Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Louisiana Insulation for Cold Storage and Buildings
Louisiana · PSI Services Contractor
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
50
Passing score
70%
Exam time
120 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Louisiana State Portion 50 questions
Batt/Roll Insulation
4 Q · 8%
R-value ratings and thickness relationships for batt/roll productsBatt and roll material types: fiberglass, rock wool, slag wool, cotton, and plastic fiberFacing types: kraft paper, foil, and unfaced products as vapor retardersInstallation methods: inset stapling, face stapling, pressure fit, and unfaced placementApplication by location: walls, attics, floors, crawl spaces, basements, and cathedral ceilingsCompression effects on R-value performanceHealth and safety precautions for handling fiberglass and mineral woolVapor retarder placement and moisture control principles for batt insulation assemblies
Blown or Loose-Fill Insulation
4 Q · 8%
Types of loose-fill insulation materials (cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, perlite, vermiculite)R-value per inch and coverage charts for blown/loose-fill materialsInstallation methods (pneumatic blowing vs. pouring) for attics and wall cavitiesSettling, fluffing, voids, and density requirements to maintain R-valueMoisture absorption, vapor retarders, and ventilation requirementsFire resistance and safety clearances (recessed lights, chimneys, flues)Sprayed-in-place (wet-spray) insulation systems including BIBS and wet-spray celluloseHealth and safety precautions during installation (PPE, respiratory protection, fiber hazards)
General Knowledge and Theory
8 Q · 16%
Heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiationR-value and U-value definitions, calculations, and relationshipsFactors affecting R-value: temperature, density, and thicknessThermal comfort principles and human thermoregulationHistorical development of insulation materials and technologiesBuilding energy codes and standards: IECC, ASHRAE, and model codesRegulatory bodies and compliance requirements: FTC, ASTM, CPSC
Other Insulation Applications and Fire Stopping/Fireproofing
6 Q · 12%
Fire-resistance ratings and testing standards for insulation materials (ASTM E84, ASTM E119, UL 723)Thermal barrier requirements for foam plastic insulation (IBC Section 2603.4)Flame spread index and smoke-developed index limits for insulating materialsFoam plastic insulation in cold storage/cooler/freezer applicationsFirestopping and through-penetration firestop systems for wall and floor assembliesFireblocking and draftstopping requirements in concealed spacesSprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM) application and substrate requirementsFire and smoke damper requirements for duct penetrations of rated assemblies
Plan Reading, Materials, Estimating, and Take Offs
5 Q · 10%
Reading and interpreting architectural plans, floor plans, and elevation drawingsQuantity takeoff methods and material estimation techniquesCalculating insulation coverage from manufacturer bag labels and coverage chartsUnit-cost and pre-design estimating for insulation projectsInsulation R-values, material types, and cost comparison using reference tablesCommon estimating abbreviations and units of measure (SF, LF, BF, CY)Scales, dimensions, and symbols used in construction drawingsSchedules and specifications as they relate to material selection and takeoffs
Rigid-Board and Reflective Insulation
2 Q · 4%
Types of rigid board insulation materials (EPS, XPS, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, perlite, mineral fiber, cellular glass, wood fiberboard)R-values and thermal performance characteristics of rigid board insulation by typeFire resistance requirements and thermal barrier provisions for foam plastic insulation (IBC Chapter 26)Moisture resistance, vapor permeance, and water absorption properties of rigid board productsRadiant barrier principles: emittance, reflectance, absorptance, and airspace requirementsReflective insulation systems: product types, R-value directionality, and installation locationsFoam plastic insulation requirements for cold storage and cooler/freezer applicationsExterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS): barrier-type vs. drainable-type construction and moisture management
Safety and Employee Protection
8 Q · 16%
Asbestos hazard recognition, permissible exposure limits, and exposure monitoringAsbestos work classifications (Class I–IV) and required control methodsRespiratory protection selection and use for insulation-related hazardous exposuresPersonal protective equipment requirements and employer payment obligationsFall protection systems for insulation work at elevated heightsOccupational health controls: noise exposure, ventilation, and airborne contaminant limitsMedical surveillance, recordkeeping, and employee training requirementsHealth hazards of historical and current insulation materials (fiberglass, asbestos, sprayed-in-place)
Spray-On Application
4 Q · 8%
Wet-spray cellulose insulation materials, standards, and R-valuesSpray-on fiberglass and Blow-In-Blanket System (BIBS) installation and R-valuesWet-spray rock wool and slag wool application procedures and R-valuesFoamed-in-place insulation types (polyurethane, Icynene, Air Krete, Tripolymer) and R-valuesPre-application site preparation and equipment requirementsDrying time, moisture content monitoring, and vapor retarder requirementsFire resistance, thermal barrier requirements, and flame spread standards (IBC Section 2603)Health and safety precautions for installers (respiratory protection, PPE, OSHA guidelines)
Vapor Barrier and Retarders
4 Q · 8%
Moisture migration mechanisms (bulk moisture, capillary action, air leakage, vapor diffusion)Perm ratings and vapor permeance classification (Classes I, II, and III per IBC Table 1404.3)Vapor retarder placement by climate zone and building location (warm-side vs. cold-side installation)Vapor retarder material types (polyethylene film, kraft-faced batts, foil, vapor barrier paint, coatings)Dew point, relative humidity, and condensation principlesAir barriers vs. vapor retarders (housewrap function, infiltration/exfiltration control)Vapor retarder requirements by assembly location (walls, floors, ceilings, crawl spaces, attics)IBC 2021 Section 1404.3 code requirements for vapor retarders in frame wall assemblies
Ventilation
5 Q · 10%
Attic and rafter space cross-ventilation requirements (net free area ratios)Intake and exhaust vent placement (eave/soffit vs. ridge vents)Unvented attic and enclosed rafter assembly conditions and insulation requirementsUnder-floor and crawl space ventilation openings and minimum net areaNatural ventilation openings (minimum openable area as percentage of floor area)Moisture condensation prevention through ventilation in roof and wall assembliesAttic ventilation interaction with vapor retarders (vented vs. unvented attic vapor retarder requirements)Mechanical ventilation requirements for crawl spaces with vapor retarders
Key Distinctions
Underlayment at EavesvsUnderlayment at Rake Edges
At eaves, underlayment is installed OVER the drip edge; at rake edges, the drip edge is installed OVER the underlayment.
IBC Section 1507.2.8.3Open-Cell SPFvsClosed-Cell SPF
Open-cell SPF provides R-3.81 per inch because cells are filled with air; closed-cell SPF provides R-6 to R-7 per inch because cells retain the blowing agent.
Chapter 10 - Foamed-in-Place Insulation, Open-cell SPF sectionExtruded Polystyrene (XPS)vsExpanded Polystyrene (EPS)
XPS has a consistent R-value of 5.0 per inch regardless of density, while EPS R-value varies with density.
Chapter 11 - Rigid Board InsulationCellulose Loose-FillvsFiberglass Loose-Fill
Cellulose absorbs 5–20% of its weight in moisture and provides ~R-3.5 per inch; fiberglass absorbs less than 1% moisture and provides only ~R-2.5 per inch.
Chapter 7 - Loose-Fill Insulation, Cellulose sectionWood Shakes Minimum SlopevsWood Shingles Minimum Slope
Wood shakes require a minimum slope of 4:12, which is steeper than the 3:12 minimum required for wood shingles.
2021 International Building Code, Section 1507.9.2Slate Shingles Minimum SlopevsClay/Concrete Tile Minimum Slope
Slate shingles require a minimum slope of 4:12, while clay and concrete tile requires only a 2.5:12 minimum slope.
IBC Section 1507.7.2Single-Layer Underlayment (Asphalt Shingles)vsDouble-Layer Underlayment (Asphalt Shingles)
A single layer of underlayment lapped 2 inches is permitted at slopes of 4:12 or greater; two layers are required for slopes from 2:12 up to 4:12.
IBC Table 1507.1.1(2)Standard R-30 Fiberglass BattvsHigh-Density R-30C Cathedral Ceiling Batt
Standard R-30 batts are 9½–10 inches thick, while high-density R-30C superbatts are only 8¼–8½ inches thick to fit between 2×10 framing with a 1-inch ventilation airspace.
Chapter 8 - Blanket Insulation: Batts and RollsType MV-90 CablevsType MV-105 Cable
MV-90 medium voltage cable has a maximum operating temperature of 90°C, while MV-105 is rated for a maximum of 105°C.
NEC Table 315.10(A)Conductors Rated Over 1000V ACvsConductors Rated 1000V AC or Less
Per NEC 305.4, conductors over 1000V AC shall NOT occupy the same enclosure, cable, or raceway as conductors rated 1000V AC or less unless specifically permitted by listed exceptions.
NEC 305.4Competent Person (OSHA)vsQualified Person (NEC/OSHA Equipment)
An OSHA competent person is defined by the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate hazards (no specific degree required); a qualified person for MV cable installation must have documented training and experience.
OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31Class B Fire ExtinguishervsClass A Fire Extinguisher
Class B extinguishers are for grease, oil, and chemical fires; Class A extinguishers are for wood, paper, cloth, and plastic fires.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Construction Safety & Health, Page 81Key Terms
Drip Edge Installation Rule (IBC 1507.2.8.3) IBC Section 1507.2.8.3
IBC Section 1507.2.8.3 requires underlayment over drip edge at eaves and drip edge over underlayment at rake edges, with mechanical fastening at intervals not greater than 12 inches on center.
Secondary Roof Drainage Scupper Minimum (IBC 1502.3) 2021 International Building Code, Section 1502.3
IBC Section 1502.3 mandates that scuppers used for emergency overflow roof drainage shall have an opening dimension of not less than 4 inches.
Cricket or Saddle Requirement (IBC 1503.5) IBC Section 1503.5
IBC Section 1503.5 requires a cricket or saddle on the ridge side of any chimney or penetration greater than 30 inches wide (measured perpendicular to the slope), covered with sheet metal or matching roof material.
Built-Up Roof Minimum Slope (IBC 1507.10.1) IBC Section 1507.10.1
IBC Section 1507.10.1 requires built-up roofs to have a design slope of not less than 1/4:12 for drainage, except coal-tar built-up roofs which require only 1/8:12.
Metal Flashing Minimum Thickness (IBC 1503.2.1) 2021 International Building Code, Section 1503.2.1
IBC Section 1503.2.1 requires metal flashing at wall and roof intersections to be corrosion resistant with a minimum thickness of 0.019 inch (No. 26 galvanized sheet).
Vinyl Siding Minimum Thickness (IBC Table 1404.2) IBC 2021, Table 1404.2
Per IBC Table 1404.2, vinyl siding used as a weather covering on exterior walls must have a minimum nominal thickness of 0.035 inch.
Vinyl Siding Nail Penetration (IBC 1404.14.1.1) IBC 2021, Section 1404.14.1.1
Per IBC Section 1404.14.1.1, nails fastening vinyl siding to wood framing must penetrate not less than 1¼ inches into nailable substrate.
Fire Extinguisher Rating Requirement (OSHA 1926.150) OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i)
OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i) requires a fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area on a construction site.
First Aid Kit Inspection Frequency (OSHA 1926.50) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 33
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.50 requires the contents of a first aid kit to be checked before each job and at least weekly on each job to ensure expended items are replaced.
R-Value Carpentry And Building Construction, Section 31.1 — R-Value Basics
R-value is a cumulative measure of thermal resistance; two inches of insulation rated R-5 per inch yields a total R-value of R-10.
Building Envelope Carpentry And Building Construction, Section 31.1 — Where to Insulate
The building envelope is the continuous layer of insulation separating heated and cooled spaces from unheated spaces or outdoor temperatures.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Carpentry and Building Construction, Construction Safety & Health, Book Page 92
An MSDS is a manufacturer-required document listing hazard information, toxicity levels, first-aid recommendations, protective equipment, and proper disposal methods for a product used on the job site.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Flanking Paths Carpentry And Building Construction, Section 31.2 — Flanking Paths
A hole as small as 1 square inch in a wall rated STC 50 can reduce its sound performance to approximately STC 30, demonstrating how flanking paths severely compromise acoustical insulation.
Plastic Fiber Batt Insulation Insulation Handbook, Chapter 8 - Blanket Insulation: Batts and Rolls
Plastic fiber batts are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), do not cause skin irritation during handling, and provide R-values ranging from 3.8 to 4.3 per inch.
Crawl Space Ventilation Ratio Carpentry And Building Construction, Section 31.1 — Crawl-Space Ventilation
A minimum of 1 square foot of net ventilation area is required for every 150 square feet of crawl-space floor area when a vapor retarder is present.
Radiant-Heat Barrier Air Space Carpentry And Building Construction, Section 31.1 — Radiant-Heat Barriers
When a radiant-heat barrier is draped over rafters before sheathing is applied, at least 1 inch of air space must exist between the barrier and the underside of the sheathing to maximize effectiveness.
Formulas to Know
Total R-Value (Cumulative)
Total R-Value = R-value per inch × Total thickness (inches)Crawl Space Ventilation Area
Minimum Net Vent Area (sq ft) = Crawl Space Area (sq ft) ÷ 150Elevation Difference (Grading)
Max Elevation Difference = Highest Corner Elevation − Lowest Corner ElevationRoof Slope Expression
Slope = Rise (vertical units) : Run (12 horizontal units); e.g., 4:12 = 4 inches rise per 12 inches runBoard Feet of Lumber
Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12Unit-Cost Partition Wall Estimate
Partition Wall Cost = Cost per Lineal Foot × Total Lineal Feet of Wall