CSDB Exam Training Practice Tests (PCA Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings)]

Question 1

BS 5250:2021 recommends ventilation rates in kitchens to control moisture from cooking:

A. No ventilation needed B. Ventilation only in winter C. Continuous extraction ventilation throughout the day with higher rates during moisture generation (cooking) D. Opening windows occasionally

Correct Answer: C

Question 2

When a surveyor concludes that a property's damp problem is primarily caused by condensation resulting from occupant behavior (drying washing indoors, inadequate ventilation), the recommendation should:

A. Explain the technical cause, recommend occupant action changes, and suggest building improvements to reduce condensation risk B. Recommend expensive structural works C. Ignore occupant factors D. Only blame occupants

Correct Answer: A

Question 3

When a surveyor recommends cavity wall tie replacement due to corrosion from penetrating damp, this is important because:

A. All ties fail equally B. Ties are irrelevant to damp C. Ties are non-structural D. Corroded ties can lose structural integrity, affecting wall stability and cavity function

Correct Answer: D

Question 4

A listed building (Grade II*) shows clear rising damp with tide marks to 800mm. Owner seeks rapid chemical DPC treatment. The surveyor should:

A. Decline to diagnose listed building damp B. Recommend lime-based DPC approaches, reversible treatments, and specialist conservation advice considering building age C. Proceed with standard chemical DPC injection immediately D. Recommend modern cementitious replastering

Correct Answer: B

Question 5

When assessing rising damp, the surveyor must evaluate:

A. Age of building only B. Presence or absence of DPC only C. Construction material only D. Height of damp, source verification, and rate of progression

Correct Answer: D

Question 6

To diagnose condensation, the surveyor should assess:

A. Damp pattern only B. Paint colour only C. Moisture generation sources, ventilation adequacy, heating levels, and surface temperatures D. Building age only

Correct Answer: C

Question 7

When rising damp has caused soluble salt accumulation in masonry, the treatment approach should include:

A. Increasing ventilation only B. Ignoring the salts C. Only applying paint D. Addressing the moisture source, allowing drying, and potentially salt removal or specialized replastering

Correct Answer: D

Question 8

BS 5250:2021 states that relative humidity should ideally be maintained below:

A. 65-70% B. 85-90% C. 50% D. 30%

Correct Answer: A

Question 9

The relationship between temperature and condensation risk is:

A. Cold surfaces (below dew point) increase condensation risk regardless of humidity B. Only high temperatures cause condensation C. Irrelevant D. Temperature does not affect condensation

Correct Answer: A

Question 10

To confirm the presence of a DPC and assess its integrity, the surveyor should:

A. Physically locate it through inspection, breaching if necessary with permission, and test its continuity B. Only use visual methods C. Never investigate the DPC D. Assume it exists without checking

Correct Answer: A

PCA Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings - CSDB Exam Practice Test