Building Envelope Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Energy Auditor Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Building Envelope Assessment flashcards as text
An auditor uses a co-heating test on a small house. What does this test primarily determine?
Answer: In-situ whole-building heat loss coefficient (HLC)
A co-heating test electrically heats a building to a constant indoor temperature and measures steady-state energy input to derive the overall heat loss coefficient of the actual built structure.
What is the primary purpose of a rainscreen cladding system on an exterior wall?
Answer: To create a vented capillary break that promotes drainage and drying
A rainscreen system creates a vented air space behind cladding that allows bulk water to drain and surfaces to dry, protecting moisture-sensitive sheathing and insulation.
Which condition should an energy auditor consider before performing a blower door test in a home with combustion appliances?
Answer: Combustion appliances should be shut off or monitored to prevent backdrafting during depressurization
Depressurizing a home can cause combustion appliances to backdraft, spilling dangerous flue gases indoors; appliances should be shut down or carefully monitored during the test.
In ASHRAE climate zone mapping, which zone is characterized by hot-humid conditions requiring a focus on latent load management and vapor control on the exterior wall surface?
Answer: Zone 1A and 2A
Climate zones 1A and 2A (hot-humid, e.g., Miami and Houston) experience high outdoor humidity and heat, requiring exterior vapor control and latent load management strategies.
What does the term 'thermal bridging' refer to when evaluating a metal roof deck on a commercial building?
Answer: Heat conducted through the deck fasteners and metal purlins bypassing insulation
Metal fasteners and purlins penetrate or contact the insulation layer, conducting heat rapidly through what should be an insulated assembly, reducing effective R-value.
An auditor finds that spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation in an attic has a yellowish, chalky surface exposed to daylight through a skylight. What action is warranted?
Answer: Apply a thermal barrier or intumescent coating since UV-degraded SPF loses fire resistance and R-value integrity
UV exposure degrades open and closed-cell SPF, compromising its integrity and fire resistance; building codes require SPF to be covered with an approved thermal or ignition barrier.
Which measurement tool is most appropriate for locating hidden moisture intrusion behind wall cladding without removing materials?
Answer: Capacitance-based or resistance-based moisture meter
Capacitance or resistance moisture meters detect elevated moisture content in wall assemblies non-invasively or with minimal penetration, identifying areas of bulk water intrusion.