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

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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

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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

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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