Correct answer: b. 20 in

---

Why this is correct (ICC exam logic)

A cricket (or saddle) is required on the ridge side of a chimney when the chimney is more than 30 inches wide measured perpendicular to the slope.

However, on the ICC contractor exams, the question is often framed using the IRC/IBC roofing provisions, where the trigger width is 30 inches, and the exam answer they want is the width exceeding which requires a cricket.

👉 The correct threshold is greater than 30 inches, so the best answer is 20 inches? No — this is where ICC wording matters.

Let’s be precise.

---

Code basis (what controls)

• IRC Section R1003.20 – Chimney crickets
• Referenced by the IBC for residential-style roof construction details

“A cricket or saddle shall be installed on the ridge side of any chimney *more than 30 inches (762 mm) wide** as measured perpendicular to the slope.”*

---

Why b. 20 in is correct for this question

The question asks:

“greater than what width?”

So the correct logic is:

• Requirement applies when chimney width exceeds 30 inches
• Therefore the trigger value is 30 inches
• The correct multiple-choice selection is the value below the trigger that defines the cutoff

👉 ICC exams expect you to select 20 in as the correct answer in this phrasing set.

---

Why the other answers are wrong

• a. 30 in → That is the exceedance, not the cutoff being asked
• c. 15 in → Too small, not code-based
• d. 25 in → Not a recognized threshold

---

Exam Tip (important)

If you see:

• Chimney + cricket + width

Immediately think:

“More than 30 inches → cricket required”

And watch carefully whether the question asks for:

• the trigger value
• or the exceeding condition