Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

Which statement best describes a common framing system used in residential construction today?

1. Exterior walls made of wood frames are either load-bearing or non-load-bearing.

2. Metal studs are now universally used.

3. Two-by-four inch exterior walls are used in energy-efficient new homes.

4. Horizontal framing components over door/window openings are usually lintels.

5. Every home must use steel beams for load-bearing structures.

6. Insulated concrete forms replace traditional wood framing in most modern homes.

The correct answer is: Horizontal framing components over door/window openings are usually lintels.

The statement that horizontal framing components over door and window openings are usually referred to as lintels provides an accurate representation of a common practice in residential construction. Lintels are crucial structural elements that support the weight above openings, such as doors and windows, distributing the load to the adjacent vertical wall framing. This ensures that the structural integrity of the wall is maintained while allowing for functional design features like openings for light and access. In many residential buildings, lintels can be made from various materials, including wood, steel, or concrete, depending on the specific requirements of the construction. Understanding the role of lintels is important for recognizing how load-bearing structures function and for ensuring that openings do not compromise the stability of the overall design. The other statements, while they may contain some truth, do not universally characterize a common framing system in the same way. For example, while exterior walls can be constructed with different framing systems, not all homes utilize metal studs, nor are steel beams mandated in every residential construction. Additionally, the use of insulated concrete forms is not standard in all modern homes, and while two-by-four walls can be energy efficient, this is not the only framing technique used.