BAP BAP Weatherization & Retrofit Measures

Question 1

Which air sealing location typically provides the greatest energy savings in a typical US home?

Accepted Answer

Top plates and penetrations in the attic floor

Answer

Weatherstripping exterior doors

Answer

Caulking around window frames on the exterior

Answer

Sealing gaps around electrical outlets on interior walls

Question 2

What is the primary function of a vapor retarder in a wall assembly?

Accepted Answer

To slow the diffusion of water vapor into or through the assembly

Answer

To prevent air from moving through the wall cavity

Answer

To reflect radiant heat away from the insulation layer

Answer

To provide a fire barrier between insulation and framing

Question 3

When insulating a rim joist in a conditioned basement, which approach is typically recommended by building performance standards?

Accepted Answer

Rigid foam board cut and air-sealed in place, or spray polyurethane foam

Answer

Batt insulation only, friction-fit between joists

Answer

Loose-fill cellulose blown into the rim joist cavity

Answer

Exterior rigid foam applied to the foundation wall below grade only

Question 4

What is 'thermal bridging' and why does it matter in retrofit insulation projects?

Accepted Answer

Heat conduction through structural members that bypass insulation layers

Answer

Heat transfer by convection through gaps in insulation batts

Answer

Radiant heat gain through unshaded windows in summer

Answer

Air leakage pathways created by improperly installed vapor barriers

Question 5

A BAP analyst recommends dense-pack cellulose for an existing closed wall cavity. What tool is used to install it?

Accepted Answer

A high-pressure pump forcing cellulose through a fill tube inserted into the cavity

Answer

A vacuum blower pulling cellulose through a return duct

Answer

A low-pressure blower installed at the attic access

Answer

A spray rig applying wet cellulose to open stud bays

Question 6

Which weatherization measure primarily addresses radiant heat gain through a ceiling rather than conductive heat loss?

Accepted Answer

Installing a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof deck

Answer

Adding R-38 blown cellulose to the attic floor

Answer

Dense-packing attic knee walls with fiberglass

Answer

Air-sealing attic hatch with rigid foam board