National Home Inspector Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Home Inspector Exam. Engage with interactive questions and gain insights with helpful hints and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and get exam-ready!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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How should the soil surface adjacent to a foundation be configured?

Sealed to prevent water entry
Compacted to provide foundation support
Covered by granular soil
Sloped away to provide proper drainage

The correct answer is: Sloped away to provide proper drainage

The configuration of the soil surface adjacent to a foundation is crucial for maintaining the integrity and durability of the structure. When the soil is sloped away from the foundation, it promotes effective drainage, preventing water from pooling near the base of the foundation. This design helps to mitigate water-related issues, such as flooding or soil erosion, which can lead to foundation settling or cracking over time. Proper drainage is essential because excess moisture near the foundation can weaken the soil supporting the structure, potentially leading to structural instability. By ensuring that the soil surface is sloped away, you reduce the likelihood of water infiltrating areas where it could cause harm, which is a critical aspect of home inspection and maintenance.