Fireplaces, Chimneys & Solid Fuel Appliances Flashcards
7 cards from real INTERNACHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fireplaces, Chimneys & Solid Fuel Appliances flashcards as text
Spalling observed on a masonry chimney exterior refers to:
Answer: Flaking or breaking off of the face of brick or stone surfaces
Spalling is the physical breaking, chipping, or flaking of masonry surfaces, typically caused by freeze-thaw cycles forcing absorbed moisture to expand inside the material.
Efflorescence on a chimney indicates:
Answer: Water is moving through the masonry and depositing minerals on the surface
Efflorescence is a white crystalline deposit left on masonry surfaces when water migrates through the material and carries soluble salts to the exterior as it evaporates.
What is the function of the smoke shelf inside a masonry fireplace?
Answer: To catch falling debris and prevent downdrafts from pushing smoke into the room
The smoke shelf is a horizontal ledge located behind the damper that catches debris falling from the flue and disrupts downdrafts, preventing smoke from entering the living space.
What does a deteriorating or missing chimney crown typically cause?
Answer: Water intrusion into the chimney structure and surrounding masonry
The chimney crown seals the top of the masonry chimney around the flue tile; when it cracks or deteriorates, water enters the chimney structure causing accelerated damage.
Per InterNACHI inspection standards, what minimum clearance to combustible materials is required for a factory-built (zero-clearance) fireplace?
Answer: Must follow the clearances listed by the manufacturer's installation instructions
Factory-built fireplaces are listed appliances, and inspectors must verify that clearances match the manufacturer's installation instructions, as these vary by model.
When inspecting the flashing at a chimney base, which condition represents a deficiency requiring reporting?
Answer: Caulk-only installation with no metal counter-flashing embedded in mortar
Relying on caulk alone without embedded counter-flashing is a maintenance workaround that fails over time; proper installation requires metal counter-flashing set into the chimney mortar joints.
Third-degree creosote in a chimney flue is classified as:
Answer: Hardened, glazed tar that is highly concentrated and difficult to remove
Third-degree creosote is a concentrated, glazed, and extremely flammable deposit that bonds tightly to the flue liner and requires professional chemical treatment or liner replacement.