Report a question What’s wrong with this question? You cannot submit an empty report. Please add some details. Are You an Expert in Maintaining Wooden Houses? Are you a proud owner of a wooden home? Keeping your timber haven in top shape requires knowing the basics of maintenance and repairs. From spotting early signs of damage to choosing the right treatments, this quiz will test your knowledge on common wooden house issues. 1 / 15 What is a common sign that your wooden house is suffering from termite damage? Cracks in the walls Soft spots or holes in the wood Fading paint Loose shingles Termites consume wood from the inside, creating soft spots and holes that are visible when the surface is inspected. Early detection is crucial to prevent extensive damage. Termites consume wood from the inside, creating soft spots and holes that are visible when the surface is inspected. Early detection is crucial to prevent extensive damage. 2 / 15 What is the main cause of wood swelling in a wooden house? Exposure to sunlight High humidity Paint applied incorrectly Wood type Wood naturally absorbs moisture from the air. High humidity can cause the wood to swell, which may lead to structural issues or warping over time. Wood naturally absorbs moisture from the air. High humidity can cause the wood to swell, which may lead to structural issues or warping over time. 3 / 15 Which of the following is the best option for cleaning the exterior of a wooden house? Soap and water Bleach solution Pressure washing Sandpaper Soap and water are gentle on wood and effective at removing dirt without causing damage. Bleach and pressure washing can harm the wood’s surface if not done carefully. Soap and water are gentle on wood and effective at removing dirt without causing damage. Bleach and pressure washing can harm the wood’s surface if not done carefully. 4 / 15 Why is it important to leave a gap between wooden deck boards? To allow room for expansion when wood gets wet To trap debris and prevent water runoff To make the deck look more modern To reduce the weight of the deck structure Wood expands when it absorbs moisture, so gaps prevent boards from warping or cupping as they swell. Wood expands when it absorbs moisture, so gaps prevent boards from warping or cupping as they swell. 5 / 15 What is the best time of year to apply a protective wood finish to the exterior of your wooden house? Winter Early spring with frequent rainfall Summer Fall According to ASTM D3278-21, wood surface coatings should be applied in conditions with relative humidity below 60% and temperatures above 10°C, which is typically found in fall. According to ASTM D3278-21, wood surface coatings should be applied in conditions with relative humidity below 60% and temperatures above 10°C, which is typically found in fall. 6 / 15 What type of wood is most commonly used for siding in wooden houses? Oak Cedar Maple Birch Cedar is commonly used for siding because it is durable, resists rot, and has a natural ability to repel insects like termites. Cedar is commonly used for siding because it is durable, resists rot, and has a natural ability to repel insects like termites. 7 / 15 Which materials is commonly used to treat wood for resistance against termites? Sodium chloride Borate Petroleum Acetone Borate is commonly used as a termite treatment because it is effective in preventing termites from eating the wood. Borate is commonly used as a termite treatment because it is effective in preventing termites from eating the wood. 8 / 15 What's the ideal moisture content for exterior wooden siding? 5-10% 12-15% 20-25% Over 30% Exterior wood should have a moisture content between 12-15% to prevent rot while allowing natural expansion/contraction. Exterior wood should have a moisture content between 12-15% to prevent rot while allowing natural expansion/contraction. 9 / 15 What does a “check” in wood refers to? A fungal infection A small surface crack along the grain Termite tunneling Paint peeling Checks are natural cracks along wood grain from drying; they rarely affect structural integrity. Checks are natural cracks along wood grain from drying; they rarely affect structural integrity. 10 / 15 What is “alligatoring” in painted wooden surfaces? decorative pattern Cracked paint resembling reptile skin Mold growth under paint Peeling due to moisture Alligatoring occurs when old paint layers crack due to weathering or improper adhesion. Alligatoring occurs when old paint layers crack due to weathering or improper adhesion. 11 / 15 How deep should you dig around a wooden fence post to replace rotted wood? Just below the ground surface (6 inches) To the original installation depth (usually 18-24 inches) Only if the post is leaning 3 feet deep regardless of original depth Replace rotted posts by digging to their original depth to maintain structural stability, ensuring the new post is properly anchored. Replace rotted posts by digging to their original depth to maintain structural stability, ensuring the new post is properly anchored. 12 / 15 Which coating lasts the longest on exterior wood? Oil-based stain Varnish Clear sealant Wax Penetrates wood fibers (0.5-2mm depth), allowing natural expansion/contraction without cracking and resists UV degradation for 5-7 years Penetrates wood fibers (0.5-2mm depth), allowing natural expansion/contraction without cracking and resists UV degradation for 5-7 years 13 / 15 Which maintenance task should be done annually for a wooden shake roof? Power washing to remove debris Replacing every 5th shake to prevent wear Inspecting for cracked, curled, or missing shakes Applying a heavy layer of tar to seal gaps Annual inspections allow you to replace damaged shakes early, extending the roof’s lifespan. Power washing can damage shakes. Annual inspections allow you to replace damaged shakes early, extending the roof’s lifespan. Power washing can damage shakes. 14 / 15 What’s the minimum recommended roof slope to ensure proper water drainage? 45 degrees (12:12 slope) 30 degrees (7:12 slope) 15 degrees (3:12 slope) 5 degrees (1:12 slope) Most building codes (e.g., International Residential Code) require a minimum slope of 1/4:12 (1.19°) for waterproof materials like metal roofing, and 2:12 (9.46°) for asphalt shingles. However, 1:12 (4.76°) is a common practical minimum for drainage. Most building codes (e.g., International Residential Code) require a minimum slope of 1/4:12 (1.19°) for waterproof materials like metal roofing, and 2:12 (9.46°) for asphalt shingles. However, 1:12 (4.76°) is a common practical minimum for drainage. 15 / 15 What's the correct order for repairing a small rotted section of wooden trim? 1, 2, 3, 4 2, 1, 3, 4 3, 1, 2, 4 4, 3, 2, 1 First remove rot, then strengthen remaining wood with hardener, fill with epoxy, and finish with sanding/painting for a durable repair. First remove rot, then strengthen remaining wood with hardener, fill with epoxy, and finish with sanding/painting for a durable repair. Share this quiz if you like it. LinkedIn Facebook VKontakte Restart quiz Post navigation Do you know DIY Tips for a Beautiful Yard?How Well Do You Know the Chicago Bulls Dynasty?
