Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

How would crickets on the upslope side of a chimney typically be supported?

1. Metal brackets

2. Concrete blocks

3. Wood framing

4. PVC piping

The correct answer is: Wood framing

The correct choice for supporting crickets on the upslope side of a chimney is wood framing. Crickets are architectural features designed to direct water away from the chimney to prevent pooling and potential leaks. Wood framing is commonly used because it provides the necessary structural support and can be easily shaped to fit the contours of the roof and chimney. It is also a lightweight material that can effectively support the cricket without adding excessive weight to the roofing structure. While metal brackets, concrete blocks, and PVC piping are utilized in various construction and roofing applications, they don't typically provide the appropriate combination of structural integrity, ease of installation, and compatibility with roofing materials that wood framing does for crickets. Metal brackets may not provide the same surface area for proper water diversion, concrete blocks could be too heavy or cumbersome for such a purpose, and PVC piping lacks the necessary framing capability for this specific application.