True or False: The thickness of chimney footings for a two-story structure can be less than 12 inches.

In terms of construction practice and building codes, chimney footings typically serve to provide stable support for the weight of the chimney and to distribute the load effectively to prevent settlement or shifting. For two-story structures, code requirements often dictate that the minimum thickness for chimney footings should be at least 12 inches. This standard ensures that the footing is robust enough to handle the vertical loads imposed by the chimney and remain stable over time.

Footings that are less than 12 inches in thickness may not provide adequate support, especially considering potential factors like soil condition, the height of the structure, and the materials used in the chimney itself. Building codes are established to uphold safety standards, thus maintaining a minimum footing thickness is critical in preventing structural issues down the line.

While there may be instances where specific designs or exceptional engineering solutions could alter these requirements, generally speaking, maintaining a minimum thickness of 12 inches is a widely accepted practice in carpentry and construction.