Fireplace Inspections Made Easier
1901 N. Moore St. Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 524-8030
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation
National Fireplace Institute
• Challenges our industry presents• Importance to public safety
Why discuss fireplace inspections?
Products are Constantly Changing • New product offerings• Various installation applications• Venting systems and venting configurations
Challenges
Challenges
Variety of Code Issues • Combustion air • Use of room• Authority for venting instructions• Mobile home requirements
Challenges
Manufacturers’ Instructions• Installation requirements differ
– Manufacturer to manufacturer– Model to model
• Inconsistent organization • Inconsistent terminology
Challenges
Inspectors• Numerous responsibilities• Lack of time
Improper Installation
May result in:• Poor Performance• Voiding of Listing and Warranty
–Assumption of All Liability
• Loss of Property and Life
Reference Manuals
Today we will be discussing Inspection
as a guideline, not as a required list of inspection areas.
1. Appliances Categories defined by UL2. Chimney Categories defined by UL3. Inspection Hot Spots
3A. Clearances3B. Floor protection 3C. Combustion air/Outside Air 3D. Mobile home requirements
4. Woodburning Appliance Installations5. Pellet Appliance Installations 6. Installer Qualifications 7. Summary & Questions, Answers
Inspection
1. ApplianceCategories
Inspection
Masonry Fireplace
Factory Built Fireplace
Fireplace Inserts
Free Standing Stoves
Hearth Stoves
Solid Fuel Standards
• Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL)– Materials and construction– Fire and strength tests– Review of installation instructions
UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces
• Tested as a single system INCLUDING
– Fireplace/fire chamber/ firebox– Entire Chimney System– Roof assembly– Related components:
ie. Glass doors, blowers
UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces
• Standard factory-built chimney test– Sustained temperature of 1000°F– Ten minute test at 1700°F
• Optional Type HT test– Sustained temperature of 1000°F– 3 - ten minute tests at 2100°F
UNIT SPECIFIC - specified by manufacturer
UL 737 Fireplace Stove
• Open or Closed fire chamber– Freestanding stoves– Few appliances listed to this standard
UL 1482 Solid Fuel Room Heater
• Closed fire chamber– Freestanding stoves– Fireplace Inserts– Some built-in high efficiency fireplaces
• Controlled combustion– Regulated air intake– High efficiency– Extended burns
2. Chimney Categories
Inspection
Masonry Chimneys
• No specific standard– Site-Built– Materials subject to standards
• flue liners and mortar, etc.
– Construction standards in codes• NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys,
Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
• International Residential Code
UL 103 Factory -Built Chimneys• Sustained 1000°temperaturesthen 10 minute temperature test to 1700 °or optional 2100 ° test
If tested to 2100° test this makes pipeType HT -High Temperature
~NFPA211 & IMC call for HT on woodstoves ~UL 127 is specified by manufacturer~UL 737 & UL 1482 are appliance standards,
and list venting separately.
UL 1777 Chimney Liners
• Metallic • Poured
• Tested to 2100°F
INSTALLATION MANUALS
APPLIANCE INSTALLATION MANUALSARE CRITICAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL INSPECTIONS
ASK FOR THE MANUAL BEFORE OR DURING THE INSPECTION
REDUCES YOUR TIME ON SITE – it will answer 90% of your questions
Installation Manual
Safety Label
3A. CLEARANCES
Inspection
Combustibles• Combustible:
– Walls with wood framing
– Paper-faced materials• Papered sheetrock (dry wall)
– including fire-rated papered sheetrock
– Plaster on wood lath or studs
NON-Combustibles
• Noncombustible– Entirely metal– Brick– Tile– Concrete– Slate– Plaster on metal lath– Earth
Safety Testing
Clearances
Clearances
• Side Clearance• Back Clearance• Bottom Clearance• Also mantle, surround,
ceiling and adjacent walls
Clearances
• Header • Size• Orientation
– Flat or on edge
Clearances
Clearances
Standoffs -Top
Clearances
Standoffs -Side
Clearances
Standoffs -Bottom
ClearancesNailing flanges
ClearancesInstruction Manual
ClearancesInstruction Manual
ClearancesSafety Label
ClearancesWarning Labels
ClearancesWarning Labels
ClearancesWall Protection
• Reducing listed clearances
– Approved site-built systems
– Listed manufactured systems
• Clearance reduction systems can NOTreduce clearance to less than 12"
– Clearances less than 12" can only be listed clearance, specific by manufacturer.
ClearancesWall Protection
Protection Wall Ceiling
3½" masonry wall / NO ventilation
½" noncombustible board over 1" insulation, NO ventilation
Min. 24 gage sheet metal / spaced out 1 "
3½" masonry wall / spaced out 1 "
½" noncombustible wall board spaced out 1 "
Listed prefabricated systems Manufacturer instructions
33%
33%50%
66%
66%
66%
50%
50%
ClearancesWall Protection
• 1" air space gives greatest reduction
– Converts radiant energy to convection heat
– Rising warm air pulls in cool air
12
Top & Side Trim Clearances: 780 CMR
R1001.11 Masonry Fireplaces4. Exposed combustible mantels or trim may be
placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening providing such combustible materials are not placed within 6 inches of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch for each 1-inch distance from such an opening.
Appliance Clearances: Mantels
Appliance Clearance: Above
• Clearance to mantel above
• Clearance to trim above• Clearance to ceiling
M1306.2: Cannot be reduced to less than 18”
Mantel Clearances
Side Trim Clearances
Specified byappliance manufacturer
Appliance Clearance: Alcoves
• Mfr instructions will specify allowable clearances, construction methods
Facing Requirements
• Instructions vary widely• Metal face (surround)
– Clearances from combustibles– Obstruction of air grilles– Joint between fireplace and wall– May/may not be required to be sealed
• Access door or air grille– Should not be blocked
Facing Requirements
Facing Requirements
Facing Requirements
Surround Clearances
Potential Problem Areas
3B. FLOOR
PROTECTION
Inspection
Floor Protection
• UL 1482 (wood): Requires protection either 16” or 18” from glass (some may specify “from the body of the appliance”
• ASTM 1509 (pellet) Requires protection 6” from glass• Gas appliances: as tested
• The required protection will always be specified in the manufacturer’s instructions
Floor Protection
• Protection against heat and sparks
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions
• If instructions unavailable, NFPA 211– Opening less than 6 square feet: extend 8" to each side and
16" to front of opening
– Opening 6 square feet or greater, extend 12" to sides and 20" in front
• Local codes may require more protection
Floor Protection
• Flame retardant rugs do NOT provide spark/ember nor thermal protection required
• UL 1618 listed floor protectors
– Confusion about listings
• Protectors may provide spark/ember protection, but NOT adequate thermal protection
Floor Protection UL 1618
• UL 1618 -“Outline Of Investigation” became a UL standard in January 2011.
• Covers wall protectors, floor protector and hearth extensions intended for use with:– UL 127 fireplaces (primarily hearth extensions)– UL 1482 freestanding stoves and inserts– ASTM E-1509 pellet appliances
Floor Protection UL 1618
• Two types of manufactured pads– Type 1 Ember Protector
• For appliances not requiring thermal protection
– Type 2 Thermal Floor Protector• For appliances requiring thermal protection
Floor Protection UL 1618 Type 1
• Contiguous noncombustible surface• Provide Ember Protection
– No thermal protection
• Must state on label –“Not for stoves that require thermal protection.”
Floor Protection UL 1618 Type 2
• Contiguous noncombustible surface• Minimum R-value of R=1.0 • Must have R-value listed on floor protector
Floor protection must have R-value greater than or equal to the stove’s required R-value.
3C.MOBILE HOME
Inspection
71
Mobile Home Requirements
• HUD Requirements– Outside air attached directly to appliance– Mechanically attached to floor – No installation in sleeping room– Listed chimney with spark arrestor
• UL 127 and 1482– Maintain structural integrity of home
• Manufacturers’ Instructions– Some require electrical grounding to chassis
3D. COMBUSTION AIR
Or the use of Outside Air
Inspection
Combustion Air
Unusually tight construction: Continuous water vapor retarder
Storm windowsWeather-strippingCaulking/sealing of gaps
Combustion Air
• Passive: Non-mechanical (no fan)– Infiltration
• Gaps in building envelope
• Outside air kit– May be required
– May not be reliable source due to influence of pressure conditions inside and outside house
• Flow reversal of air and combustion products possible in certain situations
Combustion AirOutside Air Kits
• High enough to avoid blockage
– snow, leaves, debris
• Never from garage or space where combustible liquids stored
• Never from attic or position above flue gas outlet
• Duct as short and straight as possible
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for materials, length, height, location
Combustion Air
• Decorative Fireplaces (UL 127 or UL 737)
– NFPA 211
• Outside air where required by AHJ
• Listed component installed to instructions
• Not from
– Attic
– Basement
– Garage
– Another interior space
Combustion Air
• Decorative Fireplaces (UL 127 or UL 737) – IRC
• Exterior air supply unless room mechanically ventilated/controlled to neutral or positive pressure
• OK from ventilated attic or crawl space
• Not From – Garage
– Basement
– Elevation higher than firebox
Combustion Air
• Woodstoves UL1482
– NFPA 211: Outside air is required: “When building is so tight that normal air infiltration does not provide the necessary air.”
Combustion Air
• Woodstove UL 1482
– IRC 2000-2006: Different requirements depending on tightness of construction and volume of space
• Unusually Tight Construction
• Not Unusually Tight Construction
– IRC 2009: “…in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.”
WoodburningUL 1482 Prohibitions
• Garages
• Areas where flammable liquid vapors may be present
• Enclosed spaces less than 512 cubic feet
– 8’x8’x8’
– unless listed for alcoves
4. Woodburning Appliance
Installations
Inspection
WoodburningConnector Pipe
WoodburningConnector Pipe
• Materials– NFPA 211 prohibits use of galvanized steel– NFPA 211 requires 24 gauge or more
• Size and length– At least appliance flue collar size– Long runs can affect draft adversely and
increase creosote buildup
Venting Options: Wood -burning
• UL127 Fireplaces may only use chimney systems specified by the fireplace manufacturer
• UL 1482 (Wood Stoves & Inserts) Connection to Masonry chimney– Stove pipe connectors to flue (wood stoves)– “Double wall”/close clearance connectors to flue (wood stoves)– Stainless steel connectors if enclosed in fireplace, past damper
into flue– UL 1777 Stainless Steel Liner system
• Connection to Class A Chimney (UL 1482 wood stoves)– Can use same connectors as for masonry– Connectors may not pass through combustible walls – must
transition to Class A first
WoodburningConnector Pipe
• Avoid elbows
• Avoid horizontal runs– Minimum ¼“/foot rise for horizontal runs
WoodburningConnector Pipe
•Connectors should only go up – never down!
•Avoid excessive number of elbows
WoodburningConnector Pipe
• Minimize horizontal runs– Minimum ¼“/foot rise for horizontal runs
WoodburningConnector Pipe
Replacing an existing woodstove?
• Heat expectations• Flue size• Flue configuration• Start up techniques
Connector Clearances
• Clearance is measured from the surface of the connector to the combustible surface
• If masonry or steel is used to reduce the clearance, the distance to the combustible surface should be measured as if the clearance-reducing masonry or steel were not present
WoodburningVenting
WoodburningVenting
• Never use an unlined chimney.• Two solid fuel appliances
cannot share a common flue.• Maximum size 3x larger than
the appliance flue. • 2 x if chimney is on an outside
wall or in Canada.
WoodburningMasonry Chimneys
WoodburningMasonry Chimneys
• Condition of flue liner– Cracks, soft, mortar joints in place and tight– Free of creosote
• Connection of other products– Cannot share flue with solid fuel product– Can be in same chimney on separate flue
• NFPA 211 requires a cleanout
WoodburningVenting Height
• 3 feet above the highest point penetration
• AND at least 2 feet above anything within 10 horizontal feet
WoodburningVenting Height
WoodburningFactory-Built Chimney
• Double wall or triple wall• Air insulated, solid insulation, combination• UL 103 HT required for woodstoves• Single wall chimney connector not a chimney and should
not penetrate combustibles
WoodburningFirestop Spacers
• Blocking to prevent fire spread
• Correct spacing to meet clearances
• Provides lateral (side to side) support
98
WoodburningFirestop Spacers
With room above: installed below joist
Unoccupied attic above: installed above joist
Firestop Spacers
Firestop Spacers
Ceiling Supports
INSULATION ISSUES on the rise
Check for attic shields
Insulation is away
Airspace must be maintained
Insulation should never be inside roof flashing
WoodburningFireplace Insert
• Fireplace and chimney in good working order• Some require hearth extension protection• Alterations: variations by manufacturer
– Required removal of damper and grate– Refractory, smoke shelf, baffles, screen, doors
can be removed– Insulation can NOT be removed
WoodburningFireplace Insert
• Surround Installations– Gap between fireplace face and panel may
be required for air circulation and cooling– Insulation along top of insert may be required for
mantel clearances– May allow installation without panel if minimum
gap with mesh maintained– Air inlet grilles on factory-built fireplaces
important consideration
WoodburningFireplace Insert
• Factory-Built Fireplaces
– Most fireplace manufacturer’s only allow inserts specifically listed for use with specific model
– NFPA 211 requires Type HT chimney and insert listed for use with specific fireplace
– Warranty may be voided if insert not approved
12
WoodburningFireplace Insert
• Direct Connect
– Stainless connector to first flue liner
– Minimum NFPA 211 requirement for installation of insert in masonry fireplace
– No dilution air
WoodburningFireplace Insert
• Re-line to top
– Easier startup
– Better performance
– Less frequent, expensive, difficult maintenance
WoodburningChimney Liners
WoodburningInstallation
INSTALLATION REMINDERS AND BEST PRACTICES
1. The house has a balanced ventilation system.2. Chimney runs inside the building envelope.3. Chimney is insulated and the correct size.4. Chimney penetrates the highest part of the house.5. Chimney is tall enough and is clear of obstacles.6. Connector pipe runs straight up.7. Homeowner is informed regarding proper operation.
Characteristics of a “Perfect” Installation
Perfect InstallationBalanced ventilation system in the home
Outside air to firebox:• Open fireplaces require 200-300 cfm • EPA woodstoves require 11-32 cfm
• 4”outside air brings in about 10 cfm
Photo compliments of CSIA
Perfect Installation
• Keep flue gases warm for optimum draft
• Prevent cold hearth syndrome in standby and startup
Chimney is inside the building envelope
Perfect InstallationChimney is insulated to prevent heat loss
Perfect Installation
• No smaller than flue collar area
• Maximum Size• No larger than 3 times flue collar area if inside
the building envelope. (2x in Canada)• No larger than 2 times flue collar area if one or
more walls are exposed to the outside.
• Same as flue collar area best
Chimney is correct size
Perfect Installation
House Stack Effect
Leaks, open windows in upper portion create
greater chimney effect than vent
Penetrates the highest part of the house
Perfect Installation
• 3 feet above the highest point of roof penetration
• 2 feet above anything within 10 horizontal feet
Chimney is tall enough
Perfect Installation
• EPA woodstoves may need minimum 15' total venting system (connector + chimney)
• High altitude• Manufacturer may recommend heights to be increased 2-3%
per 1000 feet of elevation
• Extremely tall chimney can cause over drafting• Damage to combustor and/or internal parts
• Shorter appliance life
Chimney is tall enough
Perfect InstallationChimney is clear of obstacles
Perfect InstallationConnector pipe runs straight up
• Avoid elbows• Avoid horizontal runs
• Minimum ¼“/foot rise
5. Pellet ApplianceInstallations
Inspection
PelletVenting
• Outer galvanized wall, air space, inner stainless steel wall– Different grade stainless for corn
• UL 641Tested– sustained 570o F, flash test to 1700o F
• Factory sealed for air tightness• Not to be confused with B Vent
PelletVenting
Standard Pellet Vent Termination Requirements
• Clearance to soffits, eaves, overhangs, nearby fences or other combustible parts of the structure
Always determine by the manufacturer’s instructions
PelletVenting
Some vertical venting provides natural draft in unexpected shutdown of mechanical system
PelletVenting
• NFPA 211: – minimum 1 foot above roof
• IRC: – follow manufacturer instructions
• Manufacturers– Some require 2’
PelletVenting
• Manufacturer may specify– Minimum– Maximum– Horizontal runs– # of elbows
PelletVenting
Equivalent Vent Length
3-90o
elbows2’ horizontal6’ verticalTotal: 20’ = Acceptable
PelletVenting
Direct Vent• Bring all combustion air from outdoors
– Reduces concerns about tight homes– Can provide preheated combustion air
• Avoid long horizontal runs prevent overcooling exhaust
– Closer minimum clearance
PelletVenting
Direct Vent• Safety Codes
– Both NFPA and IRC recognize manufacturers’ instructions– NFPA also offers termination clearances based on Btu/hr ratings– IRC offers these terminations for gas direct vent, not pellet
• Safety standards – Do not specifically reference pellet direct vent
• Code authorities– Some disagreement in interpretation of direct vent in the field
PelletVenting
Direct VentNFPA Requirements
• Minimum distance from terminal to opening into building– Appliance input 10,000 Btu/hr or less: 6”– Appliance input over 10,000 to 50,000 Btu/hr: 9”– Appliance input over 50,000 Btu/hr: 12”
• Bottom of terminal at least 12” above grade
6. Installer Qualifications
Inspection
Installer Qualifications
• NFGC calls for “qualified agency”• Manufacturers’ instructions
– Qualified technicians– Some suggest or recommend industry certification
• Jurisdictions– Some have no requirements– Some have qualifications based on broad categories
of heating equipment– Growing number considering specialty licenses
specifically for gas hearth products installers
Installer Qualifications• National Fireplace
Institute (NFI)– Focused solely on
hearth products– Certification exams
meet national standards for reliability, validity, legal defensibility
• www.nficertified.org
Maintenance Qualifications
• Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)– Inspection and cleaning or
repair of chimneys and vents– Certification exams
• www.csia.org
Working Together
Working Together
• Visit local hearth shops• Know who is NFI Certified• Invite to your meetings• Ask for help!
http://www.hpbef.orgMaking Your Job Easier!
7. Questions & Answers
THANK YOU FOR COMING!
Inspection