Home Inspection State Practice Exam

Where can roof truss uplift lead to visible damage in a home?

1. Roof shingles

2. Exterior siding

3. Interior wall/ceiling intersections

4. Basement floors

The correct answer is: Interior wall/ceiling intersections

Roof truss uplift occurs when the roof trusses, which are structural components supporting the roof, expand and contract due to changes in temperature and humidity. This movement can create stress points where the trusses meet the building's interior walls and ceilings. As the trusses lift, they can pull away from the connections where they are anchored to the walls, leading to visible damage, particularly at the intersections where the walls and ceilings meet. This damage often manifests as cracks, separation, or gaps in the drywall at the corners of rooms, affecting both aesthetics and potentially the integrity of the walls and ceilings. Over time, this can lead to more serious structural issues if not addressed. Monitoring these areas for signs of uplift is crucial during a home inspection, as it can indicate underlying problems with the framing and overall construction quality. Consequently, visible damage due to roof truss uplift is most prominently found at the interior wall and ceiling intersections, making this the correct answer.