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Home Inspection > Interior > Flashcards

Interior Flashcards

1
Q

Is air a good insulator

A

Yes but only if it does not move. Heat moves with air

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2
Q

What is R-value

A

Resistance to heat transfer per 1 inch thickness

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3
Q

Recommended insulation R-values in attics walls and overhead spaces

A

R 40 - 60 in attics
R-17 in walls
R-27 in overhead spaces

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4
Q

What is cellulose fibre

A

Paper shredded and chemically treated insulation. It absorbs water easily

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5
Q

What is plastic board insulation

A

Poly styrene or polyurethane

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6
Q

Describe vermiculite insulation

A

Mineral made from MICA (loose fill)
Small rectangular pieces
Noncombustible
Brand Zolonite contained asbestos

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7
Q

What are the less common insulation materials

A

Leather, gypsum, slag and cork

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8
Q

What temperature should the attic be

A

Same as outdoor temperature

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9
Q

What is the problem with uninsulated ductwork in attic space

A

Heat loss and condensation problems as it cools

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10
Q

When should you insulate the roof in an attic

A

Only when air leakage cannot be easily controlled

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11
Q

What should be done to skylight well walls

A

Well insulated and has air vapour barrier on warm side

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12
Q

What should be done to exhaust ducts in attics

A

Insulated

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13
Q

Is all ductwork non-insulated

A

No. Some comes pre-insulated not visible

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14
Q

Insulation is not effective when

A

It is wet

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15
Q

Why does compressed insulation lose effectiveness

A

Air is removed

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16
Q

What can happen when the bathroom exhaust fans connected to uninsulated ducts in the attic

A

Warm moist air from the bathroom condenses on the inside of the ductwork. It runs back down and drips past electric motor

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17
Q

What happens when recessed lights are covered with insulation in an attic

A

Can start a fire. Barriers with 3 inches of clearance should be provided

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18
Q

What is an insulation short circuit

A

Insulation added to the exterior of wood frame wall without adding insulation in the stud cavity allows heat to escape through the top of the stud wall due to convective currents

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19
Q

Masonary walls usually have what between layers or in the course of the block

A

1 inch space

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20
Q

What is most heat loss due to

A

Air leakage

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21
Q

What is sometimes added against outside of foundation walls

A

Moisture barrier

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22
Q

What is added to the inside of foundation walls

A

Air vapour barriers

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23
Q

Does the insulation in the basement or crawlspaces go all the way to the floor and why

A

No it stops 8 inches above the floor to ensure the foundation wall does not freeze

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24
Q

Does fibreglass insulation have a higher value in bat form Or loose fill

A

Batt form

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25
Q

Insulation let’s some air and heat through. What do air barriers on either side do

A

Reduce air movement and prevent wind washing

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26
Q

How do vapour barriers reduce vapour movement

A

Vapour diffusion

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27
Q

What is vapour diffusion

A

Tendency of water vapour to move from areas of high humidity to low humidity

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28
Q

As air temperature drops what Happens

A

Relative humidity goes up

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29
Q

In cold climates what is required on the warm in winter side of insulation and why

A

A vapour barrier to stop vapour moving from the house to insulation

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30
Q

What is housewrap designed to do

A

Reduce windwashing

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31
Q

Air barrier is also called

A

Membrane

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32
Q

What does a membrane or air barrier do

A

Stops air but allows migration of moisture (vapour diffusion) Towards area of lower vapour pressure

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33
Q

Do vapour barriers need to be continuous

A

No

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34
Q

What are common as air barriers and vapour barriers

A

Clear polyethylene sheets

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35
Q

What are often installed as air barriers

A

Synthetic house wraps. They allow vapour to pass through so they can be on either side of insulation

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36
Q

What can replace sheathing paper

A

Synthetic house wraps

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37
Q

Many oil based paints, varnishes and shellacs act as

A

Vapour barriers

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38
Q

Why can vinyl wallpapers be a problem in warm climates

A

They are vapour barriers the wrong side of insulation

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39
Q

What does aluminum foil on insulation do

A

Acts as a vapour barrier and a radiant barrier to reflect heat

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40
Q

Some types of plastic insulation are

A

Vapour barriers. Foamed in and rigid boards

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41
Q

Can insulation boards be Air barriers

A

Yes. If joints are well taped

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42
Q

Potential air leakage locations in attic’s

A

Around chimneys and ducts, access hatches, wall or ceiling intersection, exhaust fans and duct partitions, light fixtures

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43
Q

Recommended attic ventilation rate

A

One square foot of ventilation for every 300 ft.² of attic floor

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44
Q

Describe roof vents

A

Account for 50 to 80% of total venting
Screens for insects and birds
Located high on downwind side of house to create a draft up through eaves

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45
Q

What are baffles used for

A

To keep soffit vents clear of insulation

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46
Q

If there is no air vapour barrier and no soffit vents in the attic what is the minimum ventilation rate

A

It is doubled to one square foot for every 150 ft.² of attic space

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47
Q

Why are turbine vents not recommended in attics

A

The only work on windy days when they are not necessary

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48
Q

Why are power vents installed in Attics

A

For some are used to remove hot attic air.

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49
Q

Why are power vents not recommended for cold weather

A

They put attic under negative pressure and draw more warm moist air from the house

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50
Q

Ideally where are vents located in the Crawlspace

A

Within 3 feet of the corners

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51
Q

Earth floors in crawl spaces should be

A

Covered with a sealed plastic sheet

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52
Q

What are heat recovery ventilators also called

A

Air to air heat exchangers

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53
Q

What do heat recovery ventilators do

A

Transfer some heat From stale exhaust air to incoming called outdoor air

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54
Q

Why are exhaust ducks sloped down from heat recovery Ventilators

A

To drain condensation

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55
Q

Where is air usually taken from in heat recovery ventilators

A

Kitchens and bathrooms because they are stale and humid

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56
Q

Where should intake and exhaust hoods be with heat recovery ventilators

A

6 feet apart in 3 to 4 feet from corner of the building

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57
Q

Where should Intake hood be on heat recovery ventilators

A

18 inches above grade and 3 feet away from metres and Vents

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58
Q

What should be below concrete floors to allow water to drain

A

4 to 6 inches of gravel base

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59
Q

Are most concrete floors part of the structure

A

No. They are installed after Home is completed usually

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60
Q

What is a hardwood parquet

A

6 inch squares with checkerboard effect

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61
Q

Describe hardwood strip flooring

A

Tongue and groove, nails driven diagonally

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62
Q

Bottom of laminate floors maybe

A

A paper or melamine backing

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63
Q

Engineered wood floors are similar to laminate flooring, except

A

Top layer is hardwood

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64
Q

What kinds of soft wood floors are used

A

Pine is most common. Fir and cedar are also used

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65
Q

What is carpet made of

A

Wool blended with a synthetic material

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66
Q

What is brittle floor tiles cracking usually caused by

A

Floor system that is not stiff enough

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67
Q

 Why should you be careful with ceramic tile floors

A

Some are only intended for a wall use

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68
Q

What is the difference between plastered and drywall

A

Plaster is applied with a trowel on site (made of gypsum)

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69
Q

Older plaster and wall systems have wood lath bases which are called

A

Yardsticks

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70
Q

Drywall is also called

A

Wallboard, sheet rock, plasterboard and Jip rock

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71
Q

Removing plaster from inner face of exterior brick wall does what

A

Reduces insulating value

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72
Q

When does nail popping happen in wall finishes

A

Stud shrink in nails Pop out

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73
Q

Kinds of trim

A

Baseboard, quarter round, Cherry Hill, plate real, cornice molding, door and window trim

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74
Q

What are cornice mouldings

A

Mouldings at ceiling/wall intersections

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75
Q

What is broadloom carpet

A

Wall-to-wall

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76
Q

What are pieces of Glass in the window called

A

Panes, Glazing, or lites

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77
Q

Panes of glass are held in a

A

Sash

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78
Q

When panes of glass are divided in a sash, what are the pieces called

A

Muntins

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79
Q

This separates two or more windows where they open

A

Mullion 

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80
Q

What is added in between panes of glass

A

Gases with lower thermal conductance

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81
Q

Describe tempered glass

A

3 to 5 times stronger by heating it and cooling it very quickly
Safer because it breaks into rectangular pieces

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82
Q

What happens when sash chords on single and double hung windows are painted

A

They become in operable

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83
Q

When may double or triple glazed windows collect condensation

A

When a seal has failed

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84
Q

Why are window sashes and frames susceptible to condensation problems

A

Because medal is a good thermal conductor

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85
Q

Window systems with a primary and storm window have what below outer pane

A

Drain holes

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86
Q

Common problem with manufactured window systems

A

Poor connection at sil/jamb

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87
Q

What does caulking on the inside and outside of windows do

A

Outside prevents water penetration
Inside prevents air leakage

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88
Q

What are acrylic panes of glass sensitive to

A

Scratching damage from cleaners or branches

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89
Q

Why do skylights installed on curbs 4 inches or higher above platform perform better

A

Better flashings

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90
Q

Why are skylights prone to leakage

A

They are often installed after construction so holes are cut and there are structural considerations

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91
Q

Solarium glass used in anything other than a vertical plane should be

A

Strengthened by tempering or laminated

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92
Q

What are transom lights or fan lights

A

Fixed windows above doors

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93
Q

Which type of doors expand and contract the most

A

Fibreglass

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94
Q

How is condensation reduced in modern sliding glass doors

A

They include a thermal break between inner and outer halves of the metal frame which keeps the inside of the frame warmer

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95
Q

Describe the French doors

A

Hinged on outside, mostly glass, broken up into several panes by muntins
Meet in the middle with no mullion or frame

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96
Q

When sliding glass doors are installed in a new wall opening, what is required

A

A substantial header Above the opening to carry the wall load

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97
Q

Garage man doors should

A

Protect from fire in fumes and have an automatic closer

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98
Q

What is the problem with adding a storm door to an insulated metal door

A

The space between doors can become overheated and plastic mouldings made deform and the doors may buckle

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99
Q

What are staircase components called

A

Stringers, treads, risers

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100
Q

Describe stair nosing

A

Front of tread extends 1 inch beyond riser below

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101
Q

Maximum rise for stairs

A

8 inches

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102
Q

Maximum run for stairs

A

8 1/4 inches

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103
Q

Minimum width for stairs

A

36 inches

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104
Q

Minimum headroom above stairs

A

6 1/2 feet

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105
Q

Doors at top of stairs should

A

Open away from them

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106
Q

Where is rot common on staircases

A

Bottom of stringers

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107
Q

Types of tread/stringer connections

A

Rooted, cleats, notched

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108
Q

Why are fireplaces not always energy efficient

A

They provide radiant heat into a room but consume warmed house air for combustion and draft. Warm house air goes up the chimney

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109
Q

A fire can draw how much air out of the house per minute

A

300 to 400 ft.³

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110
Q

Describe woodstoves

A

Enclosed units and more energy efficient than fireplaces

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111
Q

What problems do chimneys have that are exposed to cold outdoor weather face

A

They have trouble establishing good drafts

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112
Q

What is creosote

A

A tar like substance build up in chimneys that is a fire hazard

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113
Q

Do all natural gas fireplaces require a chimney

A

No. Some modern ones do not

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114
Q

What kind of mortar should the mortar joints in fire brick be

A

Special refractory mortar

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115
Q

Why is no mortar required in the fire brick on the hearth

A

Bricks are not likely to move

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116
Q

Fireplace components

A

Cap, liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, throat, firebox, hearth, Ash dump, Ash pit, Chimney clean out

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117
Q

Metal fire boxes can fail by Bowing or buckling which is a result of

A

Inadequate clearance between metal and masonry

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118
Q

A metal fire box should not be confused with

A

A zero clearance fireplace or fireplace insert

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119
Q

Should dampers be kept open

A

No. They should be kept closed When the fireplace is not used to minimize heat loss

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120
Q

Clay tile liners are section 2 to 3 feet long with

A

Mortar joints

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121
Q

Fireplace mantels should not have combustible materials within

A

6 feet

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122
Q

Heat circulators are also called

A

Heatilators

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123
Q

How do heat circulators work

A

Used masonry channels or a crude duct system to draw cool air from low and out through vents higher

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124
Q

Masonry fireplace problems

A

Cracked hearths, Deteriorated fire brick, inadequate clearance From combustibles, openings, Creosote

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125
Q

How far should hearths project

A

16 to 20 inches in front of firebox and 8 to 12 inches beyond either side

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126
Q

Causes for poor fireplace draw

A

Chimney too short, flu too small, opening too large, poorly shaped firebox, damper too small or far back, poorly shaped smoke chamber, excessive offset in flue

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127
Q

Metal fire boxes should be half an inch away from masonry with

A

Noncombustible insulation

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128
Q

Can a wood burning fireplace share a chimney flue with any appliance and why

A

No. Products of combustion may enter the house through the idle appliance flue

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129
Q

Can a furnace in the basement share a flue with a fireplace above

A

Yes

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130
Q

A masonry façade may pull away from the wall due to

A

Floor sagging from the weight

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131
Q

What should you check at the top of the chimney for

A

To make sure the divider is intact. Exhaust products could get back into the house

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132
Q

What do zero clearance fireplaces have

A

A damper but usually no smoke shelf

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133
Q

What are required with fireplace inserts

A

Stainless steel continuous liners

134
Q

What are gas fireplaces that are designed to fit into masonry fireplaces called

A

Inserts

135
Q

Fireplaces in bedrooms or bathrooms must be

A

Direct vented

136
Q

Where gas logs are installed in an existing fireplace, The damper must be

A

Permanently opened for exhaust to go up the chimney

137
Q

What floors do woodstoves sit on

A

Concrete floors or protected wood floors

138
Q

Can woodstoves share a flue with appliances

A

No

139
Q

What are breechings in fireplaces

A

The pipes that join the stove to the chimney

140
Q

Requirements for flue pipes or breechings

A

No more than 10 feet of horizontal run, no more than 2 90° elbows, supports every 3 feet, joints that allow condensate drain into stove

141
Q

Minimum flu slope from stove to chimney

A

Quarter inch per foot

142
Q

What is a flu/chimney connection made with

A

A thimble or flue ring

143
Q

creosote Can be more of a problem in

A

Woodstoves due to the slow burning

144
Q

Does more efflorescence on concrete floors mean more water leakage

A

No. More deposits come from drier air and greater rates of evaporation

145
Q

Efflorescence in basements may be the result of

A

Outside the water passing through the wall, condensation, or water wicking up through the wall by capillary action

146
Q

What happens with exterior drainage tiles when basements are lowered

A

They become ineffective. Interior drainage tile should be provided below the new floor

147
Q

How much of basement leakage problems are caused by groundwater and how much by surface water

A

10% ground water. 90% surface water

148
Q

What is the problem with P traps outside

A

They can freeze in the winter

149
Q

Where good grading cannot be achieved what are used

A

Catch basins

150
Q

What do catch basins do

A

Carry water to drainage systems. They clog and are susceptible to heaving

151
Q

What is the best material for patching cracks in concrete

A

Epoxy

152
Q

Why is interior patching not effective for hollow block walls

A

Too many paths for water

153
Q

What prevents leaks on the outside of the foundation

A

Dimpleed plastic membrane, drainage tile and gravel fill

154
Q

What kind of fabric wrapped around drainage pipes keep soil out in let’s water in

A

Geotextile fabric

155
Q

Where do drainage systems ideally discharged to

A

Storm sewers

156
Q

What is damp proofing

A

Parging concrete block walls with quarter inch layer of mortar extending down to the footing, which is coved (sloped) To direct water to drainage tile Then a damp proofing layer is applied to the wall

157
Q

Houses are not built below water tables but what happens with rainfall

A

they may rise

158
Q

Where should smoke detectors be provided

A

In all sleeping areas of the home and on each floor

159
Q

Where should CO detectors be

A

In every room with a wood-burning appliance And ideally on every floor

160
Q

Detectors should be tested how often

A

Monthly and batteries replaced annually

161
Q

How often should detectors be replaced

A

Every 10 years

162
Q

Chimney flue liners are what material

A

Metal or clay tile. They are continuous and airtight from heat source to outside

163
Q

Exterior chimney inspections focus on

A

Flashing and mortar joints

164
Q

Interior chimney inspections focus on

A

Chimney pad, settlement and structure

165
Q

Are masonry chimneys usually part of the foundation

A

No. Footing is independent of foundation

166
Q

Uneven settling of chimneys may cause gaps. What should be done

A

Filled with in elastomeric caulk

167
Q

Exterior cracking in a chimney can lead to

A

Flu cracking – fire hazard

168
Q

What does a lot of efflorescence at the top of the chimney suggest

A

Water has been running down the inside for years because a mortar cap has failed

169
Q

Chimneys must be 3 feet above

A

Roof on the chimneys upslope face

170
Q

What do mortar caps do and what are found often in them

A

Shed rain. Cracks often form

171
Q

Should you vent a fireplace and furnace or any heating appliance in to the same chimney flue

A

No. Carbon monoxide from furnace could enter living spaces

172
Q

Peaked rain caps are also called

A

Wash caps

173
Q

Wash caps are often installed above mortar caps for what purpose

A

To keep Creosote from running down the flue

174
Q

Codes may require what on top of Chimneys

A

Spark arrestor’s

175
Q

Most Chimneytop dampers are operated by

A

Steel cables that hang down the flue

176
Q

How often should chimneys be cleaned

A

Once a year

177
Q

How is flashing done on Chimneys

A

Counter flashing is tucked into mortar joints and base flashing is free from nail holes

178
Q

What is often used to patch Chimney bases

A

Asphalt roofing cement

179
Q

What do parge corbelled bricks do on fireplaces

A

Protect mortar and facilitate cleaning

180
Q

What can smoke stains indicate with fireplaces

A

Poor draft or someone left a damper closed during a fire

181
Q

What are some smoking fireplace fixes

A

Smoke hood, fireplace doors, convection ducts, purging, burn Drywood, Clean fireplace and chimney, rebuild firebox

182
Q

Black drafting in fireplaces in air tight homes happens when

A

Fans are used. When a damper is open, then air rushes back down the chimney causing smoking

183
Q

No combustible material is allowed within how far of a fireplace

A

6 feet

184
Q

Are all gas fireplaces vented

A

No

185
Q

Is it safe to burn anything other than gas in a gas fireplace

A

No

186
Q

Vented gas fireplaces have what piping

A

Concentric vent piping whose outer pipe draws in outside air for combustion and it’s inner pipe vents combustion gases outside

187
Q

What do unvented gas fireplaces have

A

Thermal sensors and oxygen depletion sensors

188
Q

Why do dampers in vented gas fireplaces have to stay open

A

To prevent CO in living area

189
Q

What should be installed in rooms with gas fireplaces

A

CO monitors

190
Q

What may be the cause of a woodstove leaking creosote from stove pipe joints

A

An installer may have crimped the male pipe and toward the chimney symbol rather than the collar

191
Q

What is a collar also called in fireplaces

A

Takeoff

192
Q

Why must woodstoves be air tight

A

Gaps could leak combustible gases into living spaces

193
Q

Describe a fireplace insert

A

Wood burning stove inserted into a fireplace, metal flue pipe installed in chimney, terminating above roof.

194
Q

Wood stoves should be at least 36 inches away from combustible surfaces, but can be 12 inches away if this is installed

A

A metal shield with a 1 inch air gap

195
Q

Can a stove pipe connecter pass through walls

A

Fuck Nah

196
Q

What are the differences in how drywall and plaster feel

A

Drywall smooth plaster has a slightly gritty feel

197
Q

What may be the cause of nail or screw pops in drywall in gaps at the tops and bottoms of walls

A

Green lumber may have been used rather than kiln dried lumber

198
Q

What might be the cause of isolated bulges in walls

A

Studs have twisted due to green lumber being used

199
Q

What might be the cause of widespread nail or screw pops in ceiling

A

Attic joist flexion from undersized joists

200
Q

What is common along wall – ceiling joints on exterior walls if a roof is framed with trusses

A

Cracking during seasonal fluctuations

201
Q

Diagonal cracks from windows or door corners indicate what

A

Structural movement

202
Q

Large cracks that slope Towards the base of the wall indicate

A

Inadequate support beneath wall

203
Q

Condensation and water stains around windows indicate

A

Interior moisture or insufficient ventilation in the attic

204
Q

What is the issue with cracked heat exchanger’s and leaking furnace ducts

A

They can dump water vapour which is a byproduct of combustion into living spaces

205
Q

Plaster that uses through a lath is called

A

A key

206
Q

Purple – pink blotches on wallpaper indicate

A

Mold. Mould loves wallpaper

207
Q

Where is a good place to look for water stains, cracks, lead paint etc.

A

Closets

208
Q

When was Lead paint banned And is it a problem to have

A
  1. If it is not flaking or peeling, there is little chance of inhalation
209
Q

What is interior trim also called

A

Casing or moulding

210
Q

Should there be gaps at the corners of interior trim where pieces meet

A

Yes. Because wood shrinks

211
Q

Why are gaps under baseboard trim common

A

For expansion and contraction

212
Q

We’re trim tilts downward in one direction and is accompanied by diagonal cracking at door and window corners, what does this indicate

A

Structural distress

213
Q

List interior trim names from top to bottom

A

Crown molding, picture molding, chair rail, baseboard

214
Q

What are usually the last materials to be installed in the house

A

Flooring and base moulding

215
Q

How should you ascertain the thickness of wood flooring and sub flooring

A

Remove a forced hot air register and look at the exposed cross section of flooring

216
Q

What should a home inspector do if carpet has been newly installed over wood flooring

A

Ask homeowners to verify in writing that floors are in good condition

217
Q

What does cupped hardwood flooring indicate

A

Underside has absorbed moisture

218
Q

What does flooring that bows in the centre of the room indicate

A

May have been installed without a gap in its perimeter to allow for expansion

219
Q

What does localized springiness in floors indicate

A

Undersized footing pad or deteriorated or Absent post beneath the girder

220
Q

What does widespread Floor springiness indicate

A

Joists too small for span or field or absent girder

221
Q

Flooring that crowns above a girder indicates

A

Failure of the perimeter foundation

222
Q

Why is carpet installed over slab problematic

A

Moisture can wick through concrete

223
Q

Why is sagging on the open side of a staircase common

A

Because there are no wall studs to bolt to

224
Q

What do cracks at the top or bottom of the staircases indicate

A

Centre of carriage has pulled free from doubled header

225
Q

What are headers and what are they supported by

A

Lentils are bearing beams that are supported by King studs which are full length and a shortened Jack stud

226
Q

What do cripple studs do

A

Transfer loads from walls top plate to Header

227
Q

What are cripple studs also called

A

Dragon’s teeth

228
Q

What are jack studs also called

A

Trimmer stud

229
Q

How high should interior and exterior doors be

A

6’8”

230
Q

What is a Mullion

A

Vertical divider

231
Q

How much overhang should be over exterior doors

A

At least half the distance from doorsill to eaves

232
Q

To minimize warping, Panel doors have

A

Engineered wood cores

233
Q

Average R value of doors

A

Wood= R-2
Steel doors= R-5-6
Fibreglass= R-8

234
Q

What is a “kerf”

A

A slot milled into the door frame for weatherstripping

235
Q

What is weatherstripping at the bottom of the door called

A

Shoe or sweep gasket

236
Q

What can be retrofitted over door threshold in areas with lots of precipitation

A

Water return thresholds

237
Q

water return threshold components

A

Drain pan, weep holes, Vinyl seal, metal door shoe, strip bar

238
Q

Windows at the bottom of the staircases must be

A

Tempered glass

239
Q

Where does rot usually start on windows

A

At the bottom of the sash- windowsill juncture on wood frame windows

240
Q

If an egress window has security bars what must they also have

A

Release mechanism inside

241
Q

All kitchen outlets should be

A

GFCI protected

242
Q

Kitchens should have how many small appliance circuits

A

2×20 amp

243
Q

How often should there be outlets at kitchen countertops

A

Every 4 feet

244
Q

Does a bathroom heater need its own circuit

A

Yes

245
Q

Should major appliances be GFCI protected

A

No. Large motors may cause a nuisance tripping because they have large starting loads

246
Q

What do flickering lights indicate

A

An overloaded circuit

247
Q

Rangers need 120/240 V sometimes. what is the wiring for that

A

Too hot wires, neutral and ground

248
Q

Older dishwashers vent through

A

A chrome cap above the sink

249
Q

New dishwashers have anti-backflow or

A

Airgap devices

250
Q

What is the problem with an oversized hood over a range

A

They can expel so much air that they create back drafting. Negative in-house air pressure draws furnace or fireplace exhaust from chimney

251
Q

Range hoods also exhaust what

A

Airborne grease that might otherwise cause mold

252
Q

Exposed wood cabinet should be how high above heat sources

A

30 inches

253
Q

Smoke alarms should be kept how far away from cooktops

A

12 feet

254
Q

What do GFCI’s detect

A

Current leaks and short to ground

255
Q

What is likely when a bath fan draws well but mould persists along ceiling

A

Duct ends in un heated attic

256
Q

What should be done with bath fan ducts

A

Should extend through the roof to outside air and be insulated

257
Q

What should shower doors have on their stamp

A

It should say tempered or safety glass

258
Q

What are lavatories

A

Bathroom sinks

259
Q

Why should a faucet spout not terminate below a filled sink

A

Because waste water in the sink could siphon into drinking water

260
Q

What should water supply lines have

A

Metal sheath burst proof flexible connecters

261
Q

What is the likely cause of the sink that gurgles and smells like sewage

A

Flushing toilet sucks water from the sink due to faulty venting

262
Q

Are corrugated drain approved for lavatories

A

Hell to the fuck nah

263
Q

If water drips from a toilet in warm weather what is installed

A

A sweat stopper inside the tank

264
Q

Is vinyl exhaust approved for driers

A

Nah son

265
Q

When rocking a toilet, if it moves a lot and smells, what is the problem

A

Nuts are loose and wax ring failed

266
Q

Why do some older driers not have a ground

A

The neutral served as equipment ground

267
Q

Dryer receptacle wiring

A

4 pole 4 wire

268
Q

Gas piping must be supported every

A

6 feet

269
Q

What kind of Piping is approved for venting in addicts or crawlspaces

A

Smooth wall metal piping

270
Q

What should be used to connect driers to wall

A

Flexible vent pipes

271
Q

What should washers on top of wood have

A

A catch pan that runs to the drain pipe

272
Q

Washer drain pipes should have what kind of trap

A

A P-trap. Never an S trap

273
Q

Washer drains should have a trap where

A

Above floor level

274
Q

Is a staircase landing required if the door swings away

A

Nope

275
Q

Where are CO detectors required in regards to bedrooms

A

Within 10 feet of each bedroom

276
Q

Are inspectors allowed to turn gas and pilot lights on

A

No

277
Q

What is asbestos

A

A fibrous rock that is resistant to heat and chemicals

278
Q

Describe radon

A

 produced by the decay of uranium and radium
Levels fluctuate the weather
Fans cannot be in the living areas

279
Q

Can unvented heaters be the sole source of heat

A

No

280
Q

What do you use to measure humidity what ranges are good

A

Around 40% is good. 60% and up is not good

281
Q

How should you check for vapour barriers

A

Take receptacle covers off on exterior

282
Q

How much more resistance than to airflow than straight pipe does flex duct have

A

Twice

283
Q

What is static pressure

A

Measurement of airflow resistance

284
Q

When HRVs are interconnected with forced air heating/cooling systems how should testing be done

A

Coordinated together

285
Q

How does heat move

A

Hot air rises. Heat travels from hot to cold

286
Q

If you have AC do you want a vapour barrier inside or outside

A

You don’t want a vapour barrier Inside

287
Q

What is entropy (thermal dynamics)

A

Heat tried to even out. Depends on the speed of heat flow

288
Q

The three mechanisms for heat transfer

A

Radiation, conduction, convection

289
Q

Describe radiation heat transfer

A

The first way heat is transferred (ie body heat)
Differs from convection in that it can occur with a vacuum

290
Q

Describe conduction heat transfer

A

When two bodies come into physical contact. (Thermal bridging)

291
Q

Describe convection heat transfer

A

Transfer of heat between objects that are not touching. (By means of a fluid such as water or air)

292
Q

Movement of convection heat transfer is called

A

Convective current

293
Q

When does an insulator lose value

A

When it becomes wet

294
Q

Addicts in the US we should be what R rating

A

R38 minimum

295
Q

How do bulk insulators block conductor of heat transfer

A

By creating a space

296
Q

How do bulk insulators block convective heat transfer

A

By holding air still

297
Q

Why does air make a good insulator

A

Because air has low density

298
Q

Air has a high resistance to what type of heat transfer is the lower resistance to what

A

High resistance to heat conduction
A little resistance to radiation and convection

299
Q

When conduction convection and radiation occur at the same time, when does thermal resistance of air space become independent of gap width

A

When it is greater than 1”

300
Q

What is often used in reducing downward heat flow

A

Reflective radiant barrier’s

301
Q

Upward heat flow tends to be what type of heat transfer

A

Convection

302
Q

What is the stack effect

A

Convective heat flow
When outdoor temperature is colder than inside, hot air rises to press through openings in upper floors

303
Q

Water runs off of Rock wool. What is this called

A

Hydrophobic

304
Q

What three things do you look for on windows

A

U factor
Solar heat gain coefficient
Air leakage

305
Q

What is the U factor of a window

A

How will it performs in the winter. The lower the better. Heat loss

306
Q

What is solar heat gain coefficient

A

Percentage of the heat from the sun that gets through

307
Q

Low E glass reflects what kind of infrared waves and what doesn’t transmit

A

It reflects long wave infrared. Transmits light and short wave infrared

308
Q

What are the thermal performance factors

A

Framing factor (25%)
Thermal bridging at frame/studs
 Wind washing
Gaps in insulation

309
Q

What is the framing factor of the wall R value and frame and studs called

A

opaque wall

310
Q

Some radiant barrier’s will preferentially reduce the flow of infrared radiation in comparison to other wave lengths. What is this called

A

Spectrally selective

311
Q

Describe R-value

A

Ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux. (Heat transferred per unit area per unit time)

312
Q

What is thermal bridging

A

A good insulator with a good conductor. Heat transfers from the conductor

313
Q

What is a thermal break

A

Thermal bridge is broken into separate pieces with insulation

314
Q

What is framing factor

A

Wall, floor, framing reduces R-value

315
Q

If you have the same amount of insulation but it is not evenly distributed, what happens

A

Reduce R-value

316
Q

Is drywall a good air barrier or vapour barrier

A

Good air barrier, not vapor. Some paints are good vapour barriers

317
Q

What are the three methods of air infiltration into buildings

A

Wind pressure, stack pressure, mechanical pressure

318
Q

Why is direct venting better than flues

A

Stack affect can happen

319
Q

Should return air ducks be in the same cavity As combustion flus

A

No sir

320
Q

How many safety stops to an automated garage door have

A

Two

321
Q

What does the E in the low Ewindow systems mean

A

Emissivity

322
Q

What are the purposes of an energy recovery ventilator

A

Recovers heat and moisture from exhaust

323
Q

On a frosty day what do long narrow frost lines running up the roof indicate

A

The effect of the trust cords or rafters which are slightly insulating

324
Q

Do standards expect you to inspect every window

A

No. Just a representative sample

325
Q

Is a check valve on the floor drain an indication of water penetration into basements

A

No

326
Q

What are common problems with exterior trim

A

, deteriorated caulking, paint or stain needed

327
Q

What is emissivity in low E window systems

A

Reflect heat. Improves thermal performance

328
Q

Sequence of gas furnace

A

Call for heat, since the pilot, turn on gas, sense, temperature of air at heat exchanger, turn on the blower, thermostat satisfied, turn off the gas, since the temperature in that heat exchanger, turn off the blower

329
Q

What is a barometric damper?

A

Admits dilution air into the exhaust gases to aid in the draft

330
Q

What does a thermocouple do you?

A

Senses, pilot flame

331
Q

Heat exchangers do this

A

Separate combustion air from house air

Home Inspection (13 decks)

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