ASHI Fireplaces & Solid Fuel Burning Systems Flashcards

What does white staining (efflorescence) on the exterior of a masonry chimney typically indicate?

Answer: Water is penetrating the masonry and leaching out soluble salts

Efflorescence is caused by water moving through masonry and depositing dissolved salts on the surface as it evaporates.

What is the purpose of a smoke shelf in a traditional masonry fireplace?

Answer: To catch downdrafts and debris and redirect them back up the flue

The smoke shelf catches falling debris and redirects downdrafts, preventing cold air from pushing smoke into the living space.

A home inspector finds that the flue liner in a masonry chimney is missing. What is the recommended action?

Answer: Report it as a deficiency and recommend evaluation by a qualified chimney specialist

A missing flue liner is a significant safety deficiency because it allows heat and gases to contact combustible materials; a chimney specialist should evaluate and remediate.

According to ASHI Standards, which of the following is within the scope of a chimney inspection?

Answer: Inspecting the readily accessible portions of the flue from above and below

ASHI limits the chimney inspection to visual examination of readily accessible portions from the firebox opening and the chimney top.

What is the minimum height a chimney must extend above a roof surface within 10 feet, per NFPA 211?

Answer: 2 feet above the highest point of the roof within 10 feet

NFPA 211 requires the chimney to terminate at least 2 feet above any portion of the roof within a 10-foot horizontal radius.

An inspector notes that the hearth extension in front of a wood-burning fireplace is only 12 inches deep. What is the concern?

Answer: It is undersized; NFPA 211 requires at least 16–20 inches depending on fireplace opening size

NFPA 211 requires hearth extensions to extend at least 16 inches in front of small fireplace openings and 20 inches for larger openings to contain embers.