7 Exteriors Flashcards
1
Q
What tool has largely replaced hammers and drill drivers in siding installation?
A
Pneumatic nailers
Pneumatic nailers are tools that use compressed air to drive nails into materials.
2
Q
What is the primary function of the exterior wall of a house?
A
To weatherproof the house and protect underlying elements from damage by sun and wind
It also intercepts and directs water away from sheathing and framing.
3
Q
What are the visible exterior layers of a house?
A
Siding and trim
4
Q
What is a water-resistive barrier (WRB)?
A
A layer that protects sheathing from water infiltration, typically building paper or plastic housewrap
It is crucial for preventing moisture damage behind siding.
5
Q
What role do flashings play in building construction?
A
They seal transitions between materials and direct water around potential dams like windows and doors.
6
Q
What is the purpose of caulks and sealants in exterior wall construction?
A
To fill gaps, bond materials together, or cut air infiltration.
7
Q
True or False: Gutters are considered part of the roof.
A
True
They are discussed in relation to the exterior and help protect it.
8
Q
What should be done to gutters to ensure they function properly?
A
Clean gutters and downspouts regularly and recaulking building seams as needed.
9
Q
What is the recommended way to overlap materials when installing WRB?
A
Materials above should overlap those below to divert water away.
10
Q
Fill in the blank: The most common WRB in older houses is _____ paper.
A
15-lb. asphalt-impregnated building
11
Q
What is the recommended overlap for horizontal seams in traditional membranes like felt paper?
A
6 inches
12
Q
What is a critical detail when flashing windows and doors?
A
Flashing the head of a window or door
This prevents water from damming up and causing interior damage.
13
Q
What should be done to building paper seams, tears, and punctures?
A
Seal them with seam tape.
14
Q
What are the two forms of flexible flashing?
A
- Precut flashing strips
- Self-adhering flashing tapes
15
Q
What is the purpose of self-adhesive flashing tapes?
A
To seal gaps where air and moisture might get in.
16
Q
What is meant by ‘water-resistant’ in flashing products?
A
It indicates that the product is designed to resist water but not necessarily be completely waterproof.
17
Q
What type of flashing is typically used to weatherproof windowsills?
A
Flashing paper strips
18
Q
What should be done to maintain building trim and prevent moisture retention?
A
Trim trees and shrubs near the siding.
19
Q
What should be done with the soil around a foundation to help direct water away?
A
Slope the soil away from the foundation.
20
Q
What is the recommended installation technique for building paper?
A
Staple it every 16 inches along the edges and every 24 inches in the field.
21
Q
What should the printed side of housewrap face during installation?
A
Outwards
22
Q
What is the advantage of using butyl-based flashing tapes?
A
They seal around nail shanks to prevent leaks.
23
Q
What is the primary function of exterior trim?
A
To cover critical building seams, keeping weather out and reducing air infiltration.
24
Q
What type of flashing is often used for sealing the perimeter of an uncased window?
A
Butyl-based flashing tapes.
25
What should be avoided when selecting solid-wood exterior trim?
* Sugar pine
* Knotty pine
* Hemlock
* Fir
26
What is back-priming?
Applying primer to all faces and edges of exterior wood, including back faces.
27
What type of engineered trim is made from thin wood veneers glued together?
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
28
What are the benefits of using fiber-cement trim?
* Rot-resistant
* Insect-resistant
* Fire-resistant
* Strong and lightweight
29
True or False: Cellular PVC plastics can be worked using regular woodworking tools.
True
30
Fill in the blank: For best results, specify _______ because it resists decay and holds paint well.
vertical-grain heartwood
31
What should be done to the ends of trim after cutting?
Seal the ends with primer.
32
What is the recommended method for joining trim boards?
Join trim boards on the ground using exterior glue and galvanized box nails.
33
What type of nails are recommended for maximum grip in exterior trim?
Stainless-steel trim-head screws.
34
What is a water table in construction?
Horizontal trim running around the base of a building below the siding.
35
What do fascia, soffit, and frieze boards collectively refer to?
Eaves trim.
36
What is the purpose of ventilation channels at eaves?
To allow air to flow up under the roof and exit at ridge or gable-end vents.
37
What should be used to connect trim boards with bevel joints?
Exterior glue such as Gorilla Glue.
38
What nail type is most popular for exterior applications due to its economy and minimal staining?
Galvanized nails.
39
What is the ideal spacing for nailing nominal 1-in. trim?
Every 16 in. using 8d box nails.
40
How should the top bevel be slanted when using beveled joints on vertical boards?
Down, away from the building.
41
Which materials should be avoided for exterior trim to prevent moisture-related issues?
* Sugar pine
* Knotty pine
* Hemlock
* Fir
42
Fill in the blank: Moisture trapped between the back faces and sheathing can lead to paint or sealer failure, ________, or rot.
cupping
43
What is a common issue with hardboard sidings?
Widespread problems with moisture retention, swelling, and degradation.
44
What is a key benefit of using engineered trim?
Straight and flat with factory primed surfaces.
45
What should be done if trim paint is a different color than the siding?
Paint the trim edges before installing the siding.
46
What is the purpose of a soffit vent in a boxed eave?
Allows air to circulate into the attic
## Footnote
A soffit vent is typically screened to prevent pests from entering.
47
What does a rabbeted frieze conceal?
The top of the siding
## Footnote
A rabbeted frieze is designed to fit over the siding for a clean finish.
48
What is the function of water-table trim?
Finishes off the bottom of a wall and provides a level base for siding
## Footnote
It is often capped with metal or vinyl flashing to prevent rot.
49
How can ventilation channels be created behind the frieze?
By spacing it out 3/4 in. using blocks every 16 in. on center
## Footnote
This also helps conceal the top of the siding.
50
What is the typical size of a water table?
1½ in. by 1½ in.
## Footnote
It runs continuously around the building and is mitered at corners.
51
What are splashboards and where are they most common?
1-in. boards 8 in. to 12 in. wide, often used in wet regions
## Footnote
They help to shed water and prevent damage from roof runoff.
52
What should be done to the top of a water table to prevent rot?
Flash with a metal drip-edge that extends at least 1/2 in. beyond the face of the board
## Footnote
This area is especially prone to rot.
53
What are corner boards typically made of?
1-in. boards butted together
## Footnote
Siding is butted against them for an attractive corner.
54
What type of corner boards should be used when installing shingles?
5/4 corner boards, which are a full 1 in. thick
## Footnote
This is necessary due to the higher profile of overlapping shingle courses.
55
How can you ensure a weathertight seal with corner boards?
By nailing carefully and using liberal doses of caulk
## Footnote
This is especially important if corner boards are nailed over siding.
56
What is the purpose of epoxy in exterior trim repairs?
To bond and fill rotted areas of wood
## Footnote
It is often used when replacing trim is difficult or costly.
57
What is the first step in replacing a rotted section of trim?
Survey the extent of the rot and address the root cause
## Footnote
This prevents only treating the symptom.
58
What tool should be used to guide a circular saw when cutting a replacement piece?
A Speed Square
## Footnote
This helps make a precise 90° cut.
59
What is the process for joining new trim to old trim?
Use a biscuit joiner to cut a biscuit slot in both board ends
## Footnote
Ensure to prime all surfaces before applying epoxy.
60
When is in-place epoxy repair appropriate?
When the rotted area is small and difficult to replace
## Footnote
Examples include rotted windowsills or sashes.
61
What is the recommended method for applying epoxy filler?
While the consolidant is still tacky
## Footnote
This ensures a better bond between the consolidant and the epoxy.
62
What should be used to compress and smooth the filler in wood repairs?
A taping knife
## Footnote
This helps shape the filler to match existing contours.
63
What is the advantage of using a straight 1x2 for aligning shingles?
It allows for faster nailing
## Footnote
However, it requires regular checks with a chalkline for leveling.
64
What types of siding are covered in this section?
* Wood shingles
* Wood clapboards
* Fiber-cement siding
* Stucco
## Footnote
Vinyl and aluminum siding are also mentioned as cost-effective alternatives.
65
What tool is recommended for establishing a level base line for siding?
A laser level or a water level
## Footnote
Laser levels are inexpensive and useful for long distances.
66
What is the typical overhang for the bottom course of siding?
3/4 in. to 1 in.
## Footnote
This is to ensure proper drainage.
67
How should siding courses be aligned?
With the top and bottom of windows and doors
## Footnote
This minimizes the need for complex notch cuts.
68
What should be marked on a story pole for siding installation?
The tops and bottoms of window and door casings
## Footnote
This helps in transferring marks for alignment.
69
What is the maximum exposure adjustment allowed between siding courses?
1/4 in.
## Footnote
This ensures that the courses appear evenly spaced.
70
What is the purpose of a story pole in construction?
To mark the tops and bottoms of window and door casings and adjusted course heights.
71
What should be done if the house has windows set at varying heights?
Give precedence to the house’s most prominent facade.
72
What is the standard thickness of wood shingles at the butt ends?
3/8 in.
73
What is the average width range of wood shingles?
6 in. to 12 in.
74
What type of underlayment is recommended to allow air flow behind shingles?
Plastic mesh underlayment such as Cedar Breather.
75
For a standard 5-in. shingle exposure on walls, how many bundles are needed per square?
Four bundles per square (100 sq. ft.).
76
What grade of shingles is fine for walls?
No. 2 grade shingles.
77
What is the purpose of offsetting vertical shingle joints by 1½ in.?
To ensure proper alignment and aesthetics.
78
When snapping chalklines for shingle exposure lines, which color chalk is recommended?
White chalk.
79
What type of nails should be used for visible areas such as interwoven corners?
Siliconized bronze ring-shank nails or stainless-steel nails.
80
What is a recommended practice for leveling shingle courses?
Snap chalklines between shingle butts at either end of the wall.
81
How should shingles be fitted around window and door casings?
Fit closely and caulk the back sides.
82
What is the recommended gap between dormer-wall shingles and adjacent roofing?
A 1/2-in. to 1-in. gap.
83
What is the purpose of using furring strips in rain-screen walls?
To space clapboards out from the building paper, allowing air circulation.
84
How should clapboards be nailed to avoid splitting?
Nail roughly 1¼ in. from the bottom.
85
What should be done with clapboard joints to ensure they are weathertight?
Bevel-cut ends.
86
What is the actual thickness of a 1x6 clapboard?
3/8 in. thick.
87
What is the cost-effective alternative to traditional clapboards?
Preprimed finger-jointed clapboards.
88
What is the purpose of caulking the shortened top course of shingles under eaves?
To prevent moisture intrusion.
89
What should be done if a shingle splits during installation?
Break out the shards, hammer down the nail heads, and replace the shingle.
90
What tool is used to remove damaged shingles?
Shingle ripper (also called a slate hook).
91
What is the recommended method for cutting angle cuts on shingles?
Use an adjustable bevel and a table-saw for best results.
92
True or False: Clapboards are typically milled from redwood, red cedar, or spruce.
True.
93
Fill in the blank: Clapboards have a planed, smooth front side and a _______ back side.
rougher.
94
What is the actual size of a 1x8 board?
1/2 in. by 7 1/2 in.
95
What is the standard length of finger-jointed clapboards?
16 ft.
96
How do you estimate the amount of clapboard needed?
Calculate the square footage of walls, less window and door openings, and consult a specific overlap table.
97
What is the recommended overlap for 1x4 clapboards?
1/2 in.
98
What percentage of waste should be factored in when ordering clapboards?
5%
99
What type of nails should be used for clapboard installation?
5d stainless-steel, ring-shank siding nails.
100
True or False: Galvanized nails are preferable over stainless-steel nails.
False
101
What can cause staining when using galvanized nails with cedar and redwood?
Chemical reaction with tannins.
102
What is a recommended solution if painted clapboards peel due to excess moisture?
Add an exhaust fan and drive plastic shims under clapboards.
103
What are the benefits of factory-finished siding?
Uniform paint application, occasional touch-ups, and 25-year warranty against paint failure.
104
What type of primer is usually used for wood siding?
Alkyd oil primer.
105
What is the standard exposure for 1x6 clapboards?
4 in.
106
What should be used to flash the top of the water table?
Metal drip-edge.
107
What should be used to establish the correct pitch for the first course of clapboards?
A beveled starter strip.
108
What is the optimal length of fiber-cement clapboards for handling?
12 ft.
109
What are the components of modern fiber-cement siding?
Cellulose fiber, sand, and portland cement.
110
What is the advantage of fiber-cement siding over wood siding?
Durability, insect resistance, and lower cost.
111
What is the thickness range of fiber-cement clapboards?
5/16 in. to 5/8 in.
112
How should fiber-cement boards be carried to minimize cracking?
On edge, perpendicular to the ground.
113
What is the recommended nail type for fiber-cement clapboards?
1 3/4-in. large-head nails.
114
What should be left between the butt ends of fiber-cement boards?
1/8-in. gaps.
115
What tool is recommended for cutting fiber-cement siding?
Circular saw with dust collection.
116
What should be used to minimize airborne silica dust when working with fiber-cement siding?
Respirator and safety glasses.
117
What is the function of a pneumatic coil nailer in fiber-cement installation?
To nail siding without predrilling and reduce cracking.
118
What type of shears are recommended for cutting curves in fiber-cement siding?
Electric or pneumatic shears.
119
What is a key consideration when delivering fiber-cement siding to a job site?
Request hand unloading to prevent cracking.
120
What is the purpose of using a carbide scoring knife with fiber-cement siding?
For incidental cuts when not wanting to use shears.
121
What does stucco require for successful repairs?
Skills that take years to learn.
122
What type of respirator is recommended when using power tools with FC siding?
H-certified respirator
123
What is stucco?
A cementitious mix applied in layers over a wire-lath base or masonry surface
124
How many coats are typically applied in a standard stucco finish?
Three coats: base coat, brown coat, and finish coat
125
What is the thickness of the base (scratch) coat in stucco application?
Approximately 1/2 in. thick
126
What is the purpose of scoring the base coat horizontally?
To help the next coat adhere
127
What is the typical thickness range for the finish coat of stucco?
1/8 in. to 1/4 in. thick
128
What are the main ingredients in a stucco mix?
Portland cement and sand, with variations of lime, pigment, bonders, and other agents
129
What does the consistency of the perfect stucco mix resemble?
Stiff enough to retain a trowel mark yet loose enough to slump into a patty
130
Why should plastic housewrap not be used as a membrane beneath stucco?
It allows water to pass through via capillary action and can bond to the stucco
131
What is the purpose of using two layers of building paper under stucco?
To provide moisture protection and durability
132
What type of lath is used to reinforce stucco?
Metal lath, including wire mesh or expanded metal lath
133
How should wire mesh be attached to the substrate?
Using galvanized furring nails with a furring button
134
What is the function of a weep screed in stucco applications?
To allow moisture to escape and provide a clean edge for stucco application
135
What are common symptoms of stucco problems?
Diagonal cracks, crumbling stucco, and large patches falling off
136
What does diagonal cracking around door or window trim indicate?
A shifting foundation
137
What should be done if stucco is crumbling due to standing water?
Cut back the damaged area and install a weep screed
138
What is the purpose of the brown coat in stucco application?
To flatten the surface and build up the stucco to within 1/8 in. of its final thickness
139
What should be done to the brown coat to ensure the finish coat adheres well?
Roughen the surface slightly with a wood or rubber float
140
What is the purpose of latex bonders in stucco repairs?
To ensure patch adhesion and prevent cold joints
141
Fill in the blank: The perfect stucco mix contains _______.
[Portland cement and sand]
142
What is the recommended spacing for nails used with lath?
At least every 6 in.
143
True or False: Expanded metal lath is used in situations requiring less strength.
False
144
What is the thickness of the brown coat in stucco application?
About 3/4 in. thick
145
What should be done to the edges of a patch when applying new paper?
Tuck the new paper under the old and caulk the edges
146
What is the advantage of using prepackaged stucco mix?
It eliminates worry about correct proportions among materials
147
What should be done to reduce stucco shrinkage cracks?
Add nylon fiber to the scratch coat and use elastomeric paint after curing
148
What type of paint should be used on new stucco after it has cured?
Masonry paint and primer
149
What is the advantage of color-coat pigment in stucco?
Ease of mixing and depth of color
150
What is the significance of roughening the surface of the brown coat?
It helps the finish coat to bond properly
151
What should be done if the old stucco is not intact around a patch?
Use polymer-reinforced flashing strips as shingles
152
What should be done before repairing damaged areas of stucco?
Diagnose why the stucco failed and determine the extent of the damage by pressing your palms firmly on both sides of the hole or crack.
153
What should be worn for safety when removing old stucco or mixing new?
Eye protection, heavy leather gloves, and at least a paper dust mask.
154
What tool is recommended for removing a small section of damaged stucco?
A hammer and a cold chisel.
155
What is the ideal method for using an electric chipping hammer?
The bit should just fracture the stucco, not cut through it.
156
How should cracks be prepared if they are deeper than just a finish coat crack?
Undercut the cracks using a cold chisel to widen the bottom.
157
What is the purpose of keeping stucco damp for 3 days after applying the finish coat?
To ensure that the stucco cures slowly, which makes it stronger.
158
What materials are needed to create a stippled texture in stucco?
Rubber gloves, an open-cell sponge float, a 5-gal. bucket, and clean water.
159
How can a swirled texture be achieved on stucco?
Comb the finish coat gently with a wet, stiff-bristled brush.
160
What should be done to achieve a Spanish stucco or skip troweled texture?
Scoop small amounts of stucco off a mortarboard and flick flecks at the wall.
161
What is the primary function of gutters?
To direct water away from the house and prevent water from collecting next to the foundation.
162
What are the two most common gutter profiles?
* Half-round
* K-style
163
How often should gutters be cleared of leaves and debris?
Twice a year—in spring and in fall.
164
What is the standard thickness for aluminum gutters?
0.028 in.
165
What is a disadvantage of spike-and-ferrule hangers?
They leave large holes, encourage rot, and may not hold well.
166
What is a benefit of hidden hangers for K-style gutters?
They are not visible, resulting in clean gutter lines.
167
What is the recommended spacing for gutter hangers?
At least every 32 in.; closer if there’s a heavy snow or ice load.
168
What type of gutter material is the most popular?
Aluminum.
169
What is the recommended slope for gutters toward downspouts?
1 in. per 16 ft.
170
What action should be taken if gutters slope away from downspouts?
Install new gutters with properly located downspouts or reattach existing gutters to slope toward downspouts.
171
Fill in the blank: To create openings for downspout outlets, use a _______.
hole saw in a cordless drill.
172
What should the front lip of the gutters be positioned relative to the roof plane?
The front lip of the gutters should be below the roof plane but high enough to avoid overshooting from rain runoff.
## Footnote
For a gently sloped 5-in-12 pitch, it should be 3⁄4 in. below; for a 7-in-12 pitch, 1⁄2 in. below; and for a 12-in-12 pitch, 1⁄4 in. below.
173
How much lower should the front lip of a gutter be compared to the back?
About 1 in. lower.
## Footnote
This design helps ensure that if the gutter overflows, water will spill over the front lip rather than soaking the fascia and siding behind.
174
What is the recommended distance for placing hangers in snow country?
Every 16 in.
## Footnote
In areas without snow, hangers can be placed every 32 in.
175
What materials are recommended for fastening gutter sections together?
Pop rivets or self-tapping sheet-metal screws.
## Footnote
Pop rivets are preferred as they do not protrude into the gutter and thus do not snag leaves.
176
True or False: Screws used for gutter sections can be removed to disconnect sections.
True.
177
What should be done to prevent galvanic corrosion when using screws?
Use screws made of the same material as the gutter or stainless-steel screws.
178
What is the purpose of using gutter caulk?
To seal joints, rivet holes, and any openings.
## Footnote
It helps to prevent leaks and prolong the life of the gutters.
179
Fill in the blank: Gutters should be inspected every year for _______.
deterioration.
180
What type of coating is recommended for painting rusty gutters?
Elastomeric roof coating such as GacoFlex® acrylic latex.
181
What should you do if you find rot in the gutters that double as exterior trim?
You may prolong their life by lining them with flashing tape.
182
What is a recommended method for patching rusted metal gutters?
Wire-brush the rusted area, apply metal primer, then spread epoxy around the hole and press a compatible-metal patch into it.
183
What is the best practice for painting wooden gutters?
Inspect them every year for deterioration and repaint every two to three years after a dry spell.
184
What should be done before painting gutters to avoid promoting rot?
Ensure the gutters are thoroughly dry.
185
What is the advantage of using preformed corners for gutters?
They simplify the installation process and improve the quality of connections.
186
What tool is indispensable for joining gutter sections?
A pop riveter.
