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Questions and Answers
What is one of the driving forces behind air leakage in buildings?
What is one of the driving forces behind air leakage in buildings?
How does airflow compare to diffusion in terms of moisture transport into a house?
How does airflow compare to diffusion in terms of moisture transport into a house?
What type of barrier is recommended to stop diffusion through solid materials?
What type of barrier is recommended to stop diffusion through solid materials?
What is a significant advantage of wood-frame construction?
What is a significant advantage of wood-frame construction?
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What is the primary benefit of exterior wall assemblies in wood-frame construction?
What is the primary benefit of exterior wall assemblies in wood-frame construction?
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What is the primary function of a load-bearing wall?
What is the primary function of a load-bearing wall?
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When a first-floor load-bearing wall runs perpendicular to the joist system, where should it be located?
When a first-floor load-bearing wall runs perpendicular to the joist system, where should it be located?
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What is a key characteristic of non-load bearing walls when running parallel to the joist system?
What is a key characteristic of non-load bearing walls when running parallel to the joist system?
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What is the purpose of rim joists in floor framing?
What is the purpose of rim joists in floor framing?
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How are the ends of wood beams located at or below grade treated to prevent deterioration?
How are the ends of wood beams located at or below grade treated to prevent deterioration?
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What is the primary reason for uniform backfilling around foundation walls?
What is the primary reason for uniform backfilling around foundation walls?
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Which type of insulation is considered more effective for foundations?
Which type of insulation is considered more effective for foundations?
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What advantage does exterior rigid insulation offer over interior insulation?
What advantage does exterior rigid insulation offer over interior insulation?
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What is the maximum allowable moisture content for framing lumber?
What is the maximum allowable moisture content for framing lumber?
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Select Structural lumber is primarily used for which purpose?
Select Structural lumber is primarily used for which purpose?
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Which lumber grade is characterized by the presence of some knots but still retains high structural strength?
Which lumber grade is characterized by the presence of some knots but still retains high structural strength?
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What is one of the benefits of using exterior insulation for foundations?
What is one of the benefits of using exterior insulation for foundations?
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Which type of lumber is typically used where appearance is not a factor?
Which type of lumber is typically used where appearance is not a factor?
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What does the prefix 'eco-' in ecology refer to?
What does the prefix 'eco-' in ecology refer to?
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Which of the following is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in North America?
Which of the following is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in North America?
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What concept does a carbon footprint represent?
What concept does a carbon footprint represent?
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Which of the following describes ecological urbanism?
Which of the following describes ecological urbanism?
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What is the main goal of sustainability in the built environment?
What is the main goal of sustainability in the built environment?
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Which statement accurately defines economy in relation to the environment?
Which statement accurately defines economy in relation to the environment?
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What role do greenhouse gases play in the atmosphere?
What role do greenhouse gases play in the atmosphere?
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Which of the following principles is NOT fundamental to sustainable housing?
Which of the following principles is NOT fundamental to sustainable housing?
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What is R-value a measure of?
What is R-value a measure of?
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What is one potential consequence of sealing houses too tightly?
What is one potential consequence of sealing houses too tightly?
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How can indoor air quality be effectively improved?
How can indoor air quality be effectively improved?
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Which factor can negatively impact indoor air quality?
Which factor can negatively impact indoor air quality?
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What does a temperature gradient represent?
What does a temperature gradient represent?
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What is an effective way to control airborne particulate matter indoors?
What is an effective way to control airborne particulate matter indoors?
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Which of the following is NOT a method for improving air quality?
Which of the following is NOT a method for improving air quality?
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Why is ventilation critical in maintaining indoor air quality?
Why is ventilation critical in maintaining indoor air quality?
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Study Notes
Environmentally Responsible Design
- Designing buildings and landscapes in a way that conserves resources and minimizes environmental damage.
- The term "eco-" derives from the Greek word "oikos," meaning "house," referencing the local environment.
- "Economy" can be understood as "house management," referring to the use of resources.
- "Ecology" translates to "house knowledge," encompassing the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environments.
Greenhouse Gases
- Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
- Burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in North America.
- Carbon footprint represents the total amount of greenhouse gases released by human actions.
Indoor Air Quality
- Spending a significant portion of our lives indoors, we encounter various contaminants, often in low concentrations, typically harmless unless allergies or sensitivities exist.
- Proper ventilation, air filtration, material selection (low VOCs), healthy humidity levels, removal of hazardous materials, cleaning, and maintenance contribute to improved indoor air quality.
- Consider wind direction for building orientation and location.
- Eliminate sources of contamination by choosing materials, building assemblies, and systems carefully.
Factors Affecting Air Quality
- Airborne particulate matter, including dust and nanoparticles, can affect air quality.
- Chemicals used for intended purposes and unintentional emissions from services within the house can also contribute to air quality.
- Backfilling material should be clean of construction waste and uniformly applied to prevent damage such as wall cracking.
Foundation Insulation
- Foundations can be insulated on the interior or exterior.
- Exterior insulation (outsulation) is more effective, preventing the foundation wall from becoming cold.
- Reduced temperature swings minimize thermal stress and cracking.
- Insulation exposed to weather must be protected according to building code requirements.
Advantages of Exterior Foundation Insulation
- Provides continuous insulation without thermal bridges.
- Protects and maintains the waterproofing and structural wall at moderate temperatures.
- Minimizes moisture condensation problems.
- Does not reduce interior basement floor area.
Lumber
- Most residential projects utilize dimensional lumber, ranging in thickness from 1 ½" to 3 ½" and width from 1 ½" to 11 ¼".
Lumber Grades
- Based on physical characteristics, each piece of lumber is assigned a grade.
- Select Structural represents the highest quality lumber, ideal for applications requiring high strength, stiffness, and aesthetics.
- No. 1 grade features some knots but maintains high structural strength.
- No. 1 & 2 grades are widely used in general construction.
- No. 3 grade is suitable when appearance is not a priority.
- Stud Grade lumber is used for applications demanding high strength, such as floor joists, rafters, headers, small beams, trusses, and general framing.
- Moisture content of framing lumber should not exceed 19%.
Load-Bearing Walls
- Support the weight of the floor or roof structure above them.
- Transfer weight from the roof, through floors, and down to the foundation.
Load Transfer (Load-Bearing)
- When a first-floor load-bearing wall runs parallel to the joist system, a beam or load-bearing wall in the basement should be used.
- When a first-floor load-bearing wall runs perpendicular to the joist system, it should be no farther than:
- 35" (900mm) from the joist support for roofs above.
- 24" (600mm) from the joist support for floors above.
Load Transfer (Non-Load Bearing)
- Non-load-bearing walls parallel to the joist system should have double joists or wood blocking between the joists to support the wall above.
Floor Framing
- Floor Joists: Horizontal members supporting floor sheathing (subfloor) and walls.
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Rim Joists (End Joists): Also known as headers, band joists, or box joists.
- Used to help keep floor joists in place.
- Support floors spanning open areas.
- Same size as floor joists.
- Located at the ends of floor joists.
- Placed on top of sill plates around the entire perimeter of the floor structure.
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Overlap Joists at Load Bearing Point:
- One joist length spanning across the bearing point or multiple joists overlapping at the bearing point.
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Rim Joists:
- Located at the ends of the floor joists and parallel to the joists.
- Supported by joist hangers or other structural connectors attached to the beam.
- Support floor joists that span over an open area.
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Description
This quiz explores concepts related to sustainable building and landscaping practices, focusing on resource conservation and environmental protection. It covers the implications of greenhouse gases, the importance of indoor air quality, and the overall impact of our actions on the environment.
