Building Design and Construction Flashcards
6 cards from real BC Real Estate Trading Services Course practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Building Design and Construction flashcards as text
Which type of foundation is most commonly used for wood-frame residential construction in BC?
Answer: Poured concrete perimeter wall
Poured concrete perimeter (foundation) walls are the most common foundation type for wood-frame homes in BC, providing continuous support around the structure's perimeter.
In wood-frame construction, a 'header' is used to:
Answer: Span openings such as doors and windows to carry load
A header is a horizontal structural member that spans across the top of an opening (door or window) to carry the load from above and transfer it to the adjacent wall studs.
Which roofing material has the longest typical lifespan in BC's climate?
Answer: Metal roofing
Metal roofing (steel or aluminum) has the longest lifespan, often 40-70 years, compared to asphalt shingles (20-30 years) and wood shakes (20-40 years), and is increasingly popular in BC.
A building's 'R-value' refers to:
Answer: A material's resistance to heat flow (thermal resistance)
R-value is the measure of a material's thermal resistance — its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values indicate better insulating performance and are specified in building codes for walls, floors, and roofs.
In BC residential construction, 'balloon framing' differs from 'platform framing' primarily in that:
Answer: In balloon framing, studs run continuously from foundation to roof without floor platforms
In balloon framing, exterior wall studs run continuously from the sill plate at the foundation to the roof, with floors attached mid-stud. Platform framing constructs each floor as a separate platform before erecting the next storey's walls.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a vapor barrier in BC wall construction?
Answer: To control moisture migration and prevent condensation within the wall cavity
A vapor barrier (typically polyethylene sheeting) controls the movement of water vapor through the wall assembly, preventing warm moist interior air from condensing on cold surfaces inside the wall and causing rot or mold.