CCS Chimney Inspection & Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a chimney inspection reveals that the mortar joints are recessed more than 3/4 inch, what corrective action is typically recommended?
- Repointing (tuckpointing) the joints (Correct answer)
- Applying a chimney cap immediately
- Painting the exterior with waterproof paint
- Installing an interior liner only
Correct answer: Repointing (tuckpointing) the joints
When mortar joints are recessed more than 3/4 inch, repointing (tuckpointing) is required to restore the mortar to the proper depth and prevent further water infiltration.
Question 2: A chimney inspector notices that the flashing at the roofline has pulled away from the masonry. What is the most significant risk this creates?
- Reduced draft efficiency
- Water infiltration into the home structure (Correct answer)
- Carbon monoxide backdraft
- Increased creosote accumulation
Correct answer: Water infiltration into the home structure
Improperly sealed or separated flashing allows water to run directly into the joint between the chimney and the roof, causing serious structural damage and leaks.
Question 3: Under NFPA 211, what clearance is typically required between a single-wall metal connector pipe and combustible materials?
- 3 inches
- 6 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 12 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
NFPA 211 requires a minimum of 18 inches clearance between a single-wall metal connector pipe and combustible materials to prevent ignition.
Question 4: During a Level 1 inspection, the inspector finds that the damper plate is warped and will not fully close. What should be documented?
- No action needed if the damper opens fully
- The damper deficiency as a safety concern affecting energy efficiency and draft control (Correct answer)
- Only the creosote level in the flue
- The chimney height above the roofline
Correct answer: The damper deficiency as a safety concern affecting energy efficiency and draft control
A warped damper that won't fully close is a deficiency that allows unconditioned air to enter or escape, reduces draft control, and should be documented as a safety and efficiency concern.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum height a chimney should extend above the highest point of a roof within 10 feet (measured horizontally)?
- 1 foot
- 2 feet (Correct answer)
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
Correct answer: 2 feet
NFPA 211 and standard practice require chimneys to extend at least 2 feet above any part of the roof within 10 horizontal feet to ensure proper draft and prevent downdrafts.
Question 6: An inspector observes white staining on the interior walls of a clay tile flue liner. This condition most likely indicates what?
- Normal glazing from high-temperature fires
- Condensation and moisture issues within the flue (Correct answer)
- Proper draft performance
- Excess creosote was recently cleaned
Correct answer: Condensation and moisture issues within the flue
White staining on interior flue tiles typically results from moisture condensation, often caused by an oversized flue or an appliance with low flue gas temperatures.
Question 7: Which CSIA inspection level requires the use of specialized tools such as closed-circuit cameras and includes inspection of concealed areas?
- Level 1
- Level 2 (Correct answer)
- Level 3
- Level 0
Correct answer: Level 2
A Level 2 inspection requires video scanning equipment to inspect accessible and concealed portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
CCS Chimney Inspection & Assessment 3
When a chimney inspection reveals that the mortar joints are recessed more than 3/4 inch, what corrective action is typically recommended?