CSDB by PCA Valid Free Exam Practice Test

Question 1

The pattern of penetrating damp on internal surfaces typically shows:

A. Damp only in winter B. Damp patches that correspond to external defects and increase in size after heavy rainfall C. Even coverage across walls D. Consistent tide marks

Correct Answer: B

Question 2

A Victorian terraced property with cavity walls shows penetrating damp concentrated around failed pointing on north-west elevation. The cavity appears to have insulation. The surveyor's recommendation should be:

A. Apply internal membrane only B. Repoint failed joints to weather-tight standard; verify insulation is not bridging cavity C. Accept the damp D. Remove all insulation

Correct Answer: B

Question 3

When comparing diagnostic methods for rising damp, the calcium carbide test is particularly valuable because:

A. It provides accurate moisture measurement unaffected by hygroscopic salts, unlike resistance meters B. It is fastest C. It is cheapest only D. It identifies damp type

Correct Answer: A

Question 4

Professional ethics for surveyors require:

A. Only considering personal profit B. Recommending unnecessary treatments C. No ethical obligations D. Honest assessment, disclosure of conflicts of interest, adherence to standards, and putting client interests first

Correct Answer: D

Question 5

Cavity wall insulation can trap moisture if:

A. It is too thick B. It is not installed correctly or if the cavity ventilation is blocked C. It is installed during summer D. It is grey in colour

Correct Answer: B

Question 6

When reporting on timber decay potentially related to dampness, the surveyor should:

A. Assess both moisture condition and timber decay severity; note if moisture exceeds 18-20% (fungal risk) B. Ignore moisture in timber assessment C. Only diagnose damp D. Only recommend timber replacement

Correct Answer: A

Question 7

To differentiate penetrating damp from rising damp, the surveyor should note:

A. Rising damp occurs above 1000mm; penetrating damp below 500mm B. They look identical C. Rising damp appears as tide marks from ground level; penetrating damp patches vary with external defects and rainfall exposure D. Penetrating damp causes tide marks; rising damp does not

Correct Answer: C

Question 8

A surveyor diagnoses condensation in a kitchen with persistent black mould despite recent cleaning. The underlying cause is likely:

A. Inadequate extraction ventilation, high moisture generation from cooking, and insufficient heating
/insulation B. Penetrating damp C. Structural failure D. Rising damp

Correct Answer: A

Question 9

The soluble salts present in rising damp can cause:

A. Improved plaster adhesion B. Damage to decorations, spalling of plaster, and efflorescence C. Increased structural strength D. Better paint coverage

Correct Answer: B

Question 10

An electro-osmotic system for rising damp control operates by:

A. Applying small electrical potentials to reverse capillary moisture rise B. Injecting chemicals C. Installing physical barriers D. Applying external render

Correct Answer: A

Question 11

A surveyor observes damp on a ground floor at 450mm height with clear white salt tide mark extending to
700mm. No external defects are visible. Calcium carbide test shows 24% moisture. The diagnosis is:

A. Leaking internal pipes B. Condensation C. Penetrating damp only D. Rising damp confirmed by height, pattern, and moisture content

Correct Answer: D

Question 12

To prevent penetrating damp, external maintenance should include:

A. Regular inspection and maintenance of gutters, downpipes, pointing, and roof flashings B. Ignoring external defects C. Never inspecting gutters D. Applying cladding only

Correct Answer: A

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