BPI Building Science Principles Chapter
1: Introduction Questions and Answers
House-as-a-system' definitition - ANSWER-the interacting relationship of a building's
components
A good understanding of building principles and 'house-as-a-system' approach must be
used when doing any improvements to a house. Why? - ANSWER-Simply air sealing an
attic may fix one problem but may lead to other issues down the road... such as too
much moisture in the attic and creating mold on the rafters.
**Home performances involves: testing AND verification
**BPI motto: First, do no harm!
A/C job is to? - ANSWER-remove both heat & humidity
Another name for 'house-as-a-system' - ANSWER-'whole-house' approach
Any type of work done on the house such as air sealing, adding insulation, replacing a
door or window, or installing mechanical ventilation will impact on the 'system' and how
it functions? True or False - ANSWER-True.
If you change something you have to make sure something else doesn't need adjusted
or added (ie. ventilation) for a tight house. You can actually cause more damage by
trying to make a house more efficient if you do not think of the 'house-as-a-system or
have a 'whole-house' approach when doing retrofit work.
BPI's motto: First, do no harm!
Attic's used primarily for? - ANSWER--Storage or placement of mechanical equipment
-Always try to keep the ductwork out of the attic but if you must put it there... Make sure
to seal it, insulate it, and bury it!
Basic ceiling height and structure?
Cathedral structure?
Vaulted structure? - ANSWER-8' ft high & flat (standard)
2 sloping slides meeting in center of room. Center point is higher than the walls. Has the
same slope as roof. (cathedral)
does not match slope of roof; may have straight slopes or may be arched (vaulted)
Building examples: - ANSWER--foundation
-roof
-doors
Drawbacks to "non-standard" ceilings - ANSWER-hard to:
1: Introduction Questions and Answers
House-as-a-system' definitition - ANSWER-the interacting relationship of a building's
components
A good understanding of building principles and 'house-as-a-system' approach must be
used when doing any improvements to a house. Why? - ANSWER-Simply air sealing an
attic may fix one problem but may lead to other issues down the road... such as too
much moisture in the attic and creating mold on the rafters.
**Home performances involves: testing AND verification
**BPI motto: First, do no harm!
A/C job is to? - ANSWER-remove both heat & humidity
Another name for 'house-as-a-system' - ANSWER-'whole-house' approach
Any type of work done on the house such as air sealing, adding insulation, replacing a
door or window, or installing mechanical ventilation will impact on the 'system' and how
it functions? True or False - ANSWER-True.
If you change something you have to make sure something else doesn't need adjusted
or added (ie. ventilation) for a tight house. You can actually cause more damage by
trying to make a house more efficient if you do not think of the 'house-as-a-system or
have a 'whole-house' approach when doing retrofit work.
BPI's motto: First, do no harm!
Attic's used primarily for? - ANSWER--Storage or placement of mechanical equipment
-Always try to keep the ductwork out of the attic but if you must put it there... Make sure
to seal it, insulate it, and bury it!
Basic ceiling height and structure?
Cathedral structure?
Vaulted structure? - ANSWER-8' ft high & flat (standard)
2 sloping slides meeting in center of room. Center point is higher than the walls. Has the
same slope as roof. (cathedral)
does not match slope of roof; may have straight slopes or may be arched (vaulted)
Building examples: - ANSWER--foundation
-roof
-doors
Drawbacks to "non-standard" ceilings - ANSWER-hard to:
