North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

If you notice silver-like paint on roof members in an attic, what might have occurred?

1. Recent renovations

2. A fire or mold has occurred and the wood members have been encapsulated

3. Normal aging of materials

4. Rust formation

The correct answer is: A fire or mold has occurred and the wood members have been encapsulated

The presence of silver-like paint on roof members in an attic is commonly associated with the encapsulation of wood after a fire or mold issue. When wood has been exposed to fire, it may undergo a treatment process to seal and protect the substrate, often resulting in a shiny or metallic appearance due to materials used in the encapsulation process. This treatment can help prevent further deterioration and mitigate the potential for issues like mold growth or structural damage. While renovations may lead to some materials being applied, the specific context of silver-like paint suggests a more urgent remediation effort, as opposed to routine updates or repairs. Normal aging of materials does not typically result in a metallic sheen, and rust formation is generally indicative of moisture and corrosion, which is not relevant to silver paint on wood. Thus, the indication of either past fire, mold treatment, or encapsulation makes this option most pertinent in understanding the condition observed in the attic.