1. Fireplace Inspections Made Easier
1901 N. Moore St.
Arlington, VA 22209
(703)

2. Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation
National Fireplace Institute

3. Why discuss fireplace inspections?
Challenges our industry presents
Importance to public safety

4. Challenges Products are Constantly Changing New product offerings
Various installation applications
Venting systems and venting configurations

5. Challenges Variety of Code Issues Combustion air Use of room
Authority for venting instructions
Mobile home requirements

6. Challenges Manufacturers’ Instructions
Installation requirements differ
Manufacturer to manufacturer
Model to model
Inconsistent organization
Inconsistent terminology

7. Challenges
Inspectors
Numerous responsibilities
Lack of time

8. Improper Installation
May result in:
Poor Performance
Voiding of Listing and Warranty
–Assumption of All Liability
Loss of Property and Life

9. Reference Manuals

10. We offer the following Inspection
as a guideline, not as a required
list of inspection areas.

11. Inspection Categorizing Appliances General Concerns Gas Appliances
Wood Burning Appliances
Pellet Appliances
Accessories

12. 1. Categorizing Appliances
Inspection
1. Categorizing Appliances

13. Categorizing Hearth Appliances
Fuel
Type
Appliance Standard
Venting
Method
Appliance Type

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

15. Categorizing Hearth Appliances
Appliance Type

16. Masonry Fireplace

17. Factory Built Fireplace

18. Gas Log Sets

19. Fireplace Inserts

20. Free Standing Stoves

21. Hearth Stoves

22. Masonry
Furnaces
Outdoor

23. Categorizing By Venting Type
Gas Venting Systems
Conventional Vent
Direct Vent
Unvented

24. Categorizing By Venting Type
Gas Conventional Vent
Chimneys
Masonry or Factory-Built
B-Vent
Liners

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

26. Categorizing By Venting Type
Woodburning Venting Systems
Masonry
Chimneys
Factory-Built
Chimneys
Liners
1700°
2100° “HT”

27. Categorizing By Venting Type
Pellet Venting Systems
Type L Pellet
Pellet DV
Liners

28. Gas Standards Vented Gas Hearth Appliances NOT Efficiency Tested
(“Decorative”)
Efficiency Testing (“Heating”)
Gas Log Sets
Gas Fireplace
Gas Fireplace Heaters

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

30. Gas Logs Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves
Gas Standards
Unvented Gas Hearth Appliances
Gas Logs Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves

31. Gas Standards

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. Unvented Gas Room Heater
ANSI Z a
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

37. Solid Fuel Standards Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL)
Materials and construction
Fire and strength tests
Review of installation instructions

38. 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

39. UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces
Testing requirements for entire system
Fire chamber
Chimney
Roof assembly
Related components

40. 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

41. UL 737 Fireplace Stove Open or Closed fire chamber Freestanding stoves
Few appliances listed to this standard

42. 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

43. 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

44. UL 103 Factory-Built Chimneys
Optional Type HT High Temperature
2100° testing required
not required for UL 127 fireplaces

45. UL 1777 Chimney Liners
Metallic
Poured
Tested to 2100°F

46. Installation Manual

47. Safety Label

48. Inspection
2. General Concerns

49. Combustibles Combustible: Walls with wood framing
Paper-faced materials
Papered sheetrock (dry wall)
– including fire-rated papered sheetrock
Plaster on wood lath or studs

50. Combustibles Noncombustible Entirely metal Brick Tile Concrete Slate
Plaster on metal lath

51. Safety Testing

52. Clearances

53. Clearances Side Clearance Back Clearance Bottom Clearance
Also mantle, surround, ceiling and adjacent walls

54. Clearances
Header
Size
Orientation
– Flat or on edge

55. Clearances

56. Clearances
Standoffs -Top

57. Clearances
Standoffs -Side

58. Clearances
Standoffs -Bottom

59. Clearances Nailing flanges

60. Clearances Instruction Manual

61. Clearances Instruction Manual

62. Clearances Safety Label

63. Clearances Warning Labels

64. Clearances Warning Labels

65. 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.

66. 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

67. Clearances Wall Protection 1" air space gives greatest reduction
Converts radiant energy to convection heat
Rising warm air pulls in cool air 12

68. 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

69. 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 cfm
EPA woodstoves require cfm
4”outside air brings in about 10 cfm of air
Photo compliments of CSIA

70. 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

71. 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

72. 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

73. 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

74. 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

75. “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.”

76. 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.

77. 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

78. 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

79. 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

80. 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

81. 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

82. 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

83. 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

84. 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

85. 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

86. 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

87. EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard

88. 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

89. 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

90. 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

91. 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

92. 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

93. EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard

94. EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard

95. 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

96. 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 & IRC N
– “Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors.”

97. 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

98. 4. Woodburning Appliance
Inspection
4. Woodburning Appliance
Installation Issues

99. 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

100. Woodburning Connector Pipe
Avoid elbows
Use 150 elbows instead of 300
Avoid horizontal runs
Minimum ¼“/foot rise for
horizontal runs

101. Woodburning Connector Pipe

102. 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

103. Replacing an existing woodstove?
Woodburning
Connector Pipe
Replacing an existing woodstove?
Heat expectations
Flue size
Flue configuration
Start up techniques

104. Woodburning
Venting

105. 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.

106. Woodburning Masonry Chimneys

107. 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

108. Woodburning Venting Height 3 feet above the highest point penetration
AND at least 2 feet above anything within
10 horizontal feet

109. Woodburning Venting Height

110. 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

111. Woodburning Firestop Spacers Blocking to prevent fire spread
Correct spacing to meet clearances
Provides lateral (side to side) support

112. Woodburning Firestop Spacers
With room above: installed below joist
Unoccupied attic above: installed above joist

113. Woodburning
Location

114. Woodburning
Location

115. 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

116. 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

117. 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

118. Woodburning Fireplace Insert
Direct Connect
Stainless connector to first
flue liner
Minimum NFPA requirement for installation of insert in masonry fireplace
No dilution air

119. Woodburning Fireplace Insert Re-line to top Easier startup
Better performance
Less frequent, expensive, difficult maintenance

120. Woodburning Chimney Liners

121. Woodburning New Technology For Combustion Air
Air enters through attic support box, roof flashing, or wall thimble
Ducted from connector to appliance air inlet

122. Woodburning Installation
“Characteristics of a Perfect Woodstove Installation”
Wood ‘n Energy Magazine 1985

123. Balanced ventilation system in the home
Perfect Installation
Balanced ventilation system in the home
Outside air to firebox:
Open fireplaces require cfm
EPA woodstoves require cfm
4”outside air brings in about 10 cfm

124. Perfect Installation Chimney is inside the building envelope
Keep flue gases warm for optimum draft
Prevent cold hearth syndrome in standby
and startup

125. Perfect Installation Chimney is insulated to prevent heat loss

126. 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

127. 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

128. Perfect Installation Chimney is tall enough
3 feet above the highest point of roof penetration
2 feet above anything within 10 horizontal feet

129. 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

130. Perfect Installation Chimney is clear of obstacles

131. Perfect Installation Connector pipe runs straight up
Avoid elbows
•Use 15º instead of 30º
•Avoid horizontal runs
Minimum ¼“/foot rise

132. Perfect Installation Home owner is informed
Normal operation
How to light a fire
Maintenance
Ash removal
Chimney Maintenance
Catalytic Combustor care
Break-in fires

133. Perfect Installation Home owner is informed
“Burn Wise” video
“The Heating with Wood DVD Set”

134. 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.

135. 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

136. Special Components
Wall Thimble

137. Facing Requirements

138. 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

139. Facing Requirements

140. Facing Requirements

141. Facing Requirements

142. Mantel Clearances

143. Mantel Clearances

144. Surround Clearances

145. Potential Problem Areas

146. 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

147. 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

148. 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

149. 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

150. Installer Qualifications
National Fireplace
Institute (NFI)
Focused solely on
hearth products
Certification exams meet national standards for reliability, validity, legal defensibility

151. Maintenance Qualifications
Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
Inspection and cleaning or repair of chimneys and vents
Certification exams

152. Working Together

153. Working Together Visit local hearth shops Know who is NFI Certified
Invite to your meetings
Ask for help

155.
Making Your Job Easier!