchored with only two light-gauge screws per side into deteriorated wood. What is the appropriate conclusion?

  1. The anchorage deficiency undermines the rated performance and should be documented as a limitation on the credit Correct answer.
  2. The labeled rating governs regardless of anchorage condition
  3. The door automatically qualifies for the highest protection class
  4. The door should be reported as rated because the label is legible

Explanation

A pressure label describes the door's tested capacity, but that capacity is only realized when the assembly is properly anchored to sound framing. Inadequate fasteners or deteriorated substrate are reported as deficiencies that limit the credit claimed.

Question 46Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

Which exterior door condition is treated as an unprotected opening in the wind mitigation report?

  1. A solid wood door with a rated impact label and approved frame anchorage
  2. A fiberglass entry door with no rating label and no rated glazing Correct answer.
  3. A rated door assembly installed with the manufacturer's specified fasteners
  4. A rated door with glazing that carries its own approval number

Explanation

An exterior door without a rating label, approved glazing, or documented anchorage is an unprotected opening and must be reported as such. Doors that carry labels and are installed per the approval can be credited.

Question 47Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

A double-entry door set includes sidelights and a transom. How should these components be handled in the opening protection evaluation?

  1. Sidelights and transom are counted as glazed openings that need their own rated protection Correct answer.
  2. Only the operable door leaves count; fixed glazing is ignored
  3. Fixed glazing is assumed protected because it cannot be opened
  4. The entire assembly is excluded from the report

Explanation

Fixed glazing such as sidelights and transoms is still vulnerable to wind-borne debris and pressure, so each must be evaluated and protected to the same standard as the door leaves. Treating them as immune because they do not open is incorrect.

Question 48Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

In gable end wall construction, what does the presence of a continuous load path from roof to foundation primarily accomplish?

  1. It transfers uplift and lateral wind forces safely through the structure to the foundation Correct answer.
  2. It eliminates the need for any wall bracing
  3. It removes the requirement to evaluate openings
  4. It guarantees that the roof covering will not peel

Explanation

A continuous load path uses connectors and framing to carry wind uplift and lateral forces from the roof through walls and floors into the foundation. It does not substitute for bracing, roof covering attachment, or opening protection, which are evaluated separately.

Question 49Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

A gable end wall is finished with a braced frame system whose diagonal members are visible in the attic. What should the inspector record?

  1. That the gable is braced only if the members are painted
  2. The bracing type observed and its anchorage, as evidence of gable end wall bracing Correct answer.
  3. That the gable is unbraced because no plywood sheathing is present
  4. Nothing, because bracing inside the attic is outside the scope

Explanation

Visible diagonal or other bracing systems, along with how they connect to framing, are recorded as evidence of gable end bracing. The absence of sheathing does not by itself mean the gable is unbraced when a frame system is present.

Question 50Windows, doors and gable end wall construction

Which observation most strongly indicates that a gable end wall lacks adequate bracing?

  1. A gable with no diagonal bracing, no structural sheathing, and no other bracing system present Correct answer.
  2. Diagonal members that are connected to the top and bottom plates with approved connectors
  3. A gable framed with studs at sixteen inches on center
  4. Sheathing nailed to the gable studs at the spacing specified in the plans

Explanation

A gable end is considered unbraced when no bracing method is present, meaning no diagonal members, no structural sheathing acting as a brace, and no alternative system. Stud spacing alone does not provide the lateral resistance needed at the gable.