A contractor is installing windows in a new home and must comply with Michigan's Energy Code. For a south-facing window in Climate Zone 6, what is the maximum allowable U-factor?
Correct Answer
A) 0.30
Michigan's Energy Code requires windows in Climate Zone 6 to have a maximum U-factor of 0.30 for energy efficiency compliance.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Michigan falls in Climate Zone 5 or 6 depending on location, and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as adopted in Michigan requires a maximum U-factor of 0.30 for fenestration in Climate Zone 6. A lower U-factor means better insulation — 0.30 is the performance threshold required for compliance.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 0.35
0.35 is the maximum U-factor allowed in warmer Climate Zone 5, not Zone 6. Zone 6 has a stricter (lower) requirement because of colder winters.
Option C: 0.40
0.40 applies to Climate Zone 4 or warmer zones. Using this value in Zone 6 would result in a code violation, as the windows would be under-insulating for the climate.
Option D: 0.32
0.32 is not a standard IECC threshold for any climate zone. It is close to the correct answer, making it a plausible distractor, but the code specifies 0.30 for Zone 6.
Memory Technique
Zone 6 = 0.30. Think '6 goes low' — the higher the zone number (colder climate), the lower the maximum U-factor allowed. U-factor and insulation performance are inversely related.
More Michigan Questions
A residential foundation wall in Michigan is 8 feet high with 2 feet above grade. The backfill exerts lateral pressure of 30 psf per foot of depth. What is the maximum lateral pressure at the bottom of the foundation wall?
A builder discovers that the electrical service entrance was installed without proper permits. According to Michigan law, what is the most appropriate next step?
What is the maximum allowable span for a 2x8 floor joist (Grade 2 Douglas Fir) at 16" O.C. with 40 psf live load and 10 psf dead load according to Michigan Building Code span tables?
According to Michigan Building Code, what is the maximum height of a wood-framed bearing wall using 2x4 studs with standard construction?
A homeowner requests to convert a bedroom into a bathroom on the second floor. What is the primary Michigan code concern the builder must address?
According to Michigan plumbing regulations, what is the minimum pipe size required for a water service line serving a single-family residence?
A contractor is building a basement foundation wall that is 8 feet high and will retain 6 feet of soil. What is the minimum wall thickness required by the Michigan Building Code for poured concrete?
A homeowner wants to install a gas fireplace in their living room. The contractor notices the existing gas line is 1/2 inch black iron pipe. For a 40,000 BTU fireplace with a 25-foot run, is this pipe size adequate according to Michigan gas code?
During a framing inspection, the building official notes that the contractor used 2x4 studs at 24 inches on center for an exterior wall. According to Michigan Building Code, what is the maximum wall height allowed for this configuration?
A contractor is installing a beam to support floor joists. The beam must carry a total load of 8,000 pounds over a 12-foot span. If the allowable fiber stress for the lumber grade is 1,200 psi, what is the minimum required section modulus?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
You are constructing a deck that will be attached to a house in Detroit. The deck is 12 feet by 16 feet and will support a live load of 40 psf. What is the total live load the deck must support?
Next Question
Under Michigan Building Code, which of the following best describes the required placement of smoke detectors in a new single-family residence?