VIRGINIA HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTING
(HIC) EXAM PREPARATION QUESTIONS
2025/2026
1. What is the major advantage of Icynene over polyurethane foam?
A. Lower cost
B. Easier to spray
C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
D. Requires less insulation thickness
Answer: C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
Explanation: Icynene’s versatility allows for pouring in cavities where spraying may be
difficult, making installation easier in tight areas.
2. In a crawl space, what kind of vapor retarder should be used?
A. 2 mil polyethylene
B. 4 mil polyethylene
C. 6 mil or 8 mil polyethylene
D. 10 mil polyethylene
Answer: C. 6 mil or 8 mil
Explanation: Heavier polyethylene sheets resist tearing and provide effective moisture
control in crawl spaces.
3. When batt insulation is installed, a vapor retarder that _______ is commonly used.
A. Faces the cold side of the wall
B. Faces the warm side of the wall
C. Is optional
D. Is always 6 mil
Answer: B. Faces the warm side of the wall
Explanation: Vapor retarders reduce moisture migration from interior spaces into
insulation, preventing mold and rot.
4. Minimum amount of space allowed between roof sheathing and insulation to allow air
passage:
A. 1 inch
B. 1 1/2 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 2 1/2 inches
Answer: B. 1 1/2 inch
Explanation: Proper air gap ensures ventilation above insulation, preventing
condensation and prolonging roof life.
5. In ceiling batt insulation, where is the vapor retarder placed?
A. Against roof sheathing
B. Against the back of ceiling finish
C. On top of insulation
, D. Not required
Answer: B. Against the back of ceiling finish
Explanation: Placing the vapor retarder toward the interior warm side minimizes
moisture penetration into insulation.
6. How should a radiant heat barrier be installed?
A. Only on rafters
B. Perforated or on rafters
C. Directly under insulation
D. Only on ceiling joists
Answer: B. Perforated or on rafters
Explanation: Perforation allows moisture to escape, preventing condensation while
reflecting radiant heat efficiently.
7. The nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding are elongated to allow for:
A. Easier installation
B. Nail alignment
C. Expansion and contraction
D. Increased strength
Answer: C. Expansion and contraction
Explanation: Elongated holes allow siding to expand and contract with temperature
changes, preventing buckling or warping.
8. What is the minimum lap of rabbeted horizontal lap siding?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 1/2 inch
C. 3/4 inch
D. 1 inch
Answer: B. 1/2 inch
Explanation: A minimum 1/2-inch lap ensures water is properly shed and prevents
moisture penetration behind siding (R703.5.3).
9. In a vinyl soffit installation, what type of accessory is used?
A. Z-channel
B. J-channel or F-channel
C. Corner post
D. S-channel
Answer: B. J-channel or F-channel
Explanation: These channels secure the soffit panels and provide a clean transition to
walls or fascia boards (C677).
10. What kind of siding can be vertically installed?
A. Horizontal vinyl only
B. Board and Batten / Plywood
C. Fiber cement only
D. All types
Answer: B. Board and Batten / Plywood
Explanation: Board and Batten and certain plywood siding are designed for vertical
installation, providing both structural and aesthetic benefits.
11. Fiber cement siding for exterior weather walls must have a minimum thickness of:
A. 1/4 inch
, B. 5/16 inch
C. 3/8 inch
D. 1/2 inch
Answer: B. 5/16 inch
Explanation: Minimum thickness ensures durability and resistance to impact, moisture,
and fire (R703.3).
12. Clearance for untreated exterior wood siding from finish grade:
A. 4 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Answer: C. 8 inches
Explanation: Proper clearance prevents moisture wicking and decay of untreated wood
siding.
13. How is furring installed on horizontal vinyl siding?
A. Horizontally along wall
B. Vertically around doors and windows
C. Diagonally
D. Not required
Answer: B. Vertically around doors and windows
Explanation: Vertical furring provides a flat, level surface for siding attachment and
allows proper water drainage.
14. What is the primary purpose of flashing around windows and doors?
A. To improve aesthetics
B. To prevent water intrusion
C. To increase insulation
D. To support siding panels
Answer: B. To prevent water intrusion
Explanation: Flashing directs water away from openings, preventing leaks that could
cause structural damage or mold growth.
15. What is the recommended gap between siding panels and trim for expansion?
A. 1/8 inch
B. 1/4 inch
C. 3/8 inch
D. 1/2 inch
Answer: B. 1/4 inch
Explanation: A small gap allows siding to expand and contract with temperature
changes without buckling or warping.
16. How should vinyl siding be fastened to a wall?
A. Tight against the wall
B. With nails driven snugly
C. Loosely allowing slight movement
D. Using screws only
Answer: C. Loosely allowing slight movement
Explanation: Looser nailing accommodates expansion and contraction due to
temperature variations, preventing warping or buckling.
(HIC) EXAM PREPARATION QUESTIONS
2025/2026
1. What is the major advantage of Icynene over polyurethane foam?
A. Lower cost
B. Easier to spray
C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
D. Requires less insulation thickness
Answer: C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
Explanation: Icynene’s versatility allows for pouring in cavities where spraying may be
difficult, making installation easier in tight areas.
2. In a crawl space, what kind of vapor retarder should be used?
A. 2 mil polyethylene
B. 4 mil polyethylene
C. 6 mil or 8 mil polyethylene
D. 10 mil polyethylene
Answer: C. 6 mil or 8 mil
Explanation: Heavier polyethylene sheets resist tearing and provide effective moisture
control in crawl spaces.
3. When batt insulation is installed, a vapor retarder that _______ is commonly used.
A. Faces the cold side of the wall
B. Faces the warm side of the wall
C. Is optional
D. Is always 6 mil
Answer: B. Faces the warm side of the wall
Explanation: Vapor retarders reduce moisture migration from interior spaces into
insulation, preventing mold and rot.
4. Minimum amount of space allowed between roof sheathing and insulation to allow air
passage:
A. 1 inch
B. 1 1/2 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 2 1/2 inches
Answer: B. 1 1/2 inch
Explanation: Proper air gap ensures ventilation above insulation, preventing
condensation and prolonging roof life.
5. In ceiling batt insulation, where is the vapor retarder placed?
A. Against roof sheathing
B. Against the back of ceiling finish
C. On top of insulation
, D. Not required
Answer: B. Against the back of ceiling finish
Explanation: Placing the vapor retarder toward the interior warm side minimizes
moisture penetration into insulation.
6. How should a radiant heat barrier be installed?
A. Only on rafters
B. Perforated or on rafters
C. Directly under insulation
D. Only on ceiling joists
Answer: B. Perforated or on rafters
Explanation: Perforation allows moisture to escape, preventing condensation while
reflecting radiant heat efficiently.
7. The nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding are elongated to allow for:
A. Easier installation
B. Nail alignment
C. Expansion and contraction
D. Increased strength
Answer: C. Expansion and contraction
Explanation: Elongated holes allow siding to expand and contract with temperature
changes, preventing buckling or warping.
8. What is the minimum lap of rabbeted horizontal lap siding?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 1/2 inch
C. 3/4 inch
D. 1 inch
Answer: B. 1/2 inch
Explanation: A minimum 1/2-inch lap ensures water is properly shed and prevents
moisture penetration behind siding (R703.5.3).
9. In a vinyl soffit installation, what type of accessory is used?
A. Z-channel
B. J-channel or F-channel
C. Corner post
D. S-channel
Answer: B. J-channel or F-channel
Explanation: These channels secure the soffit panels and provide a clean transition to
walls or fascia boards (C677).
10. What kind of siding can be vertically installed?
A. Horizontal vinyl only
B. Board and Batten / Plywood
C. Fiber cement only
D. All types
Answer: B. Board and Batten / Plywood
Explanation: Board and Batten and certain plywood siding are designed for vertical
installation, providing both structural and aesthetic benefits.
11. Fiber cement siding for exterior weather walls must have a minimum thickness of:
A. 1/4 inch
, B. 5/16 inch
C. 3/8 inch
D. 1/2 inch
Answer: B. 5/16 inch
Explanation: Minimum thickness ensures durability and resistance to impact, moisture,
and fire (R703.3).
12. Clearance for untreated exterior wood siding from finish grade:
A. 4 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Answer: C. 8 inches
Explanation: Proper clearance prevents moisture wicking and decay of untreated wood
siding.
13. How is furring installed on horizontal vinyl siding?
A. Horizontally along wall
B. Vertically around doors and windows
C. Diagonally
D. Not required
Answer: B. Vertically around doors and windows
Explanation: Vertical furring provides a flat, level surface for siding attachment and
allows proper water drainage.
14. What is the primary purpose of flashing around windows and doors?
A. To improve aesthetics
B. To prevent water intrusion
C. To increase insulation
D. To support siding panels
Answer: B. To prevent water intrusion
Explanation: Flashing directs water away from openings, preventing leaks that could
cause structural damage or mold growth.
15. What is the recommended gap between siding panels and trim for expansion?
A. 1/8 inch
B. 1/4 inch
C. 3/8 inch
D. 1/2 inch
Answer: B. 1/4 inch
Explanation: A small gap allows siding to expand and contract with temperature
changes without buckling or warping.
16. How should vinyl siding be fastened to a wall?
A. Tight against the wall
B. With nails driven snugly
C. Loosely allowing slight movement
D. Using screws only
Answer: C. Loosely allowing slight movement
Explanation: Looser nailing accommodates expansion and contraction due to
temperature variations, preventing warping or buckling.
