10-Question Insulation Quiz

Reproduced from GreenSpec, (answers follow).

1. Which of the following has the highest R-value per inch of any common insulation material?

A. high-density rigid mineral wool
B. foil-faced polyisocyanurate
C. cellular glass
D. higher-density expanded polystyrene

2. Which of the following is a good residential cavity choice when air quality is a primary concern?

A. dense-packed cellulose
B. dense-packed wool
C. dense-packed fiberglass
D. all of the above

3. Perlite is a good choice for attic floor insulation when…

A. moisture accumulation is a concern
B. a low-density version is available regionally
C. wind washing is an issue
D. none of the above

4. The material with the strongest performance characteristics for sub-slab applications is…

A. polyisocyanurate boardstock
B. rigid fiberglass
C. cellular glass
D. rigid mineral wool

5. Which insulation material requires the largest energy inputs?

A. sheep’s wool
B. cotton
C. polyester
D. they all require about the same energy input

6. Which of the following insulation materials is airtight enough to be the dedicated air barrier?

A. Cellulose
B. fiberglass batt
C. mineral wool
D. none of the above

7. Which of the following insulation materials is the least vapor permeable?

A. closed-cell polyurethane
B. extruded polystyrene
C. expanded polystyrene
D. cellulose

8. In order for a radiant barrier to be effective, it must:

A. face inward
B. face outward
C. face an open space
D. have continuous contact with the surface of the insulation material

9. Which vehicle for water movement generally represents the highest priority?

A. bulk water
B. capillary water
C. air-transported moisture
D. vapor diffusion

10. In order for the air and thermal barriers to be most effective, the air barrier must be:

A. interior to the thermal barrier
B. exterior to the thermal barrier
C. in continuous contact with the thermal barrier
D. the location of the air barrier does not have to relate to the location of the thermal barrier



Answers: 1. (B), 2. (B), 3. (B), 4. (C), 5. (A), 6. (D), 7. (A), 8. (C), 9. (A), 10. (C)