40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

What is a common failure mode for wood shingles?

1. Cracking

2. Fading

3. Blistering

4. Mildewing

The correct answer is: Cracking

Wood shingles are susceptible to various forms of deterioration due to their exposure to environmental elements over time. Cracking is a common failure mode for wood shingles, primarily because of the natural expansion and contraction that occurs with changes in temperature and humidity levels. This movement can lead to splits and fissures in the wood, particularly if the shingles have not been properly maintained or if they are at the end of their service life. In addition, wood is an organic material that can dry out, leading to a loss of moisture and eventual cracking. Proper installation and treatment, such as the application of sealants or protective coatings, can help reduce the likelihood of cracking, but over time, even well-maintained shingles may still experience this failure mode due to age or severe weather conditions. The other options, while they may happen to wood shingles, do not represent the primary structural failure mode. Fading refers to the color loss due to UV exposure, blistering is more associated with synthetic materials or improper application of coatings, and mildewing pertains to mold growth that occurs under moist conditions, which, while concerning, does not fundamentally compromise the structure of the shingles in the same way cracking does.