Philip Noah, IAAI-CFI, Mo State-CFI Fireplaces and Chimneys Arkansas IAAI-Fall Conference October 28, 2016
Fireplace Statistics U.S. Fire Administration categorizes fireplace fires in Heating Fires. The term heating fires applies to those fires that are caused by functioning or malfunctioning central heating units, fixed or portable local heating units, fireplaces, chimneys, and water heaters. 2
Fireplace Statistics 30 25 20 15 10 5 Fixed Local Heating Equipment Central Heating Equipment Chimney Water Heater 0 Leading Equipment Involved in Heating Fires (residential structures, adjusted %, 3-year average from NFIRS data) 3
Recognition of Residential Fireplaces and Heating Appliances 4
Masonry Fireplaces Fireplace is constructed of brick and mortar Chimney is constructed of brick with a clay flue liner Firebox and chimney constructed on-site 5
Masonry Fireplaces Fireplace is constructed of brick and mortar Chimney is constructed of brick with a clay flue liner Firebox and chimney constructed on-site 6
Prefabricated Fireplace Forms Steel wall structure used to form the firebox 7
Prefabricated Fireplace Forms Masonry construction surrounds the firebox, and chimney 8
Masonry with Listed Metal Flue Firebox is formed at a factory, then shipped to the job-site and assembled. Has the appearance of masonry fireplace. May be wood burning, or have a decorative gas log set. Listed Class A metal flue attaches to the top of the firebox. Class A metal flue must be appropriately sized for the size of the fireplace. 9
Metal Factory-Built Fireplaces Tested by a qualified testing agency, manufactured in a factory, then are assembled on-site. May be wood burning only, or wood burning with gas insert. Each component is packaged individually, and the components must be designed and tested for use with the fireplace. Metal factory-built fireplaces must be installed according to the manufacturers specifications, according to the each model s installation manual. The installation specifications are determined by the results of the testing in accordance with UL (underwriters Laboratory) 10
Factory-built fireplaces consist of a manufactured firebox, combustible chase, and metal flue. 11
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Gas Burning Fireplaces Different varieties and sizes. Gas (LP or Natural Gas) only. No wood burning. Glass doors are usually fixed. Utilizes B-Vent. B-Vent is a two-wall pipe with a aluminum liner. 13
Gas Burning Fireplaces Gas burning fireplaces use a 4 or 6 B-Vent. Does not have to be installed through the roof and can be vented horizontally through an exterior wall. However, distances to openings must be maintained. 14
Inserts Different forms of fuel burning. Basically a smaller fireplace that inserts into an existing wood-burning fireplace. Installed because inserts are more efficient. Uses the existing flue or a liner may be added. Cannot be installed into a manufactured fireplace box unless listed and approved by the manufacturer. 15
Decorative Gas Logs Variety of sizes. Installed in wood burning fireplaces. Eliminates the need for wood. Uses existing flue and fireplace. Must be sized correctly. 16
Wood Stoves Different varieties and materials. Listed or unlisted. If unlisted, you must follow building codes such as NFPA 211. Variety of fuels. Utilizes Class A Chimney. May be single wall pipe until it penetrates the ceiling. 17
Pellet Stoves Different varieties and sizes. Variety of fuels. Utilizes L-Vent Chimney. L- Vent is a double wall pipe with a stainless steel liner. Cannot use B-Vent as the operating temperature will exceed the aluminum liner of B-Vent. 18
Types of Chimneys 19
Stove Pipe Single-Wall Construction Once the stove pipe reaches the ceiling, an adapter must be used to convert from stovepipe to a Class A Metal Chimney Single wall increases the efficiency. However, 18-inches of clearance is required. 20
Air-Cooled Chimneys Double-Wall Two-wall construction Chimney walls are cooled by air flow up the interstitial space between the inner and outwalls. 21
Air-Cooled Chimneys Triple-Wall Three-wall construction Chimney walls are cooled by air flow down the outermost interstitial space between the middle and outer wall. 22
Double-Wall Insulated Chimneys Double-Wall Insulated Two-wall construction Chimney does not have any cooling air flow. Insulation provides a barrier for heat transfer. 23
B-Vent B-Vent Two-wall construction. Inner wall is aluminum, outer wall is stainless steel. Can only be used on gas-burning appliances. 24
PL-Vent PL-Vent Two-wall construction. Inner wall is stainless steel, outer wall is stainless steel. Similar to B-vent in appearance. 25
Building Codes vs. Manufacturer Installation Requirements Building Codes Adopted by local and state authorities. Local building laws promote safe practices in the design and construction of a building. Building codes are mandatory. Manufacturer Installation Requirements Specifications required by the manufacturer, as determined by testing, in regards to the installation and operation of the fireplace. Manufacturer requirements are also mandatory in the installation of the fireplace. Each fireplace may have different requirements. 26
Building Codes vs. Manufacturer Installation Requirements For factory-built fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves, any deviation from the manufacturers installation instructions, or change in the system design, INVALDATES THE UL LISTING. 27
Building Codes vs. Manufacturer Installation Requirements International Residential Code Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces Codes for the construction and installation of masonry fireplaces, masonry heaters, masonry chimneys, factorybuilt fireplaces, factory-built chimneys, and exterior air supply. 28
Building Codes vs. Manufacturer Installation Requirements Chapter 10, Section R1004, Factory-Built Fireplaces R1004.1 General. Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the conditions of the listing. Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 127. R1004.2 Hearth extensions. Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace. The hearth extension shall be readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor area. R1004.3 Decorative shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of chimneys for factory-built fireplaces except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factorybuilt fireplace system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer s installation instructions. R1004.4 Unvented gas log heaters. An unvented gas log heater shall not be installed in a factory-built fireplace unless the fireplace system has been specifically tested, listed and labeled for such use in accordance with UL 127. 29
NFPA 211 Maintenance Requirements NFPA 211, Chapter 13 13.2 Annual Inspection. Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year in accordance with the requirements of Section 14.3 30
NFPA 211 Maintenance Requirements Chimneys should be cleaned at a minimum of once per year. Creosote can form in the chimney and in the presence of a capable ignition source, a chimney fire can result. 31
Inspection of Fireplaces and Chimneys NFPA 211 has three levels of inspections. Level I Level II Level III 32
Inspection of Fireplaces and Chimneys Level I Access/Scope Required Readily accessible portions of the chimney and appliance. Basic appliance installation and connection Circumstances Annual Inspections Routine cleaning of chimney flue Replacement of connected appliance of similar rating. 33
Inspection of Fireplaces and Chimneys Level II Access/Scope Required Accessible portions of the chimney and appliance, including areas within accessible portions of the appliance and chimney. Includes inspection by video scanning or other means. Clearances, size and suitability of chimneys and connected appliances. Includes all of Level I inspection requirements. Circumstances Upon addition or removal of dissimilar type, prior to relining, upon sale or transfer of the property, after a operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage. 34
Inspection of Fireplaces and Chimneys Level III Access/Scope Required External and internal portions of the chimney, including concealed areas. Includes the removal of building or chimney components where necessary, but only to gain access to areas subject of the inspection. Includes all of Level I & II requirements. Circumstances Where necessary for the investigation of an incident that has caused damage to the chimney or building Where a hazard detected or suspected as the result of a Level I & II inspection that cannot be fully evaluated without access. 35
What causes fireplace fires? Heat Transfer 36
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Heat Transfer Modes Conduction - Conduction is the transfer of heat by direct contact of particles of matter. Convection - is the transfer of heat energy between a solid surface and the nearby liquid or gas in motion. Radiation - is the transfer of heat energy through empty space. 38
Common Fireplace and Heating Appliance Installation Errors 39
Framing Combustibles placed to close to the fireplace, are in violation of the manufacturers installation requirements. 40
Removal of Stand-off Spacers 41
Removal of Stand-off Spacers 42
Removal of Stand-off Spacers 43
Combustible finish materials are often used in areas that require noncombustibles. Finish Materials Drywall is a Combustible!!!! 44
Hearth Extensions 45
Hearth Extensions 46
Non-sealed Gas Line Entry Gas line entry must be sealed with a hightemperature seal. It will survive the fire. If it does not, then it is possible that the installer did not use the correct seal. 47
Insulation around Firebox Insulation during construction may fall around the firebox. Ignition of cellulose insulation may occur. May cause the firebox to overheat. 48
Insulation around Flu or Chimney Insulation during construction may fall around the Flu. Ignition of cellulose insulation may occur. This flu pipe required 2 of clearance 49
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Other Installation Errors Off-set flues in masonry fireplaces with listed metal flue. Flue must be adequately sized, and when offset, it reduces the size of the flue. 51
Gas Log Sets Improperly sized. Gas log set is installed too far forward. Log Lighters are used as a gas log set. 52
Shrouds 53
Shrouds 54
Inserts in Factory-Built Fireplaces Inserts cannot be installed into a manufactured fireplace, unless approved by the manufacturer. Some insert companies will say that they are approved. Contact the manufacturer of the fireplace before installing. Installing an insert not approved invalidates the UL listing of the fireplace. 55
Failure to Properly Inspect Fireplace before Replacement of Dissimilar Type 56
Failure to Properly Inspect Fireplace before Replacement of Dissimilar Type 57
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Opening into firebox 62
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Responsible Parties 1. Manufacturer 2. Architect 3. General Contractor 4. Installer of the firebox, flue, and other components 5. Framer 6. Mason 7. Gas Component Installer 8. Gas Component Manufacturer 9. Electrician 66
Other Responsible Parties 1. Chimney Sweep 2. Home Inspector 3. Fireplace Inspector 4. Insulation Installer 67
Questions and Answers Philip Noah, IAAI-CFI, State of Missouri-CFI Fireplaces and Chimneys Cozy Fire to House Fire