Fireplace & Chimney Flashcards
What is a fireplace?
Opening at base of a chimney that burns SOLID FUEL.
What are decorative appliances in fireplaces?
Appliances burning gas or oil in a way that looks like a fireplace.
What are the two types of fireplaces?
- Masonry
- Factory built
What is a Rumford fireplace?
Firepl’s taller than average to reflect more heat into the room with diff hearth and firebox dimensions.
What is a masonry heater?
Hybrid appliance built from large quantity of masonry with a tight fitting metal door at firebox opening. Gasses are routed thru heat exchanger transferring heat to masonry (radiation).
What does H.I. inspect?
VISIBLE and installed fuel burning systems.
What is the minimum thickness of a fireplace footing?
At least 12” thick. extends at least 6” beyond sides of firepl.
(rarely visible on inspection)
What is the minimum thickness and minimum depth of a hearth?
At least 4” thick and at least 20” deep (12” deep if a Rumford firepl)
-should be made of concrete or. solid masonry
What should be below the hearth?
No combustible materials.
Hearth extension requirements?
less than.. 6 sq ft.
more than 6 sq ft.
should be made of concrete/solid masonry.
-extend at least 16” in front and 8” sides w/ firebox of LESS than 6 sq. ft.
-extend at least 20” in front and 12” sides w/ firebox of MORE than 6 sq. ft.
-no gap between hearth and hearth ext.
What is the minimum thickness of firebox walls if lined with firebrick?
At least 8” thick if lined w/ 2” thick firebrick.
-if not lined with firebrick, walls should be at least 10” thick.
What is the maximum mortar joint width between firebricks?
1/4”.
What is a common defect found in fireboxes?
Significantly cracked or absent mortar.
During an inspection you see a steel firebox. What should you be looking for?
rust, deterioration and deformation.
(steel fireboxes are equipped w/ air circulating chambers and ducts.)
What is the minimum height of the throat above the lintel?
At least 8”.
What is the purpose of the damper?
To control airflow in the fireplace.
What is the smoke chamber’s purpose?
To direct combustion gases into the flue.
What is the required distance for combustible materials from a masonry fireplace?
- At least 2” from sides
- At least 4” from back
What is the typical efficiency of most fireplaces?
Inefficient heating systems that usually drain heat from the house.
Where can combustion air intake be located for a masonry fireplace?
- Outside the house
- Inside a ventilated attic/crawl space
-should be covered w/ 1/4” mesh screen
-intake opening should be below or at firebox level
What is the required area for a combustion air duct?
At least 6 sq. in and no more than 55 sq. in.
What should masonry chimneys be built from?
- Solid masonry
- Hollow masonry with grout filled cores
- Stone or concrete
What is the minimum thickness of a chimney wall?
At least 4” thick.
What is the clearance to combustibles for masonry chimneys?
At least 2” clearance to combustible framing materials.
What’s the 3/2/10 rule as it applies to chimney termination height?
Chimney should terminate at least 3 feet above where it penetrates the roof and at least 2 feet above any obstruction w/in 10 ft.
What is a common issue with corbelled masonry?
Should not extend more than ½ of the chimney wall thickness past the wall.
What should be placed over racked masonry units?
Cover to provide a smooth surface for water to drain.
If during an inspection, you find an abandoned chimney, what is the recommendation?
Recommend NFPA Level II inspection by a qualified chimney sweep. (chimney can be cleared to roof level but not a necessary recommendation)
Whats the purpose of gas log lighters?
To helps start wood fires. its a single pipe w/ holes located just above the hearth, served by a gas pipe ran thru the firebox wall.
(Log lighters require manual ignition so testing is out of scope. disclaim in inspect.)
Whats the purpose of the smoke chamber and smoke shelf?
Purpose is to direct combustion gasses into the flue.
-located between the fireplace throat and flue
During an inspection you observe smoke stains above the firebox. What could this indicate?
Draft problems or someone forgetting to open the damper.
Where should the combustion air outlet be located for fireplaces?
at the back or side of the firebox or outside the firebox w/in 24”
What does the inspector need to include when inspecting masonry chimneys?
How they were inspected and be precise in reporting limitations.
Recommending NFPA Level II inspection by qual chimney sweep if cant fully inspect masonry chimney.
