California Residential Inspector Practice Exam

The spacing of fasteners for edge support of subfloor sheathing is critical to ensure structural integrity and prevent issues such as buckling or movement of the subfloor boards. Fastening subfloor sheathing helps secure it in place, distributing loads evenly and providing a solid base for flooring materials. When fasteners are placed at a spacing of 6 inches on center for the edge support, it effectively provides adequate reinforcement and stability. This tighter fastening schedule helps minimize the risk of gaps appearing at the edges of the subfloor, which can lead to squeaks, movement, or joint separation over time. Additionally, this spacing meets recognized building codes and industry standards designed to address safety and durability in flooring systems. Understanding the importance of proper fastener spacing is essential for residential inspectors, as they must ensure that construction practices comply with these standards to uphold the safety and longevity of residential structures.