Insulation and Interior Inspection Section#1 Insulation and Ventilation Quiz#10

This study session covers the inspection of flat and cathedral roofs.

The estimated completion time for this study session is forty-five minutes.

Objectives
At the end of this study session, you should be able to:

• List four general approaches to insulating flat and cathedral roofs.
• List seven common problems and their implications.
• Describe in one sentence the inspection strategy for each of these problems.

• Question 1

  Needs Grading

  	Describe in one sentence each, four general approaches to insulating flat and cathedral roofs.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Treat as attic, ventilate above insulation 2. Completely fill roof space 3. Insulate above roof structure and around perimeter 4. Insulate below roof structure (retrofit) Correct Answer: 1. Treat as an attic ? with a little insulation and an air space 2. Completely fill roof space ? in theory it stops airflow 3. Insulate above sheathing ? roof membrane applied over insulation 4. Insulate below roof structure ? lowers ceiling heights, but provides good ventilation Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 2

  Needs Grading

  	Describe one possible way to get a look at insulation in a flat roof.
  	Selected Answer: Removing ceiling-mounted light fixtures or exhaust fans can allow a look around electrical junction boxes for insulation Correct Answer:   1. Remove ceiling light fixture or exhaust fan covers (with power off) OR 2. Pop fascia vents off and look through holes Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 3

  Needs Grading

  	Describe two strategies used to deal with venting of flat roofs.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Vent the roof space 2. Seal the roof space Correct Answer:   1. Vent the roof space 2. Seal the roof cavity Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 4

  Needs Grading

  	List four things you might look for as clues that there may be rot in a flat or cathedral roof.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Sagging or spongy roof surfaces.  2. Sagging plaster or drywall ceilings.  3. Mold or mildew on the ceiling surface.  Rusted nail heads on ceiling finishes.  Correct Answer:   1. Sagging or spongy roof surface 2. Sagging ceilings 3. Mold or mildew on ceilings 4. Rusted nail heads on ceilings Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 5

  Needs Grading

  	List seven common problems found with flat roof insulation systems, and their implications.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Insulation - too little 2. Insulation - wet, compressed or voids 3. Air/vapor barrier - missing or incomplete 4. Air leakage - excessive 5. Venting - missing or inadequate 6. Venting - obstructed 7. Mold, mildew or rot suspected Correct Answer: 1. Too little insulation / Heat loss, no damage to structure 2. Wet, compressed or voids / Reduced R-values, mold/mildew/rot 3. Missing or incomplete air/vapour barrier / Mold/mildew/rot 4. Excessive air leakage / Mold/mildew/rot 5. Missing or inadequate venting / Warm, moist air condensing and causing damage 6. Venting obstructed / Mold/mildew/rot 7. Mold/mildew/rot suspected / Damage to structural members Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 6

  Needs Grading

  	List six things that may suggest insulation has been added to a flat or cathedral roof.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Plugged holes in roof coverings.  2. Plugged holes in ceiling 3. Plugged holes in fascia boards 4. Vents added to the roof 5. An extra thickness to the roof 6. A lower ceiling height than expected Correct Answer:   1. Plugged holes in roof covering 2. Plugged holes in ceilings 3. Plugged holes in fascia boards 4. Vents added to roof 5. Extra roof thickness 6. Low ceilings Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 7

  Needs Grading

  	On a flat roof, where will you most often see the vents?
  	Selected Answer: At opposing fascias Correct Answer:   Opposing fascias Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 8

  Needs Grading

  	Rot in flat and cathedral roofs is most often caused by what two things?
  	Selected Answer: 1. Roof leaks. 2. Condensation as a result of air leakage into the roof space Correct Answer:   1. Roof leaks 2. Condensation Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 9

  Needs Grading

  	The amount of snow on a flat roof may tell you something about its insulation. How can you use this tool?
  	Selected Answer: The less insulation there is in a roof, the warmer it will be and the more quickly snow will melt. Houses with more insulation tend to have more snow accumulate, and the snow lasts longer.  Correct Answer:   Melting snow may indicate lots of heat loss and little insulation. Compare to similar homes nearby. Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 10

  Needs Grading

  	What is an appropriate ratio of vent area to roof area?
  	Selected Answer: For attic, 1/300; for flat and cathedral roofs, 1/150.  Correct Answer:   One square foot of venting for every 150 square feet of roof area Response Feedback: [None Given]

• Question 11

  Needs Grading

  	What things might suggest wet insulation?
  	Selected Answer: 1. Roof leaks. 2. Condensation Correct Answer:   Staining, sponginess or dampness on ceilings Response Feedback: [None Given]