What technique can help assess the condition of a home's exterior walls?

Visual inspection for cracks and defects is a fundamental technique used to assess the condition of a home's exterior walls. This method allows inspectors to identify visible signs of deterioration, such as cracks, peeling paint, water damage, mold, or any other surface irregularities. Such issues can indicate underlying structural problems, moisture intrusion, or lack of maintenance.

By carefully examining the exterior walls, inspectors can gather critical information regarding the integrity of the wall materials and overall condition of the home. This inspection is often the first step in a comprehensive assessment, enabling further investigation or necessary repairs based on the findings.

The other options, while they may provide some valuable information, do not directly address the immediate visual aspects of the external walls as effectively as conducting a thorough visual inspection does.