BPI Building Envelope 3

Question 1

What does the term 'dew point' represent in building envelope analysis?

Accepted Answer

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins

Answer

Dew point is the temperature at which air at a given moisture content reaches 100% relative humidity and condensation begins to form.

Question 2

In a BPI energy audit, which tool is used to identify air leakage sites by making leakage pathways visible?

Accepted Answer

Blower door combined with smoke pencil or theatrical fog

Answer

A blower door depressurizes the house while a smoke pencil or fog machine makes air movement at leakage sites visible to the auditor.

Question 3

What is the primary advantage of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (cc-SPF) over open-cell SPF in exterior wall cavities?

Accepted Answer

Higher R-value per inch and acts as a vapor retarder

Answer

Closed-cell SPF provides approximately R-6 to R-7 per inch and has a low permeance, making it function as a vapor retarder as well.

Question 4

Which building component is most commonly identified as a major unintentional air leakage pathway in older US homes?

Accepted Answer

The top plate and band joist area

Answer

Top plates and band/rim joists are among the largest unintentional air leakage areas in older homes due to framing gaps and lack of sealing.

Question 5

What does a negative pressure reading in a combustion appliance zone (CAZ) during worst-case depressurization testing indicate?

Accepted Answer

The zone is depressurized, which could cause backdrafting of combustion gases

Answer

Negative CAZ pressure during worst-case testing means appliances may be starved of combustion air and exhaust gases can backdraft into the living space.

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test

BPI Building Envelope 3