North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

In an examination question involving an earthquake and a wall drawing, which area is least likely to be affected?

1. Open wall space

2. Wall with sheeting

3. Internal wall with no windows

4. Wall without reinforcement

The correct answer is: Wall with sheeting

In the context of an earthquake, a wall with sheeting is designed to provide additional structural support and stiffness, which can significantly enhance its resistance to seismic forces. Sheeting often includes materials like plywood or oriented strand board that help distribute loads more evenly and prevent lateral movement during shaking. This added structural integrity makes it less likely for such walls to experience severe damage compared to other types of walls that lack similar support features. Open wall spaces and internal walls without windows may still face some shaking and pressure, but they don't have the same reinforcement. Additionally, walls without reinforcement are more susceptible to damage due to their inadequate support, making them more vulnerable during an earthquake event. In summary, the presence of sheeting on a wall improves its ability to withstand the forces generated during an earthquake, thus making it the area least likely to be affected.