North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What must be built between two or more flues in the same chimney?

1. Steel barrier

2. Wooden frame

3. Masonry wall

4. Fiberglass insulation

The correct answer is: Masonry wall

In the context of chimney construction, it is essential to provide a separation between two or more flues for safety and to prevent issues such as fire hazards and harmful gas leakage. A masonry wall serves this crucial function. By using a masonry wall to separate flues, it ensures that heat and combustion gases from one flue do not transfer to another. This separation enhances both the structural integrity of the chimney and safety, as it minimizes the risk of fire spreading between flues that may be venting different appliances. Masonry materials, such as brick or concrete block, are non-combustible, capable of withstanding high temperatures and providing effective insulation between the flues. This is particularly important in compliance with building codes, which dictate safe installation practices for chimneys and flues to ensure the overall safety and functionality of the system.