chapter 15 windows

Question 1

Luka is the owner of a large mortgage brokerage in Florida, where summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 degrees Celsius. The building has not been renovated in quite some time and has major problems with insulation. In order to reduce the air conditioning bills, Luka has contacted the local window specialist, who has provided a few options. Assuming there are negligible cost differences between the options, which one should Luka take?

1. Double glazed windows with non-thermal-broken frames
2. Double glazed windows with thermal broken frames
3. Single glazed windows with thermal broken frames
4. Single glazed windows with non-thermal-broken frames

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct because proper insulation and reduced heat conduction are a priority for a building located in a hot climate. Double glazed windows offer greater insulation compared to single glazed windows, as there are two layers of glass separated by an air-sealed space. Thermal broken frames are split into two sections between the outside and inside of the house to reduce heat conduction. Option (1) is incorrect because non-thermal-broken frames are less efficient than thermal broken frames. Option (3) is incorrect because single glazed windows are less efficient than double glazed windows. Option (4) is incorrect because single glazed windows are less efficient than double glazed windows and because non-thermal-broken frames are less efficient than thermal broken frames.

Question 2

Asad is a property inspector who has been tasked with inspecting a home that Jasmine would like to purchase. Asad is currently inspecting the frame of the house. However, when he reaches the upper floors, he is unable to see the frame. What should Asad be looking for when determining if any damage has been done to the home’s frame?

1. Tilted light fixtures or window frames
2. Bulges around windows and doors
3. Large cracks in the wall or ceiling finish
4. Sloping floors

Answer 2

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because when examining upper level floors, the frame is hidden and the only indication of structural distress will be large cracks in the wall or ceiling finish. Option (1) is incorrect because tilted light fixtures or window frames do not necessarily indicate structural distress. Option (2) is incorrect because bulges around windows and doors do not necessarily indicate structural distress. Option (4) is incorrect because sloping floors do not necessarily indicate structural distress.

Question 3

Zackary Weaver is preparing to list his house for sale, but he is worried about how a condensation problem in the entranceway will affect his home’s value. The home was constructed to R2000 standards, so he is confused about the source of this problem. Which of the following actions should Zackary take?

1. Place zinc strips around the edges of the roof.
2. Replace all double glazed windows with a vapour barrier.
3. Improve the ventilation in the house by installing an exhaust fan.
4. Replace the plumbing fixtures with more modern, insulated materials.

Answer 3

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because a simple exhaust fan will likely be effective in improving ventilation and eliminating condensation. Option (1) is incorrect because when placed along the peak of a roof, zinc strips are designed to prevent moss growth and have nothing to do with condensation. Options (2) and (4) are incorrect because replacing the windows and plumbing fixtures will not address the underlying problem, which is likely a lack of ventilation.

Question 4

Which of the following statements regarding building envelope systems is TRUE?

1. When a window is cracked, allowing a large amount of heat to escape from the home to the outside, it is known as a thermal broken window.
2. Window drafts can be alleviated by sealing the joint between the window and the wall with caulking.
3. Polystyrene insulation is sprayed into wall cavities and attics through small drilled holes.
4. Cellulose fibre is made from shredded glassfibre batts, with chemicals added to prevent fungi.

Answer 4

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct it is a true statement. Option (1) is incorrect because a thermal broken window is defined as when the frame of the window is split into two parts from the inside to the outside to reduce the conduction of heat from the home to the outside and vice versa. Option (3) is incorrect because polystyrene insulation is a rigid insulation that is used for sheathing insulation on wall and floor surfaces. Option (4) is incorrect because cellulose fibre is made from shredded recycled newsprint.

Question 5

Which of the following actions is LEAST likely to increase the energy efficiency of a house?

1. Construction of a draft-free building envelope
2. Double entrance doors that are insulated and weather-sealed to prevent air leakage
3. Installation of metal window frames with a thermal break
4. Using single panes in glass doors to reduce heat flow

Answer 5

Correct Answer: 4

Option (4) is correct because it is least likely to increase the energy efficiency of a house: double or triple-paned insulating glass should be used on glass doors to reduce heat flow, but single plane glass is not likely to help with this. Options (1), (2), and (3) are incorrect because they are all methods that can be used to increase the energy efficiency of a house.

Question 6

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be considered a housing defect?

1. Inadequate lighting
2. Peeling wallpaper or paint
3. Windows that are too small or that are oddly placed
4. Aluminium wiring used in an electrical system

Answer 6

Correct Answer: 4

Option (4) is correct because if it is installed properly, aluminium wire is safe to use in an electrical system. Options (1), (2), and (3) are incorrect because they are all examples of housing defects.

Question 7

To maximize the benefits of solar heat gains, in which compass direction should the largest windows of buildings be oriented?

1. South
2. South-west
3. North
4. West

Answer 7

Correct Answer: 1

Option (1) is correct because to maximize the benefits of solar heat gains, buildings should be oriented so that their largest windows are facing south. This enables the window to absorb passive solar energy (heat), thereby reducing the heating expense. Since south-facing windows maximize the benefits of solar heat gains, Options (2), (3), and (4) are therefore incorrect.