Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What term describes uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building?

1. Infiltration

2. U-factor

3. R-value

4. Fenestration

The correct answer is: Infiltration

The correct term that describes uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building is infiltration. Infiltration refers to the unintended movement of air from outside a building into the interior space, which can occur through various openings, cracks, and gaps in the building envelope. Understanding infiltration is essential for energy efficiency in buildings because it can significantly impact heating and cooling costs, indoor air quality, and overall comfort. Reducing infiltration through proper sealing, insulation, and design strategies is a key objective in building construction and renovation. The other terms relate to different concepts. The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through a building element (like windows or walls), indicating how effective a material is as an insulator. R-value, on the other hand, measures thermal resistance; a higher R-value means better insulating properties. Fenestration refers to the arrangement, design, and appearance of windows and doors within a building, not specifically to air leakage. Therefore, infiltration is the most appropriate term to describe uncontrolled air leakage.