Home Inspector Insulation, Moisture & Exhaust Practice Questions
Insulation, Moisture & Exhaust makes up 5 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Home Inspector practice test. Here are 10 of the 20 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. Based on the EBPHI content outline for the National Home Inspector Examination. Original questions; 50 per test, weighted like the real 200-question exam. Not affiliated with EBPHI.
1. Before any allowed reduction, the IRC calls for net free attic ventilation area of 1 square foot per:
- A.500 square feet of attic
- B.150 square feet of attic
- C.300 square feet of attic
- D.100 square feet of attic
Answer: B. The base ratio is 1 to 150 of attic floor area. It may drop to 1 to 300 when vents are balanced high and low or certain vapor retarders are used.
2. Kraft-faced batts left with the paper exposed in an unfinished basement are reported because the facing is:
- A.A poor insulator
- B.Attractive to termites
- C.Radioactive
- D.Combustible
Answer: D. The paper facing burns readily and must be covered or in contact with a finish. Left exposed it is a fire hazard.
3. In a heating-dominated climate, a wall vapor retarder belongs on the:
- A.Warm-in-winter side
- B.Side facing the soil
- C.Exterior sheathing side
- D.Middle of the cavity
Answer: A. The retarder goes on the warm side to stop indoor moisture from reaching cold surfaces in the wall, where it would condense.
4. Loose, gray-brown, pebble-like attic insulation is a concern because it:
- A.Melts near light fixtures
- B.Draws termites in
- C.May contain asbestos
- D.Is highly flammable
Answer: C. That description fits vermiculite, some of which was contaminated with asbestos. Inspectors report it and recommend it not be disturbed.
5. Insulation baffles at the eaves are installed mainly to:
- A.Seal the wall top plate
- B.Support the gutters
- C.Keep soffit vents open
- D.Block wind-driven rain
Answer: C. Baffles hold insulation back from the roof deck at the eaves so air from the soffit vents can flow up into the attic.
6. A recessed light that is not rated for insulation contact must be kept clear of thermal insulation by at least:
- A.3 inches
- B.6 inches
- C.12 inches
- D.1 inch
Answer: A. Non-IC fixtures need about 3 inches of clearance so they can shed heat. IC-rated fixtures may be covered.
7. A bathroom exhaust fan that discharges into the attic is a defect mainly because it:
- A.Draws in roof heat
- B.Overloads the fan motor
- C.Lowers the insulation value
- D.Puts moisture into the attic
Answer: D. Bath fans carry warm, humid air. Released in the attic it condenses on cold sheathing, leading to mold and decay. It must vent outdoors.
8. Which clothes dryer exhaust duct is generally not acceptable?
- A.Smooth aluminum duct
- B.Plastic flexible duct
- C.Rigid metal duct
- D.Semi-rigid metal duct
Answer: B. Plastic and vinyl foil ducts can sag, trap lint and burn. Dryer exhaust ducts are smooth-wall metal, with only short listed transition ducts.
9. Without manufacturer data allowing more, a dryer exhaust duct's developed length is generally limited to:
- A.15 feet
- B.35 feet
- C.25 feet
- D.50 feet
Answer: B. The IRC limit is 35 feet, reduced for each elbow. Long runs slow airflow, let lint build up and raise the risk of fire.
10. Sheet metal screws that go through the wall of a dryer exhaust duct are a defect because they:
- A.Conduct heat outward
- B.Corrode quickly
- C.Leak exhaust air
- D.Catch lint
Answer: D. Screw tips inside the duct snag lint and start blockages. Joints are taped with foil tape or clamped instead.
Practice all 20 insulation, moisture & exhaust questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free Home Inspector training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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