This month's quote:
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year"
Charles Dickens
If you are starting the process of preparing for your contractor's license, you'll want to double check the references published by the exam administrator. We have found that as of January 2008, many states are upgrading the adopted code book editions they are using to write exam questions.
When you view our trade research pages, you will note that a date has been placed at the bottom of the page. That date lets you (and the webmaster) know when the research was last checked against a published candidate bulletin.
As these upgrades are discovered by our research team, we plan to send short notices out to the subscriber list to let them know that a change to the researched reference material is pending.
Editor's Note
While flipping through a magazine, I saw what first appeared to be a very beautiful home. However, something seemed out of place to me, although I couldn’t put my finger on it. Trying to evaluate what, in my mind, was wrong. I finally came to the conclusion; it had to be the columns, as everything else seemed perfect. Doing a bit of research, I found out some interesting things about columns, and this month, I’ll share with you what I found out.
Please enjoy, and, thanks for reading The Grassroots Newsletter.
Architectural Options for Homeowners
Columns are one of the primary structural elements used in homes. Although technological advances allow for thinner, lighter and stronger columns than those used in long-ago days, the rules on how they should be used are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
Column height: Single-story columns should be a minimum of 10 times the diameter or width of a column; a two-story column should be a minimum of 8 times the diameter or width.
Column spacing: Use an even number of columns to create an odd number of spaces
Beam or entablature depth: The beam depth should be 2 times the diameter or width of the columns supporting it.
Beam or entablature thickness: The beam thickness should equal the diameter or width of the columns supporting it.
You should never assume anything. For instance, a lot of pictures I found on columns show evenly spaced columns and none were ever placed in front of a window. However, a few pictures showed you can avoid monotony by varying the spacing between columns. As long as the columns are not placed in the middle path to the front door, it works. I also found pictures where some columns were placed in front of windows that followed the rules listed above that looked very attractive.
Speaking of spacing, column spacing plays an important role in the appearance of an elevation. An even number of columns should always be used to create an odd number of spaces so as not to disrupt the view of the front wall of the home.
The use of masonry to support columns can give a home an aura of substance, but you want to make sure the column shafts are in proportion to the base.
Now for the problem with the home I mentioned above. I discovered the columns were too thin aesthetically. It also had French-Creole ironwork, which did not keep with the Federal-style home. If they had used columns of the right size and right style, they would most definitely have the "home of grandeur" I’m sure they were going for.
Sample Test Questions
1. For a room with 300 square feet of floor area, a fireplace with an opening _____ wide is sufficient.
A. 24-30 inches
B. 30-36 inches
C. 36-40 inches
D. 40-48 inches
Correct answer: B
2. Unless the combustion chamber is a preformed metal one, it should be lined with firebrick at least _____ inches thick laid in fireclay mortar.
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 5
Correct answer: A
3. It is desirable to obtain relatively _____ velocities of flue gases and smoke through the throat and flue.
A. Low
B. High
Correct answer: B
4. Most fireplaces can be made more efficient by _____.
A. Adjusting the damper to suit the type of fire
B. Provide a glass screen with an adjustable damper
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
Correct answer: C
5. The top of a smoke pipe should not be less than ______ inches below the ceiling.
A. 4
B. 8
C. 16
D. 24
Correct answer: C
6. Unless the applicable code has more stringent requirements, chimneys should extend at least _____ feet above every part of the roof that lies within 10 feet of the chimney and at least 3 feet above the roof at the point of penetration.
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
Correct answer: A
We are happy to be interactive in your exam preparation. E-mail works best, since our staff does not adhere to a 9 to 5 routine. If you have a particular question that is troublesome to you, take the time to send an e-mail to help@contractorexam.com.
You may also fax your questions to (888) 567-9565. We'll do the research for you and respond with instructions to help you understand. There is no charge for this service.
Read by intelligent construction professionals.
If you have an informative article that you would like to share, please e-mail your article to maggiemay1@ContractorExam.com. If we use your article, you will get great exposure and a link to your site.
Have a great month!
Maggie, editor
www.contractorexam.com
