CCS Chimney Inspection & Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 211, a Level 2 chimney inspection is required when which of the following occurs?
- Annual routine maintenance with no changes
- A change in fuel type or an event such as a chimney fire (Correct answer)
- Only when requested by a homeowner
- When the chimney is less than 10 years old
Correct answer: A change in fuel type or an event such as a chimney fire
NFPA 211 mandates a Level 2 inspection after any change in fuel type, after an event such as a chimney fire, or upon sale or transfer of a property.
Question 2: Which tool is specifically used to measure the internal dimensions of a flue liner during an inspection?
- Flue measuring tape
- Inside calipers or a flue gauge (Correct answer)
- Laser distance meter
- Steel rule only
Correct answer: Inside calipers or a flue gauge
Inside calipers or a purpose-made flue gauge are used to accurately measure the internal cross-sectional dimensions of a flue liner.
Question 3: Spalling of brick in a chimney is primarily caused by which mechanism?
- Excessive heat from the firebox
- Freeze-thaw cycling of absorbed moisture (Correct answer)
- Chemical reaction with wood ash
- Inadequate mortar joint depth
Correct answer: Freeze-thaw cycling of absorbed moisture
Spalling occurs when water absorbed into the brick freezes, expands, and causes the face of the brick to break off during freeze-thaw cycles.
Question 4: When inspecting a factory-built fireplace, which label should the inspector look for to confirm it meets safety standards?
- ANSI B149 label
- UL listing label (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70 approval mark
- ICC stamp
Correct answer: UL listing label
Factory-built fireplaces should bear a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing label confirming the unit has been tested to applicable safety standards.
Question 5: What does 'efflorescence' indicate when found on the exterior of a chimney?
- Excess creosote buildup
- Water is migrating through the masonry (Correct answer)
- Chimney is structurally sound
- Mortar has fully cured
Correct answer: Water is migrating through the masonry
Efflorescence is a white salt deposit left on the masonry surface when water carries soluble salts through the masonry and evaporates, indicating moisture intrusion.
Question 6: During a chimney inspection, a 'soft spot' found in the fireplace floor most likely indicates what condition?
- Normal settling of refractory material
- Deterioration or cracking of the firebrick or mortar (Correct answer)
- Proper curing of the firebox
- Standard expansion gap
Correct answer: Deterioration or cracking of the firebrick or mortar
A soft spot in the firebox floor indicates that firebrick or refractory mortar has deteriorated, cracked, or come loose, posing a fire safety hazard.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of the smoke chamber in a fireplace system?
- To store combustion byproducts overnight
- To compress smoke and direct it smoothly into the flue (Correct answer)
- To filter particulates from the smoke
- To allow secondary combustion of gases
Correct answer: To compress smoke and direct it smoothly into the flue
The smoke chamber compresses and guides the rising smoke from the firebox throat into the narrower flue, improving draft and combustion efficiency.
CCS Chimney Inspection & Assessment 2
According to NFPA 211, a Level 2 chimney inspection is required when which of the following occurs?