North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

What is the required hearth extension size for a fireplace with an opening less than 6'?

1. 6" on the sides, 12" in the front

2. 8" on the sides, 16" in the front

3. 10" on the sides, 20" in the front

4. 12" on the sides, 22" in the front

The correct answer is: 8" on the sides, 16" in the front

The required hearth extension size for a fireplace with an opening less than 6 feet is determined primarily by safety concerns, as it helps prevent embers and heat from damaging the surrounding materials. For such a fireplace, a hearth extension of 8 inches on the sides and 16 inches in the front is mandated. This configuration provides adequate protection, ensuring that there is enough non-combustible surface area to capture any falling embers or accidental spills from a fire, mitigating the risk of fire hazards in the home. The dimensions set forth are based on building codes that take into account both safety and efficiency in operation, creating a standard that helps achieve safe fireplace use. Therefore, an extension with these specific dimensions is crucial in maintaining fire safety standards in residential construction. Knowing this heightens the understanding of why those measurements are necessary in constructing a compliant and safe fireplace setup.