CCP Chimney Repair & Installation 2

Question 1

Under the IRC, a masonry chimney must extend at least how far above the highest point where it passes through the roof?

Accepted Answer

3 feet

Answer

The 3-2-10 rule requires 3 ft above the roof penetration and 2 ft higher than anything within 10 ft.

Question 2

Using the 3-2-10 rule, a chimney must be at least 2 feet higher than any part of the building within what horizontal distance?

Accepted Answer

10 feet

Answer

The chimney must be 2 ft above any portion of the building within 10 ft horizontally.

Question 3

A cricket (saddle) is required on the upslope side of a chimney when the chimney's width parallel to the ridge exceeds:

Accepted Answer

30 inches

Answer

IRC R1003.20 requires a cricket when the chimney dimension parallel to the ridge exceeds 30 inches.

Question 4

When repointing deteriorated chimney mortar joints, old mortar is typically removed to what depth?

Accepted Answer

About 2 to 2.5 times the joint width

Answer

Standard practice removes mortar to roughly 2 to 2.5 times the joint width, usually 1/2 to 3/4 inch, for a sound bond.

Question 5

Why is using a very hard, high-Portland mortar to repoint soft, older brick a problem?

Accepted Answer

It forces moisture and stress into the brick, causing spalling

Answer

Mortar should be softer than the brick so the joints, not the brick faces, absorb movement and moisture stress.

CCP - Certified Chimney Professionals Practice Test