What is a limitation of using non-porous materials in inspections?

Using non-porous materials in inspections has the significant limitation that they cannot effectively determine the depth of cracks in structural components. Non-porous materials do not allow for the penetration of fluids or other mediums that could otherwise provide insights into the extent of cracks or voids within a material. This lack of porosity means that traditional methods that rely on how substances permeate or flow through a material to assess conditions are ineffective.

For instance, in concrete or masonry structures, understanding the severity and depth of internal cracking is crucial for evaluating the integrity and safety of the structure. If an inspector uses a non-porous material, they might identify surface-level damage but miss deeper issues that could jeopardize the structural integrity.

The other options refer to limitations that are not inherently tied to the use of non-porous materials. While limited structural strength and complex installation requirements could indeed be concerns in broader contexts, and high risk of environmental damage could pertain to specific materials, these don't directly address the inability to gauge crack depth in the context of inspections. Thus, the correct answer distinctly highlights the primary limitation associated with non-porous materials in carrying out effective inspections.