During a renovation of an older home in Halifax, N.S., the carpenter discovers significant gaps around plumbing penetrations through the ceiling into the attic. What impact do these unsealed penetrations primarily have?

Question: During a renovation of an older home in Halifax, N.S., the carpenter discovers significant gaps around plumbing penetrations through the ceiling into the attic. What impact do these unsealed penetrations primarily have?

Answer options:

• They primarily contribute to structural weakening of the ceiling diaphragm.
• They exclusively allow for insect ingress but have minimal thermal impact. ✅ They create pathways for air leakage, leading to heat loss/gain and potential moisture issues in the attic.
• They only affect the acoustic performance of the building, not energy efficiency.

Correct answer: They create pathways for air leakage, leading to heat loss/gain and potential moisture issues in the attic.

Explanation: Unsealed penetrations, such as those around plumbing or electrical wiring, create significant pathways for air leakage. This results in unintended heat loss during winter or heat gain during summer, compromising energy efficiency and potentially leading to condensation problems in colder attic spaces due to moisture-laden air escaping.