BCGBC4010A Apply structural principles to residential low-rise constructions

Cladding systems

Topic activity 
Question 1
Which of the following timber species requires preservative treatment?
A.	Cypress pine
B.	Eucalyptus
C.	Slash pine
D.	Redwood
The correct answer is C - Slash pine. This is because of its low durability.

Question 2
Why is timber cladding usually 150 to 200 mm wide? 
A.	Wider boards than this are prone to splitting
B.	This is the best looking size
C.	This is the easiest size to cut
D.	Wider boards may shrink
The correct answer is A - Wider boards than this are prone to splitting. They may also cup. 

Question 3
Which of the following is an imported timber? 
A.	Eucalyptus
B.	Baltic pine
C.	Radiata pine
D.	Cypress pine
The correct answer is B - Baltic pine. All the others are grown in Australia.

Question 4
What is the usual moisture range of seasoned timber? 
A.	20%
B.	15 - 20%
C.	5 - 10%
D.	10 - 15%
The correct answer is D - 10 - 15%. This is a good range to avoid shrinking.

Question 5
What allowance should be made for shrinkage?
A.	Seasoned timber boards should have an increased overlap.
B.	Unseasoned timber boards should have an increased overlap.
C.	Seasoned timber boards should have a smaller overlap.
D.	Unseasoned timber boards should have a smaller overlap.
The correct answer is B - Unseasoned timber boards should have an increased overlap. This is because they shrink as they dry.

Question 6
If timber boards are going to be painted, how should the end joints be protected?
A.	Be sealed with mastic only
B.	Be painted with a primer at each end only
C.	Both the two methods above
D.	Be adequately flashed
The correct answer is C - Both the two methods above. Protection before fixing consists of sealing with mastic and painting with primer.

Question 7
Timber can stand greater stresses than brickwork. True or false?
A.	True
B.	False
The correct answer is A - True. Timber can stand greater stresses than any rigid material because of its resilience and high strength-to-weight ratio.

Question 8
One purpose of eaves and verandahs is to provide weather protection to walls. True or false?
A.	True
B.	False
The correct answer is A - True. Eaves and verandahs also provide more comfort to the inhabitants of the building.

Question 9
Individual timber boards should be nailed together at the overlap. True or false?
A.	True
B.	False
The correct answer is B - False. Timber boards should not be nailed together at the overlap.

Question 10
Brick veneer cladding is load bearing. True or false?
A.	True
B.	False
The correct answer is B - False. Brick veneer is not load bearing.

Question 11
Timber reveals are usually fixed into the studs. True or false?
A.	True
B.	False
The correct answer is A - True. This is the normal fixing method.

Question 12
When should flashing materials be fixed to plywood cladding?
A.	After the cladding is fixed
B.	While the cladding is being fixed
C.	Before the cladding is fixed
D.	At any convenient time
The correct answer is C - Before the cladding is fixed. Special metal flashing is also available for plywood cladding.

Question 13
When using plywood cladding, what happens if simple butt joints with a flexible mastic seal are used?
A.	They can stop water getting to the frame permanently.
B.	They can stop water getting into the edge of the plywood sheet permanently.
C.	They will do both of the above.
D.	They can eventually allow water into the frame.
The correct answer is D - They can eventually allow water into the frame. The seal can break down prematurely.

Question 14
What can external walls of hardboard cladding be detailed with?
A.	A timber stop only
B.	A pre-formed metal corner only
C.	Both of the above
D.	Cut and scribed planks
The correct answer is C - Both of the above. Both timber stops and pre-formed metal corners can be used. The cut and scribed planks are for internal corners.

Question 15
What effect does plywood cladding have when it is used as structural bracing on external walls? 
A.	Less bracing is required for internal walls
B.	More bracing is required for internal walls
C.	No bracing is required for internal walls
D.	More bracing is required for external walls
The correct answer is B - More bracing is required for internal walls. Internal walls will need more support.

Question 16
In brick veneer construction, how is moisture movement through to the timber frame prevented?
A.	Ties
B.	Weepholes
C.	Cavities
D.	Membranes
The correct answer is C - Cavities. A cavity is a gap between the brickwork and the frame.

Question 17
What is an 'end bearing'?
A.	The section where a lintel lands on brickwork
B.	A galvanised steel lintel
C.	The opening across brickwork
D.	An end beam carrying load
The correct answer is A - The section where a lintel lands on brickwork. Minimums are specified to give adequate support.

Question 18
What is the purpose of articulation joints?
A.	They allow for shrinkage in a building
B.	They tie the brickwork to the frame
C.	They allow for movement in a building
D.	They seal the cavities
The correct answer is C - They allow for movement in a building. The movement may be due to climate, temperature or movements in the frame or foundations.

Question 19
What is the purpose of window schedules?
A.	To help work out the appropriate type of window
B.	To work out the appropriate opening size of windows
C.	To work out whether to use a timber or aluminium frame
D.	To work out the height of a window
The correct answer is B - To work out the appropriate opening size of windows. The schedule also shows the required stud opening size.

Question 20
Which of the following window frames is nearly always made of aluminium?
A.	Top hung sliding
B.	Louvre
C.	Horizontal sliding
D.	Side hung casement
The correct answer is C - Horizontal sliding. However, double hung and louvre are also available in aluminium.

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