NHIE Insulation and Ventilation 3

Question 1

A home inspector finds vermiculite insulation in an attic. What is the most appropriate recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Recommend testing by a qualified asbestos professional due to potential contamination

Answer

Note it as adequate and recommend no action

Answer

Advise the homeowner to remove it immediately without testing

Answer

Report it as a modern high-performance insulation requiring no concern

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of attic baffles (rafter vents)?

Accepted Answer

To maintain an air channel from soffit vents to the attic while preventing insulation from blocking airflow

Answer

To prevent wildlife from entering through soffit vents

Answer

To redirect condensation moisture away from ceiling insulation

Answer

To support the weight of blown-in insulation at the eaves

Question 3

Which condition most clearly indicates inadequate attic ventilation during a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Moisture stains, mold growth, or frost on attic roof sheathing

Answer

Ridge vents installed along the entire roof peak

Answer

Multiple soffit vents along the eave line

Answer

Uniform insulation depth between ceiling joists

Question 4

What does the term 'blown-in insulation' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Loose-fill insulation installed using air-powered pneumatic equipment

Answer

Rigid insulation panels pressed into place during framing

Answer

Spray foam insulation applied under high pressure

Answer

Pre-formed insulation boards cut to fit wall cavities

Question 5

What problem results when batt or blown-in insulation is compressed or disturbed from its installed position?

Accepted Answer

Reduced R-value and diminished thermal performance

Answer

Increased fire resistance of the insulation

Answer

Enhanced moisture resistance of the insulation layer

Answer

Improved air sealing at penetrations

Question 6

What is the primary design purpose of a whole-house mechanical ventilation system?

Accepted Answer

To continuously exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air

Answer

To heat and cool the home as needed throughout the year

Answer

To circulate filtered conditioned air through all rooms

Answer

To remove excess moisture from attic spaces during summer

Question 7

During a crawl space inspection, an inspector finds batt insulation installed with the kraft paper vapor retarder facing downward away from the subfloor. What should be noted?

Accepted Answer

This is improper — the vapor retarder should face upward toward the warm subfloor

Answer

This is correct — the vapor retarder faces toward the ground moisture source

Answer

The orientation of the vapor retarder has no effect on performance

Answer

Batt insulation with a vapor retarder should never be installed in crawl spaces