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In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks. 

The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.

Yes, mineral spirits are flammable and may spontaneously combust at temperatures of 200 degrees F or more. Storing them in well-ventilated spaces and disposing of them the proper way are the best ways to prevent mineral spirits or anything contaminated with them, like towels and rags, from going up in smoke.

You can’t gauge the lifetime of a fire door like you could, say, an engine. Fire doors should be checked at least once every six months to ensure there are no signs of degradation like leaks, holes, water damage, termite damage, or anything else that might compromise the functionality of the door’s fire resistance. Check your smoke detectors while you’re at it.

Disposable fire extinguishers are good for anywhere from 10 to 12 years, but check the documentation that accompanied your specific model to make sure. Additionally, there are rechargeable models out there that last 12 to 20 years, but they require a professional inspection every six years.