Practice Test Geeks(InterNACHI) International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Practice Test
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Insulation and Ventilation Flashcards

7 cards from real INTERNACHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Insulation and Ventilation flashcards as text

  1. Under ASHRAE 62.2, what is the minimum recommended whole-building mechanical ventilation rate for a 2,000 square foot home with 3 bedrooms?

    Answer: 45 CFM

    ASHRAE 62.2 uses a formula based on floor area and number of bedrooms; for a typical 3-bedroom, 2,000 sq ft home the result is approximately 45 CFM of continuous ventilation.

  2. What deficiency does an inspector report when vermiculite insulation is found in an attic of a home built before 1990?

    Answer: Vermiculite from that era is likely to contain asbestos and is a potential health hazard

    Most vermiculite sold before 1990 came from the Libby, Montana mine and was contaminated with asbestos; its presence should trigger an asbestos testing recommendation.

  3. What is the purpose of an 'energy recovery ventilator' (ERV) compared to a standard heat recovery ventilator (HRV)?

    Answer: ERVs recover both heat and moisture from exhaust air; HRVs recover heat only

    An ERV transfers both sensible heat and moisture (latent energy) between incoming and outgoing air streams, while an HRV transfers only sensible heat.

  4. A home inspector finds kraft-faced fiberglass batts installed with the facing toward the exterior (cold side) in a Climate Zone 6 wall. What is the concern?

    Answer: Facing toward the cold side places the vapor retarder on the wrong side, trapping moisture in the cavity

    In cold climates, the vapor retarder should be on the warm (interior) side; placing it on the cold side traps moisture driven from the interior inside the wall cavity.

  5. What condition is indicated when an inspector observes dark staining on attic insulation directly below roof sheathing nail tips?

    Answer: Condensation is forming on cold nail tips and dripping onto insulation — a sign of inadequate attic ventilation

    In cold weather, nail tips protruding through sheathing become cold spots where moisture condenses; the drips stain insulation below and indicate inadequate attic ventilation or air sealing.

  6. Which insulation installation defect is described as gaps between batt edges and framing members that reduce effective R-value significantly even when small?

    Answer: Voids and gaps

    Voids and gaps — spaces where insulation does not make full contact with framing — allow air movement and convective loops that dramatically reduce the assembly's effective R-value.

  7. What is the InterNACHI-recommended action when a home inspector identifies that a crawl space has no vapor barrier over bare earth?

    Answer: Report it as a deficiency and recommend installation of a ground vapor barrier

    Exposed bare earth in a crawl space is a reportable deficiency; InterNACHI standards require inspectors to recommend a ground cover vapor barrier to control soil moisture evaporation.