Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

If several cracks are found in the walls and uneven floors in north-facing bedrooms of a cottage, what might be the cause?

1. The roof has a high pitch instead of a low pitch.

2. The footings may be inadequately sized or placed on weak soil.

3. The footings are extended below the frost line.

4. Ice damming has occurred on the south side.

5. The foundation walls are improperly insulated.

6. The chimney has insufficient flashing.

The correct answer is: The footings may be inadequately sized or placed on weak soil.

The presence of cracks in the walls and uneven floors in north-facing bedrooms of a cottage can often be traced back to foundation issues, specifically the inadequacy of the footings. When footings are not correctly sized or if they rest on weak soil, they can lead to settling and shifting of the structure. This movement can cause walls to crack and floors to become uneven. Footings are critical for supporting the weight of the building and ensuring stability. If they are too shallow, not wide enough, or placed on soil that does not have the necessary load-bearing capacity, it can compromise the structural integrity of the building, leading to noticeable signs of distress like those observed. This makes the identified cause of inadequately sized or improperly placed footings on weak soil a logical explanation for the observed symptoms of damage in the cottage.