Red Seal Insulator (Heat and Frost) Practice Exam

How can exterior insulation contribute to a building’s thermal performance?

1. By acting as a barrier to pests

2. It creates a continuous thermal barrier, reducing thermal bridging and improving energy efficiency

3. By allowing moisture to escape easily

4. By enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal

The correct answer is: It creates a continuous thermal barrier, reducing thermal bridging and improving energy efficiency

Exterior insulation significantly enhances a building's thermal performance primarily by creating a continuous thermal barrier. This continuous layer reduces thermal bridging, which occurs when heat flows through materials that are less insulated than the surrounding areas, such as studs in walls. When insulation is applied continuously over the exterior walls, it surrounds the structural elements and minimizes the gaps where heat can escape. This improvement in insulation continuity leads to reduced heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, thus improving energy efficiency. The reduction of thermal bridging not only conserves energy but also contributes to a more stable indoor temperature, leading to increased comfort for occupants. Additionally, this practice can lead to lower heating and cooling costs, making it an economically beneficial choice for building performance. The overall impact is that areas within the building remain more comfortable throughout the change in seasons, weather conditions, and over time.