CEM Building Envelope and Insulation 2

Question 1

Degree days are used in building energy analysis to:

Accepted Answer

Quantify heating or cooling demand based on outdoor temperature deviation from a base

Answer

Measure indoor air quality over time

Answer

Calculate peak electrical demand

Answer

Estimate solar radiation available for daylighting

Question 2

Which roof assembly strategy best reduces cooling loads in a hot climate?

Accepted Answer

Cool (high-reflectance, high-emittance) roof surface

Answer

Dark-colored ballasted roof membrane

Answer

Unvented attic with no insulation

Answer

Increasing roof thermal mass only

Question 3

Adding continuous exterior insulation to a wall assembly primarily helps by:

Accepted Answer

Eliminating thermal bridging through framing members

Answer

Increasing visible light transmittance of the wall

Answer

Reducing the wall's thermal mass

Answer

Increasing air infiltration for ventilation

Question 4

Fenestration area strongly affects building energy use because windows typically have:

Accepted Answer

Much lower R-values than insulated walls, increasing heat transfer significantly

Answer

Higher R-values than opaque walls

Answer

No effect on solar heat gain

Answer

Higher thermal mass than masonry walls

Question 5

Vapor retarders in wall assemblies are installed to:

Accepted Answer

Control moisture diffusion and prevent condensation within the wall cavity

Answer

Increase air infiltration rates

Answer

Improve the fire rating of the wall

Answer

Reduce sound transmission through the wall

Question 6

The stack effect in tall buildings causes energy losses because:

Accepted Answer

Warm air rises and escapes at the top, drawing cold outside air in at the bottom

Answer

Cold air sinks and cools the ground floor more than upper floors

Answer

Pressure differences cause windows to vibrate and lose U-factor

Answer

Stack effect increases lighting loads on upper floors