QUIZLET IMPORT EXAM 3

What are the potential advantages of green roofs?

They keep the roof cool, add insulation, protect the roofing membrane, mediate storm runoff, and make the roof more usable and attractive.

What are the potential advantages of green walls?

They act as bio filters, break down VOCs, keep the wall cool, and absorb sound.

What do both green roofs and walls do?

They absorb CO2 and emit oxygen.

What are some potential disadvantages of green roofs and walls?

Maintenance, harder to repair leaks, expense, potential water exposure damage, and extra structural demands.

What are the two types of green roofs?

Intensive and Extensive.

What characterizes intensive green roofs?

They are park-like, require maintenance, have growing media at least 6 inches deep, and are flat surfaces with a pitch of 2:12 or less.

What characterizes extensive green roofs?

They have shallow soil systems, growing media of 6 inches or less, are relatively maintenance-free, and can have slopes up to 8:12.

What are containerized systems in green roofing?

They consist of regionally specified plants in trays that cover the membrane roof.

What is the purpose of root barriers in green roofs?

They stop roots from penetrating the roof in search of moisture.

What is engineered soil?

It is a soil mix that supports plants, lighter than topsoil, and holds moisture longer.

What are the components of engineered soil?

Organic material like clean topsoil, manure, compost, and inorganic material like expanded slate, shale, or clay.

What is the purpose of fire barriers on green roofs?

To create a non-combustible zone that slows or stops fire spread.

What is a passive irrigation system?

It stores rainwater in the roof assembly and lets plants draw moisture naturally.

What is an active irrigation system?

It circulates water through the roof as needed using methods like drip irrigation.

What is the saturated weight of a green roof?

It is the weight of the roof system when fully soaked with water, representing the maximum load.

What are the two main types of green walls?

Living walls and Green facades/Greenscreens.

What is the main difference between living walls and green facades?

Living walls have integrated growing medium in the wall, while green facades rely on climbing plants for support.

What are sensory gardens designed to do?

Stimulate the senses through sounds, smells, textures, and visuals.

What is pervious paving?

Paving that lets water pass through, reducing storm runoff and supporting groundwater recharge.

What is the purpose of pervious concrete?

It allows water to drain through and be held in a gravel reservoir until absorbed by the soil.

What is a brownfield?

A previously developed site that may be contaminated or toxic.

What is a greenfield?

Land that has never been built on, at least in modern times.

What is infill in urban planning?

A site that fills in the gaps within an existing urban or developed area.

What causes heat islands?

Large uninterrupted expanses of dark, heat-absorbing materials like asphalt.

What are some strategies to mitigate parking's negative impact?

Shade parking, use high solar reflectance materials, open-grid pavement, and cover parking.

Why should the weight of a green roof be considered?

Because they weigh significantly more than normal roofs, especially when wet or covered with snow.

What are sedums and why are they helpful?

They are hardy plants that need little water and can store water.

What should be done before designing a pervious concrete slab?

The soil should be tested.

Why is there less ice build-up in pervious concrete systems?

Snow melts and passes through the paving rather than ponding and re-freezing.

How should landscaping be designed in relation to pervious paving?

It should be designed with pervious paving in mind and not inundated with leaves.

How can the surface of pervious concrete be cleaned?

By power washing or vacuuming.

What is gray water?

Water from laundry.

What is potable water?

Drinkable water.

What is black water?

Sewage.

What is storm water?

Rain water.

What are the goals of water-efficient landscaping?

To reduce potable water consumption for irrigation.

How can potable water consumption be reduced in landscaping?

Through landscaping decisions (xeriscaping), irrigation efficiency (drip irrigation), captured rainwater, and recycled wastewater.

What are cisterns?

Large water storage systems that hold rainwater or recycled water for non-potable uses.

What are the uses of cisterns?

For laundry, outdoor use, and flushing toilets.

What is xeriscaping?

Environmental design of land using methods that reduce water consumption, such as choosing native or drought-tolerant plants.

Why are traditional sprinklers inefficient?

They waste water through evaporation and overspray and often water areas that don't need irrigation.

What is drip irrigation?

An efficient irrigation technique that delivers water directly to plant roots.

What factors influence decibel levels on site?

Traffic, mechanical equipment, landscaping, and building materials.

What is a sewer tap?

The connection point where the building's main drain ties into the community sewer line.

What are septic systems?

Systems that treat sewage on-site by filtering effluent through soil and microbes before it reaches groundwater.

How do septic systems process wastewater?

Wastewater flows from the septic tank into a drain field, filtering through gravel or chambers and treated by soil microbes.

What is a traditional gravel septic system?

A shallow trench filled with stone or gravel where effluent is piped from the septic tank and filtered through before reaching soil.

What is a chamber septic system?

A septic system design using connected chambers instead of gravel, easier to install and suited for various uses.

What is the indoor air quality compared to outdoor air?

Indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

What are VOCs?

Harmful chemicals that easily become vapors or gases at room temperature, often released from building materials.

What is off-gassing?

The release of VOCs from materials into the air at room temperature.

What is active mechanical ventilation?

A system that uses fans and sensors to bring fresh air into a space and maintain proper temperature, humidity, and airflow rates.

What is passive natural ventilation?

A system where ventilation is achieved by opening operable windows or roof vents for cross-ventilation.

What is drywall also known as?

Gypsum board or Sheetrock.

What is veneer plywood?

Plywood made from multiple layers of cheaper wood topped with a thin veneer of high-quality wood for aesthetics.

What are the grades of plywood?

Grade A (smoothest), Grade B (solid surfaces with slight repairs), Grade C (unsanded surfaces with larger visible knots), Grade D (roughest surfaces with many visible flaws).

What is High Pressure Laminate (HPL)?

A laminate made up of many layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper, decorative paper, and clear overlay.

What is fiber cement siding made from?

A mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers.

What is raised access flooring used for?

It is used to create a space for electrical and mechanical services under the floor.

What is laminate flooring?

A flooring system that looks like wood but is actually a printed decorative layer over a composite core, with a protective wear layer on top.

What are the main layers of laminate flooring?

Wear layer, decorative layer, core board, and balance paper.

What is the advantage of laminate flooring?

It is an affordable alternative to hardwood, durable, and easy to maintain.

What is engineered hardwood flooring?

It uses a thin layer of real wood on top of a composite base, making it more dimensionally stable and less prone to warping.

What are the advantages of engineered hardwood flooring?

Heavy-duty version of veneer flooring, prefinished, more resistant to humidity and temperature changes than solid wood.

What is the purpose of raised access flooring?

To create a space for running and maintaining service lines such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and data cables.

What are raceways?

Channels or conduits embedded in concrete floors or walls that allow electrical data and other service lines to be installed, removed, or replaced over time.

What is a suspended ceiling used for?

To create a space above the finished ceiling for integrating MEP systems, lighting, sprinklers, and ductwork while providing easy access for maintenance.

What are the three coats in traditional plaster application?

Scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat.

What is the function of plaster adhesive?

To bond plaster to drywall or other surfaces securely.

What is tongue and groove wood flooring?

Solid wood boards designed with a tongue on one edge and a groove on the opposite edge to interlock when installed.

What is the difference between a surface sealer and a penetrating sealer?

A surface sealer creates a barrier on top of the floor, while a penetrating sealer soaks into the material to protect it from within.

What are the characteristics of quarry tile?

Dense and durable, non-glazed, natural finish, resistant to moisture and wear.

What is ceramic tile made of?

Clay that is fired and typically coated with a high-quality glaze for color and protection.

What is a honed face on stone tiles?

A smooth, matte surface without a glossy polish, often used for a softer, natural look.

What is the role of thin set mortar in tile installation?

It acts as the adhesive that bonds the tile to the substrate, ensuring a strong and durable connection.

What is the purpose of a solid waterproof core in flooring?

To provide durability and resistance to water damage.

What are the advantages of using acoustic tiles?

They absorb sound and make maintenance easy.

What factors influence the choice of countertop materials?

Germ-resistance, cost, installation requirements, sustainability, maintenance needs, and stain resistance.

What is the purpose of a balance paper in laminate flooring?

To maintain moisture resistance and structural balance.

What is the purpose of conditioning wood before installation?

To match the moisture content of the wood to the room's humidity and avoid buckling.

What are the common uses for quarry tile?

Floors in kitchens, entryways, and outdoor areas due to its strength and slip resistance.

What is grout used for?

Fills the spaces between tiles, locking them in place and preventing moisture penetration.

What is thin set mortar?

An adhesive that bonds the tile to the cement board, creating a strong and durable connection.

How do you apply thin set mortar?

Use a notched trowel to create uniform ridges of mortar for proper coverage and adhesion.

Why is grout fortified?

It contains polymers that make it more flexible and durable, reducing cracking and improving adhesion.

What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?

Sanded grout is used for wider joints (1/8" or larger) for strength; unsanded grout is for very narrow joints for a smooth finish.

What are sealers used for?

To protect the tile surface from stains, moisture, and damage, especially for porous materials like natural stone.

Do all tiles require sealers?

No, natural stone tiles usually need sealers, but ceramics and porcelain do not because they are non-porous.

What is linoleum made from?

All-natural materials, including linseed oil, wood flour, cork, dust, and natural pigments.

What are the advantages of linoleum?

Durable, long-lasting, naturally antimicrobial, easy to clean, available in sheets or tiles.

What is luxury vinyl tile (LVT)?

A resilient flooring material made of multiple layers designed to mimic wood, stone, or tile.

What are the features of luxury vinyl tile (LVT)?

Durable, water-resistant, available in tile or plank formats, easy to install, affordable alternative.

What is vinyl sheet flooring?

A continuous sheet of vinyl material that provides a seamless, water-resistant surface.

What are the features of vinyl sheet flooring?

Cost-effective, easy to clean, moisture resistant, available in many designs and colors.

What are the characteristics of bio-based tile?

Made from natural ingredients, low or zero VOC emissions, durable, easy to maintain.

What is gypcrete?

A lightweight gypsum-based concrete used as a floor underlayment over wood or concrete subfloors.

What are the benefits of gypcrete?

Provides a smooth surface, improves fire resistance, adds soundproofing, can encapsulate radiant heating.

What is terrazzo?

A composite material made by embedding aggregate into a base of epoxy or cement, then grinding and polishing.

What are the steps to making modern terrazzo?

Surface preparation, apply divider strips, mix and place terrazzo, cure, grind, grout, polish and seal.

What is the building envelope?

The roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation of a building.