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Insulation > Midterm > Flashcards

Midterm Flashcards

1
Q

3 areas to look at when inspecting for insulations

A

Insulation and VB of unfinished spaces
Ventilation of attics and foundation area
Ventilation systems of kitchen, bathroom, and laundry

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2
Q

What do you NOT report as an inspector - 2 Things

A

Concealed insulation/VB
Indoor air quality

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3
Q

Define Insulation

A

products that controls heat loss

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4
Q

Define Vapor Barrier

A

products that restricts vapor diffusion

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5
Q

What is Degree Days?
What does it indicate?

A

Average temperature for the day is subtracted from 65F
e.g. if temp is 45F then 65-45 = 20F is the degree days
Indicates the demand over a heating season

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6
Q

2 ways moisture is controlled

A

Ventilation systems
Air/Vapor Barrier

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7
Q

Define Heat

A

Thermal energy of a body, measured in BTUs
(British Thermal Unit)

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8
Q

Define Temperature

A

The amount of thermal energy in a body, measured in degrees of F or C

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9
Q

What causes temperature to change

A

Sensible Heat

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10
Q

The energy used to change the state of substance without changing the temperature is called

A

Latent Heat

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11
Q

4 ways how heat travels from hot to cold

A

Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Evaporation

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12
Q

What is Thermal Conductivity (K)

A

the movement of heat through a homogenous material
number of BTUs per hour that will move through 1ft x 1ft x 1 inch, when the temperature difference from one side to the other is 1F

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13
Q

What is Conductance (C)

A

the movement of heat through materials that are NOT homogenous or have large voids
number of BTUs per hour that will move through 1ft x 1ft, when the temp difference from one side to the other is 1F

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14
Q

_______ Thermal Conductors slows the heat flow and are good insulators

A

Low

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15
Q

2 characteristics of good insulators

A

Hold air still in small pockets
Low density

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16
Q

What is Thermal Resistance?
Good insulation has LOW or HIGH thermal resistance

A

The inverse of its conductivity or R-value
High

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17
Q

Recommended R-Value for Canada
Attic:
Walls:
Floor and Unheated Space:

A

R40 - R60
R17
R27

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18
Q

True of False: wind washing is more important than air leakage

A

False

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19
Q

List three thermal insulators

A

Cork
Sawdust
Some plastics

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20
Q

List 8 sources of moisture

A

Drying fire wood inside
Taking shower, doing dishes
Humidifiers
Pets
People sweating/breathing
Doing laundry
Damp soil in crawlspace
Sump pits

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21
Q

Unprotected soil in the house (e.g. earth floor in crawlspace) can generate ___ gallons of water per day

A

10

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22
Q

Difference between Absolute and Relative humidity

A

Absolute - actual mount of moisture in the air
Relative - amount of moisture in the air relative to the amount of moisture the fully saturated air could hold; expressed in percentage

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23
Q

As you INCREASE or DECREASE the air temperature, the ABSOLUTE or RELATIVE humidity stays the same, but ABSOLUTE or RELATIVE humidity drops

A

Increase
Absolute
Relative

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24
Q

Which air holds more moisture - Cold or Warm

A

Warm air

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25
Q

4 ways the moisture moves

A

Bulk moisture - leaks
Capillary action - rising damp
Air transported - water vapor in the air moves with air
Vapor diffusion - water vapor moves from high pressure to low pressure without air movement

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26
Q

Describe Stack Effect

A

Warm air rises and expands, creates high pressure near the top of the house and tries to escape; Low/negative pressure is created at the bottom and draws in outdoor air

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27
Q

True of False: Warm, moist air leaking out does more damage than cold, dry air coming in

A

True

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28
Q

What is Dew Point Temperature

A

when humidity is at 100% and condensation starts to form

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29
Q

True of False: Movement of Air is more important than Vapor Diffusion

A

True

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30
Q

Evidences of high humidity

A

Condensation on windows
Stuffy air
Staining or mold in bathrooms, or on cold walls, window frames
Odor
Back draft from combustible appliances

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31
Q

5 Ways to solve humidity problem

A

Produce less moisture
Keep the condensing surface warmer
Stop air leakage
Flush the air out faster
Exhaust warm ,moist air directly outside

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32
Q

Which is more important: Air Barrier or Vapor Barrier

A

Air Barrier

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33
Q

Advantage of housewraps vs. old building paper

A

Housewraps have less seams, so has more tight fit. Stops air flow but allows vapor through

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34
Q

2 Advantages of exhausting moisture (ie. exhaust fans)

A

Sends moisture outside
Lower air pressure inside, less warm air leaking outside, and brings dry air inside.

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35
Q

2 Disadvantages of exhausting moisture (ie. exhaust fans)

A

Wastes energy by sending heated air out
Lower air pressure can cause backdrafting

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36
Q

2 Concepts of HRV

A

Removes heat from the warm, exhaust air
Control the location and amount of fresh air drawn into the house

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37
Q

2 Types of house ventilation

A

Venting of roof and wall systems
Exhausting stale air and supply fresh air into the living spaces

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38
Q

Where does the air barrier have to be located in a warm climate

A

Exterior wall (or none at all)

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39
Q

6 Components of HRV?

A

Fan controls
Ducts
Heat exchange
Condensate drain
Defrost mechanism
Flow measure/collars and Balancing Dampers

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40
Q

9 Characteristics of Good Insulation

A

High R-Value
Durable
Inexpensive
Completely fills cavities
Air Barrier
Vapor Barrier
Moisture and Rot resistance
Non-combustible
Chemically inert

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41
Q

Where do Thermal Bridges occur?

A

Where the insulation is not continuous, such as studs, top plates, sill plates, etc

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42
Q

4 Types of Insulation forms

A

Loose-fill/Blown-in
Batts/Blankets
Rigid Board
Foamed-in-place

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43
Q

Name common materials for Loose-fill insulation

A

Cellulose
Mineral wool
Vermiculite
Sawdust
Perlite
Fiberglass

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44
Q

Name common materials for Batts insulation

A

Fiberglass
Mineral wool

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45
Q

Name common materials for Rigid Board insulation

A

Fiberglass
Expanded polystyrene
Extruded polystyrene
Polyurethane
Polyisocyanurate

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46
Q

Name common materials for Foamed in place insulation

A

Polyurethane
Polyisocyanate

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47
Q

What is the R-value for Extruded Polystyrene board insulation

A

5.0

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48
Q

R-value of Fiberglass loose fill is ______, and R-value of Cellulose fiber loose fill is _______

A

3.4
3.5

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49
Q

Is Extruded Polystyrene board resistant to moisture?
Combustible?
Air barrier?
Vapor barrier?

A

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

50
Q

What do Radian barriers do?
More common in Warm climate or Cold climate?

A

Reflect heat back to the source, and slows heat radiation through the barrier
Warm climate

51
Q

What are 6 qualities of good Air Barrier

A

Durable
Stops air movement
Continuous
Strong
Inexpensive
Resistant to moisture, rot, and chemical

52
Q

What are 2 other names for Vapor Barrier

A

Vapor Retarder
Vapor Diffusion Retarder

53
Q

10 building materials that can act as air barrier?

A

Polyethylene
Housewraps
Foam insulation boards
Drywall
Sheathing/Plywood
Building Paper
Sill gaskets
Caulking and weatherstripping
Duct tape / Duct Mastic
Gaskets for electrical boxes (wall plug)
Backer Rod

54
Q

Housewraps are installed _________, whereas Polyethylene is installed behind ______________.

A

Exterior
Drywall

55
Q

______________ caulking is to keep water out, whereas ______________ caulking is to prevent air leakage into the wall system

A

Exterior
Interior

56
Q

True of False: If missing 1%, it is no longer an effective vapor barrier

57
Q

Anything with a perm rating of __________________ is considered a good vapor barrier

A

Less than 1.0

58
Q

What are 5 qualities of a Vapor Barrier

A

Diffusion resistant
Durable
Inexpensive
Moisture and Rot resistant
Chemically inert

59
Q

The (Lower/Higher) the perm, the more effective the vapor barrier

60
Q

Define “Imperial Perm”

A

the number of grains of water that will move through one square foot of material in an hour, under a pressure of one inch mercury

61
Q

List 7 common materials for Vapor Barrier

A

Polyethylene film
Kraft paper
Aluminum Oil
Oil based paint
Insulations (rigid foam, spray foam)
Vinyl wallpaper
Plywood/OSB Sheathing

62
Q

Vapor Barrier should be on the (Warm/Cold side) in a Cold climate, and (Interior/Exterior) in a Hot Climate

A

Warm side
Exterior

63
Q

2 kinds of ventilation

A

Ventilation of living spaces
Ventilation of unconditioned space

64
Q

2 reasons for venting living spaces

A

To remove moisture in the air
To replace stale, polluted air with fresh air

65
Q

3 reasons for venting unconditioned spaces

A

To flush out warm, moist air before in can condensate
To eliminate heat build up in roof systems and keep house cool
To prevent Ice Dams

66
Q

List 6 types of Roof Vents

A

Soffit
Gable
Ridge
Roof
Turbine
Power vent

67
Q

When can soffit vents be omitted?

A

If there are gable vents at opposing ends

68
Q

4 Common problems found with Turbine vents

A

Noisy
Seized - don’t work on calm days
Depressurize the attic on windy days
Covered up to prevent water leakage into the attic

69
Q

What does soffit vent baffles do?

A

Prevent insulation from covering the soffit vents

70
Q

Recommended amount of ventilation in the attic is:

A

1/300 of attic floor space

71
Q

Recommended amount of ventilation for low-slope, flat and cathedral roofs is:

A

1/150 of attic floor space

72
Q

3 ways to venting a living space

A

Exhaust-only
Supply-only
Balanced

73
Q

What is the recommend amount of air change?

A

1/3 (0.3) air change per hour

74
Q

What is balanced ventilated system?

A

controlling both fresh and exhaust air supply

75
Q

List 9 components of HRV

A

Cabinet
Ducts
Heat exchanger
Inlet and exhaust fans
Flow collar/measure and Balancing damper
Control for fan
Defrost mechanism
Condensate duct
Air filter

76
Q

Ducting on the (warm/cold) side of HRV should be insulated

77
Q

What does balancing dampers do?
Where are they located?

A

Balances the system so the house stays neutral in pressure
On the warm side of HRV, close to the heat exchanger

78
Q

2 areas where fresh air from HRV is introduced into the house

A

Dedicated ducts to various rooms in ceiling or within 12” of ceiling
Cold air return plenum of the furnace

79
Q

What does flow measure/collars do?
Where are they located?

A

Help balance exhaust and fresh air flow
On the warm side of HRV, 12” from balancing dampers

80
Q

How efficient are HRVs (in %)

81
Q

6 Types of Heat Exchanger

A

Flat Plate
Concentric Tube
Rotary Wheel
Heat Pipe
Capillary Blower
Heat Pump Type

82
Q

6 Things to look for on the fresh air intake for a HRV

A

6 ft away from the exhaust
18 inches above grade
40 inches away from corners
3 ft away from gas meter, dryer vents, furnace, boiler or water heater vents
Well away from driveways, garage
Hooded and screened for protection

83
Q

4 Things to look for on the exhaust outlet for a HRV

A

6 ft away from the intake
4-8 inches above the grade
Hooded and screened for protection
Has a damper/flap

84
Q

6 different control methods for HRV

A

Thermostat
Humidistat
Dehumidistat
Manual switches
Timers
Fan speed controls - continuous

85
Q

4 ways to defrost heat exchanger

A

1) Supply air preheated
2) Exhaust air is recirculated
3) Exhaust fan shut off, Fresh air supply is closed, warm house air is drawn
4) Fresh air fan shut off, Exhaust fan continues to work

86
Q

When insulating ducts in Heating climate, insulation should be (inside/outside) the duct, whereas in Cooling climate, insulation should be (inside/outside) the duct

A

Outside
Inside

87
Q

Masonry chimneys should have ______________ insulation around them

A

Non-combustible

88
Q

What are some ideal conditions for mold growth

A

Oxygen
Temperature between 40-100F
Moisture
Food
Inadequate ventilation

89
Q

Pot lights should not be insulated unless it has __________ rating stamped

A

IC (Insulated Ceiling)

90
Q

Snow on attic insulation below the roof vent suggest:

A

the soffit vent may be blocked, causing snow or water to get inside

91
Q

It’s not a skylight leakage if condensation occurs by:

A

Lack of insulation
A uniform water accumulation around the perimeter of skylight
Only occur in cold weather
Not appear during or after rain

92
Q

Power vents should not operate in winter because:

A

It can depressurize the attic, increasing heat loss

93
Q

What is suggested by mold, mildew or rot on rafters and sheathing

A

An exhaust fan is dumping warm, moist air directly into the attic

94
Q

4 Ways to insulate flat/cathedral roof

A

Treat like an attic - Ventilate above insulation
Complete fill
Insulate above roof structure/sheathing
Retrofit install insulation below structure

95
Q

7 common problems found with flat roof insulation system

A

Too little insulation
Wet, compressed, Voids
Missing/Incomplete air/vapor barriers
Excessive air leakage
Missing/Inadequate venting
Venting obstructed
Mold/mildew/rot

96
Q

How much ventilation is needed for flat/cathedral roof?

A

1/150 sq ft

97
Q

What are signs of retro-fitted insulation (ie. upgraded)

A

Lower ceiling height than expected (insulation below roof)
Plugged holes in ceiling
Plugged holes in roof coverings
Plugged holes in fascia board
Vents added to the roof
An extra thickness to the roof (insulation above roof)

98
Q

Signs of potential rot in the flat/cathedral roof

A

Saggy or spongy roof surface
Sagging plaster/drywall ceilings
Mold/mildew on ceilings
Rusted nail heads on ceilings

99
Q

Little snow on the roof is an indication of:

A

Lots of heat loss and little insulation in the attic

100
Q

4 Common conditions of wall insulation

A

Too little insulation
Sagging or void insulation
Air/vapor barrier missing, wrong location
Mold, mildew, rot suspected (at the btm of the wall)

101
Q

True or False: Basement needs to be insulated

102
Q

Where can you add insulation in the basement

A

Either interior or exterior

103
Q

5 pros of insulating basement wall outside?

A

Stabilize house temperature
No need to disrupt basement finishes
No loss of interior living spaces
Cost effective if already fixing issue outside
More uniform looking

104
Q

5 cons of insulating basement wall outside?

A

Expensive if not fixing outside already
Hard to excavate around porches, driveways
Risk of undermining the footings of basement
Insulation has to extend above grade level
Difficult around windows

105
Q

5 pros of insulating basement wall inside?

A

Less expensive
Not affected by weather
Easier
Easier around windows
Joist boxes have to be done from interior anyways

106
Q

2 cons of insulating basement wall inside?

A

Leaks hard to monitor
Lots of obstructions and wall penetrations to work around

107
Q

True or False: Missing insulation in the basement is not a defect, but a suggested upgrade

108
Q

Insulating the wall will create (heated/cold) crawlspace, and insulating the floor above will create (heated/cold) crawlspace
Which is better?

A

Heated
Cold
Heated crawlspace

109
Q

Why is heated crawlspace better than unheated?

A

Floor above is more comfortable
Easier to insulate walls
Insulation can be added on the interior/exterior
Don’t have to vent

110
Q

9 Common problems with insulation and ventilation of basement/crawlspace

A

Too little or incomplete insulation
Some exterior insulation material not suitable for below grade use
Exposed to UV and mechanical damage
Missing at rim joist
Insulation sagging, loose or void
Exposed combustible insulation
Missing air/vapor barrier
No moisture barrier on foundation wall
No moisture barrier on earth floor

111
Q

2 strategies for keeping floors over unheated space warm

A

Heated cavity between floor and insulation below
Spray in place foams that will fill entire cavity

112
Q

List 5 Signs of high humidity

A

Condensation on windows
Staining or streaking on window wall
Stuffy air, Stale odor
Mold, mildew on cool, dark surfaces (bathroom, closet)
Back drafting at appliances and fireplace

113
Q

2 ways of controlling humidity

A

Reduce moisture sources
Ventilate the home

114
Q

Conditions found with exhaust fans?

A

Noisy
Seized
Inadequate air movement
Fan cover missing
Unsafe wiring
Duct leaking, damaged, disconnected, missing
Duct uninsulated in unconditioned space
Unknown termination point
Vent hood missing, damaged, or loose
Poor termination location

115
Q

Conditions found with HRV/ERV

A

Cold-side duct uninsulated**
Filters dirty or missing **
Heat exchanger dirty or missing **
Condensate drain missing, leaking, clogged **
No trap in condensate drain **
Poor discharge point for condensate drain
Seized
Noisy
Inadequate air movement
Cabinet cover missing, or dirty
Unsafe wiring
Ducts leaky, damaged, disconnected, missing
Unknown termination point
Poor termination location
Warm-side duct not properly connected to furnace duct
Exhaust grille missing, poor location, obstructed
Exhaust grille missing grease filter in kitchen
Dampers / Flow collar missing on warm-side ducts
Vapor barrier missing on cold-side duct

116
Q

T or F: HRVs are typically located in conditioned space

117
Q

T or F: Air inlets should be at least 4 inches above grade level

A

False - 18 inches

118
Q

T or F: Vent fan switch is centrally located in a home

119
Q

T or F: HRV should never be interlocked with furnace fan

120
Q

T of F

As an inspector, you are required to inspect floor coverings and the floor materials

Insulation (12 decks)

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