Fireplace Inspections Made Easier
1901 N. Moore St.
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 524-8030
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue
Education Foundation
National Fireplace Institute
Why discuss fireplace inspections?
• Challenges our industry presents
• Importance to public safety
Challenges
Products are Constantly Changing
• New product offerings
• Various installation applications
• Venting systems and venting configurations
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
We offer the following Inspection
as a guideline, not as a required
list of inspection areas.
Inspection
1. Categorizing Appliances
2. General Concerns
3. Gas Appliances
4. Wood Burning Appliances
5. Pellet Appliances
6. Accessories
Inspection
1. Categorizing
Appliances
Categorizing Hearth Appliances
Hearth Appliances
Fuel
Type
Appliance Type
Appliance
Standard
Venting
Method
Categorizing Hearth Appliances
Fuel Type
Gas
Natural Gas
Solid Fuel
Liquid Propane
Electric
Wood
Coal
Biomass
Categorizing Hearth Appliances
Hearth Appliances
Appliance Type
Masonry Fireplace
Factory Built Fireplace
Gas Log Sets
Fireplace Inserts
Free Standing Stoves
Hearth Stoves
Masonry
Furnaces
Outdoor
Categorizing By Venting Type
Gas Venting Systems
Conventional Vent
Direct Vent
Unvented
Categorizing By Venting Type
Gas Conventional Vent
B-Vent
Chimneys
Masonry or Factory-Built
Liners
Categorizing By Venting Type
Gas Direct Vent
Coaxial
Co-linear
PVC
Hi-efficiency condensing
Categorizing By Venting Type
Woodburning Venting Systems
Masonry
Chimneys
Factory-Built
Chimneys
1700°
Liners
2100° “HT”
Categorizing By Venting Type
Pellet Venting Systems
Type L Pellet
Pellet DV
Liners
Gas Standards
Vented Gas Hearth Appliances
NOT Efficiency Tested
(“Decorative”)
Gas Log Sets
Gas Fireplace
Efficiency Testing
(“Heating”)
Gas Fireplace Heaters
Categorizing By Venting Type
Gas Direct Vent
Coaxial
Co-linear
PVC
Hi-efficiency condensing
Gas Standards
Unvented Gas Hearth Appliances
Gas Logs
Fireplaces
Freestanding Stoves
Gas Standards
Vented Gas Fireplace
ANSI Z21.50, CSA 2.33
Appliances: (Not tested for efficiency)
•Fireplaces
•Fireplace inserts
•Freestanding stoves
Requirements
•Safety pilot
•Spill switch if equipped with draft hood
Restrictions
•No thermostat
Options
•Listed blowers
Vented Gas Fireplace Heater
ANSI Z21.88, CSA 2.33
Appliances: (Tested for efficiency)
•Fireplaces
•Fireplace inserts
•Freestanding stoves
Requirements
•Safety pilot
•Spill switch if equipped with draft hood
Restrictions
•None
Options
•Listed blowers
•Thermostats
Decorative Gas Accessory in
Solid Fuel Fireplaces
ANSI
Z21.60,
CSA2.26
Appliances:
•Log Sets
Requirements
•Safety pilot
•Working fireplace and chimney
•Permanent damper opening
•Fireplace screen
•Cleaning of venting system
Restrictions
•No thermostat
Options
•Listed blowers
Manually Lighted, Natural Gas
Appliances for Installation in Solid-fuel
Burning Fireplaces
ANSI Z21.84
Appliances:
• Log Sets
Requirements
• Working fireplace and chimney
• Permanent damper opening
• Fireplace screen
• Cleaning of venting system
Restrictions
• No thermostat
Unvented Gas Room Heater
Appliances:
ANSI Z21.11.2a
•Fireplaces
•Fireplace inserts
•Freestanding stoves
Requirements
•Safety pilot w/ODS
Restrictions
•Bedroom, Bathroom, Confined space
•Tight construction
•Maximum 40,000 Btu/hr input
Options
•Listed blowers
•Thermostats
Solid Fuel Standards
• Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL)
– Materials and construction
– Fire and strength tests
– Review of installation instructions
Solid Fuel Standards
Solid Fuel Appliances
Open Chamber
Factory Built
Fireplaces
Freestanding
Stoves
Closed Chamber
High Efficiency
Hearth Stoves
Fireplace Stoves
Fireplace
Inserts
High Efficiency
Factory Built
Fireplaces
UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces
• Testing requirements for entire system
– Fire chamber
– Chimney
– Roof assembly
– Related components
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
– Not required for factory-built fireplaces
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
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 FuelBurning Appliances
• International Residential Code
UL 103 Factory-Built Chimneys
• Optional Type HT High Temperature
– 2100° testing required
– not required for UL 127 fireplaces
UL 1777 Chimney Liners
• Metallic
• Poured
• Tested to 2100°F
Installation Manual
Safety Label
Inspection
2. General Concerns
Combustibles
• Combustible:
– Walls with wood framing
– Paper-faced materials
• Papered sheetrock (dry wall)
– including fire-rated papered sheetrock
– Plaster on wood lath or studs
Combustibles
• Noncombustible
– Entirely metal
– Brick
– Tile
– Concrete
– Slate
– Plaster on metal lath
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
Clearances
Nailing flanges
Clearances
Instruction Manual
Clearances
Instruction Manual
Clearances
Safety Label
Clearances
Warning Labels
Clearances
Warning Labels
Clearances
Wall Protection
• Reducing listed clearances
– Approved site-built systems
– Listed manufactured systems
• Clearance reduction systems can NOT
reduce clearance to less than 12"
– Clearances less than 12" can only be listed
clearance, specific by manufacturer.
Clearances
Wall Protection
Protection
Wall
Ceiling
3½" masonry wall / NO ventilation
33%
½" noncombustible board over 1"
insulation, NO ventilation
50%
33%
Min. 24 gage sheet metal / spaced out 1"
66%
50%
3½" masonry wall / spaced out 1"
66%
½" noncombustible wall board spaced
out 1"
66%
Listed prefabricated systems
50%
Manufacturer instructions
Clearances
Wall Protection
• 1" air space gives greatest reduction
– Converts radiant energy to convection heat
– Rising warm air pulls in cool air
12
Vent System Purposes
• Remove combustion by-products
• Protect combustibles from heat
– Airspace
– Remember: combustibles can ignite with no
contact from flame
• Obtain adequate combustion air
House Pressure Conditions
Sources that exhaust air:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kitchen range fans
Clothes dryers
Central vacuum
Gas furnace
Water heaters
Recessed lighting
Additional hearth appliances,
• -especially open fireplace
Outside air
• Open fireplaces require 200-300 cfm
• EPA woodstoves require 11-32 cfm
• 4”outside air brings in about 10 cfm of air
Photo compliments of CSIA
House Pressure Conditions
• House Stack Effect
– Heated portion of house taller than vent termination
– Open window in upper portion create greater chimney
effect than vent
70
Floor Protection
• Protection against heat and sparks
– IRC: listed to comply with UL 1618
• 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
• “Outline Of Investigation” now UL standard
• Covers wall protectors, floor protectors,
hearth extensions
– 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 thermalprotection
• 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.
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
NFPA 211 Inspections
•
Definitions
Readily accessible: Exposed for inspection
without tools to open or remove doors, panels,
coverings
•
Accessible: Exposed for inspection
without doing damage, but may require
tools
•
Non-accessible, concealed:Inspection
requires damage to chimney, building
structure or finish, and/or use of special
tools
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 1
• Circumstance
– Replacement of connected appliance with one of
similar type, input rating, & efficiency
• Level of access
– Readily accessible portions of chimney exterior
& interior; accessible portions of appliance &
chimney connection
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 1
• Scope
– Readily accessible areas of chimney, structure,
and flue
– Lack of obstruction or creosote in flue
– Basic appliance installation and connection
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 2
• Circumstance
– Addition of appliance
– Replacement with appliance of dissimilar type
– Sale or transfer of property
– Operating malfunction or external event likely to
have caused damage to chimney
• Level of Access
– Accessible portions of chimney & appliance
– Video scanning or other means of inspection
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 2
• Scope
– All subjects of level 1
– Proper construction and condition of accessible
portions of chimney structure and enclosed
flues
– Size and suitability of flues for connected
appliances
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 3
• Circumstances
– Investigation of incident that has caused
damage to the chimney or building
– Hazard detected or suspected as a result of
level 1 or 2 inspection cannot be fully evaluated
without access to concealed areas
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 3
• Level of access
– Internal and external portions of chimney
structure, including concealed areas
– Removal of building or chimney components
– Removal only as needed to gain access to
areas subject to inspection
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level 3
• Scope
– All subjects of level 1 and 2 inspections
– Proper construction and condition of concealed
portions of chimney structure and enclosed
flues
– Proper clearances from combustibles
NFPA 211 Inspections
Level
Circumstance
1
Replacement with
similar type, input,
efficiency
2
Add/replace dissimilar
Sale of property
Malfunction
3
Hazard suspected
Need access to
concealed areas
Level of Access
Scope
Readily Accessible
Obstructions
Deposits
Accessible
Construction/
condition
Clearances/
suitability
Can include
removal of bldg.
/chimney
components
Includes access
to concealed
areas
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
• Emissions limits
– Catalytic 4.1 grams/hour
– Non-catalytic 7.5 grams per hour
• Differences based on original expectations
of catalyst decline
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
• Some pellet hearth appliances have been
exempt from EPA regulations
– Based on air/fuel ratio 35:1 or greater
• Other pellet hearth appliances have been
tested and are EPA certified
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
• Temporary hang tag and permanent label
• Operation and maintenance information in
owner’s manual
• Catalytic combustors
– 2 year warranty replacement for defects;
• 3 years for crumbling or disintegration of substrate material
– Easy inspection and access
– Permanent provision for temperature monitor
• Some jurisdictions more stringent
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
• EPA/HPBA efforts focus
– Replace pre-EPA stoves through changeouts
– Encourage installation and planning by qualified
professionals
• NFI certification required for stove many changeouts
– Educate owners about proper fuel and operation
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
• Review and negotiation process
– New regulations to be released in 2012
– Compliance dates follow
• Expected changes for woodstoves
– Reduction in emission limits
– Eliminating exemptions
– Revising test methods
– Streamlining certification process
• Strengthening monitoring
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
http://www.woodstovechangeout.org/fileadmin/templates/clearing_the_smoke.html
EPA Regulations
New Source Performance Standard
http://www.woodstovechangeout.org/fileadmin/templates/clearing_the_smoke.html
Green Building Codes
• Define additional approaches to construction
– Referred to as “overlay” or “reach” codes and
standards that extend, but do not conflict with
basic codes and standards
• Direct impact with some hearth products
• Indirect or upcoming impact in relationship to
air tightness of building envelope or indoor
air quality concerns
Green Building Codes
International Energy Conservation Code
IECC 2009 & IRC 2009
• “New wood-burning fireplaces shall
have gasketed doors and outdoor
combustion air.”
IECC 2012 & IRC 2012
• “New wood-burning fireplaces shall
have tight-fitting flue damper and
outdoor combustion air.”
• Section 402.4.1.1 & IRC N1102.4.1.1
– “Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors.”
Green Building Codes
International Energy Conservation Code
• Material(s) assembled and joined together
to provide a barrier to air leakage through
the building envelope. An air barrier may
be a single material, or a combination of
materials.
– Fireplace walls must include an air barrier
Inspection
4. Woodburning
Appliance
Installation Issues
Woodburning
UL 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
Woodburning
Connector Pipe
• Avoid elbows
–Use 150 elbows instead of
300
• Avoid horizontal runs
– Minimum ¼“/foot rise for
horizontal runs
Woodburning
Connector Pipe
Woodburning
Connector 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
Woodburning
Connector Pipe
Replacing an existing woodstove?
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•
•
•
Heat expectations
Flue size
Flue configuration
Start up techniques
Woodburning
Venting
Woodburning
Venting
•
•
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.
Woodburning
Masonry Chimneys
Woodburning
Masonry 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
Woodburning
Venting Height
• 3 feet above the highest point penetration
• AND at least 2 feet above anything within
10 horizontal feet
Woodburning
Venting Height
Woodburning
Factory-Built Chimney
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•
•
•
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
Woodburning
Firestop Spacers
• Blocking to prevent fire spread
• Correct spacing to meet clearances
• Provides lateral (side to side) support
Woodburning
Firestop Spacers
With room above:
installed below joist
Unoccupied attic above:
installed above joist
Woodburning
Location
Woodburning
Location
Woodburning
Fireplace 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
Woodburning
Fireplace 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
Woodburning
Fireplace 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
Woodburning
Fireplace Insert
• Direct Connect
– Stainless connector to first
flue liner
– Minimum NFPA 211
requirement for installation of
insert in masonry fireplace
– No dilution air
Woodburning
Fireplace Insert
• Re-line to top
– Easier startup
– Better performance
– Less frequent, expensive,
difficult maintenance
Woodburning
Chimney Liners
Woodburning
New Technology For Combustion Air
• Air enters through attic
support box, roof
flashing, or wall
thimble
• Ducted from connector
to appliance air inlet
Woodburning
Installation
“Characteristics of a Perfect Woodstove Installation”
Wood ‘n Energy Magazine 1985
Perfect Installation
Balanced 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
Perfect Installation
Chimney is inside the building envelope
• Keep flue gases warm for optimum draft
• Prevent cold hearth syndrome in standby
and startup
Perfect Installation
Chimney is insulated to prevent heat loss
Perfect Installation
Chimney is correct size
• 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
Perfect Installation
Penetrates the highest part of the house
House Stack
Effect
Leaks, open windows in
upper portion create
greater chimney effect
than vent
Perfect Installation
Chimney is tall enough
• 3 feet above the highest point of roof penetration
• 2 feet above anything within 10 horizontal feet
Perfect Installation
Chimney is tall enough
• 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
Perfect Installation
Chimney is clear of obstacles
Perfect Installation
Connector pipe runs straight up
• Avoid elbows
•Use 15º instead of 30º
•Avoid horizontal runs
• Minimum ¼“/foot rise
Perfect Installation
Home owner is informed
• Normal operation
• How to light a fire
• Maintenance
• Ash removal
• Chimney Maintenance
• Catalytic Combustor care
• Break-in fires
Perfect Installation
Home owner is informed
• “Burn Wise” video
http://www.hpba.org/consumers/hearth/responsible-wood-burning
• “The Heating with Wood DVD Set”
http://www.woodhomeheating.com
Characteristics of a “Perfect” Installation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The house has a balanced ventilation system.
Chimney runs inside the building envelope.
Chimney is insulated and the correct size.
Chimney penetrates the highest part of the house.
Chimney is tall enough and is clear of obstacles.
Connector pipe runs straight up.
Homeowner is informed regarding proper operation.
Decorative Shroud
• Cowl that covers chase
– Site made or manufactured
– Replaces listed cap
• Must be listed product
– Otherwise prohibited by NFPA 211, IRC,
• Can change cooling characteristics
– Possible ignition of combustibles at top of chimney
or elsewhere
Special Components
Wall Thimble
Facing Requirements
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
Mantel Clearances
Mantel Clearances
Surround Clearances
Potential Problem Areas
Blowers and Grates
• Blowers
– Only listed for use with fireplace
– Follow instructions for blower and wiring
– No connection to cold air furnace returns
• Grates
– Some manufacturers prohibit use of grates
– Replacement only with manufacturer specified grate
– If no specifications, 2/3 hearth area or less
– No alterations or raising/lowering of grates
Catalytic Combustor
• Available for some fireplaces
– Original equipment or retrofit for some
factory-built appliances
– Retrofit for masonry fireplaces
• May carry EPA hang tag
– Catalyst must be replaced every 3-5 years for
proper performance
12
Glass Doors
• Doors standard on some fireplaces, optional on
others, not allowed on some
– Required for fireplaces listed for installation in mobile
homes
• ONLY doors listed and specified by the
manufacturer for use with factory-built fireplaces
– Unauthorized doors can lead to damage and fire
hazards
• Air grilles should not be covered
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.org
Making Your Job Easier!