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 Categorizing Appliances General Concerns Gas Appliances Wood Burning Appliances Pellet Appliances Accessories

1. Categorizing Appliances Inspection 1. Categorizing Appliances

Categorizing Hearth Appliances Fuel Type Appliance Standard Venting Method Appliance Type

Categorizing Hearth Appliances Fuel Type Gas Solid Fuel Electric Natural Gas Liquid Propane Wood Coal Biomass

Categorizing 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 Chimneys Masonry or Factory-Built B-Vent 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 Liners 1700° 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”) Efficiency Testing (“Heating”) Gas Log Sets Gas Fireplace Gas Fireplace Heaters

Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Direct Vent Coaxial Co-linear PVC Hi-efficiency condensing

Gas Logs Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves 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 Appliances: ANSI Z21.60, CSA 2.26 •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 ANSI Z21.11.2a Appliance s: •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

Open Chamber Factory Built Fireplaces Solid Fuel Standards Solid Fuel Appliances Open Chamber Factory Built Fireplaces Closed Chamber High Efficiency Fireplace Stoves High Efficiency Factory Built Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves Fireplace Inserts Hearth Stoves

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 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 Fuel- Burning 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 Ceiling 3½" masonry wall / NO ventilation 33% ½" noncombustible board over 1" insulation, NO ventilation 50% Min. 24 gage sheet metal / spaced out 1" 66% 3½" masonry wall / spaced out 1" ½" noncombustible wall board spaced out 1" Listed prefabricated systems 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 Two types of manufactured pads UL 1618 Type 1 Ember Protector For appliances not requiring thermal protection Type 2 Thermal Floor Protector For appliances requiring thermal protection

“Not for stoves that require 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.

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 Level of access 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 Level of Access 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

1 2 3 NFPA 211 Inspections Level Circumstance Level of Access Scope Replacement with similar type, input, efficiency Readily Accessible Obstructions Deposits 2 Add/replace dissimilar Sale of property Malfunction Accessible Construction/ condition Clearances/ suitability 3 Hazard suspected Need access to concealed areas Can include removal of bldg. /chimney components Includes access to concealed areas

EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard

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

4. Woodburning Appliance 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

Replacing an existing woodstove? Woodburning Connector Pipe Replacing an existing woodstove? 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

Factory-Built Chimney Woodburning Factory-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

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

be required for air circulation and cooling 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

insert listed for use with specific fireplace 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

Balanced ventilation system in the home 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

Chimney is correct size 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

Penetrates the highest part of the house 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 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 Must be listed product 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 Grates 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!