Fireplace & Chimney

Question 1

What is a fireplace?

Answer 1

Opening at base of a chimney that burns SOLID FUEL.

Question 2

What are decorative appliances in fireplaces?

Answer 2

Appliances burning gas or oil in a way that looks like a fireplace.

Question 3

What are the two types of fireplaces?

Answer 3

• Masonry
• Factory built

Question 4

What is a Rumford fireplace?

Answer 4

Firepl’s taller than average to reflect more heat into the room with diff hearth and firebox dimensions.

Question 5

What is a masonry heater?

Answer 5

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).

Question 6

What does H.I. inspect?

Answer 6

VISIBLE and installed fuel burning systems.

Question 7

What is the minimum thickness of a fireplace footing?

Answer 7

At least 12” thick. extends at least 6” beyond sides of firepl.
(rarely visible on inspection)

Question 8

What is the minimum thickness and minimum depth of a hearth?

Answer 8

At least 4” thick and at least 20” deep (12” deep if a Rumford firepl)
-should be made of concrete or. solid masonry

Question 9

What should be below the hearth?

Answer 9

No combustible materials.

Question 10

Hearth extension requirements?

less than.. 6 sq ft.
more than 6 sq ft.

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

What is the minimum thickness of firebox walls if lined with firebrick?

Answer 11

At least 8” thick if lined w/ 2” thick firebrick.
-if not lined with firebrick, walls should be at least 10” thick.

Question 12

What is the maximum mortar joint width between firebricks?

Answer 12

1/4”.

Question 13

What is a common defect found in fireboxes?

Answer 13

Significantly cracked or absent mortar.

Question 14

During an inspection you see a steel firebox. What should you be looking for?

Answer 14

rust, deterioration and deformation.

(steel fireboxes are equipped w/ air circulating chambers and ducts.)

Question 15

What is the minimum height of the throat above the lintel?

Answer 15

At least 8”.

Question 16

What is the purpose of the damper?

Answer 16

To control airflow in the fireplace.

Question 17

What is the smoke chamber’s purpose?

Answer 17

To direct combustion gases into the flue.

Question 18

What is the required distance for combustible materials from a masonry fireplace?

Answer 18

• At least 2” from sides
• At least 4” from back

Question 19

What is the typical efficiency of most fireplaces?

Answer 19

Inefficient heating systems that usually drain heat from the house.

Question 20

Where can combustion air intake be located for a masonry fireplace?

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

What is the required area for a combustion air duct?

Answer 21

At least 6 sq. in and no more than 55 sq. in.

Question 22

What should masonry chimneys be built from?

Answer 22

• Solid masonry
• Hollow masonry with grout filled cores
• Stone or concrete

Question 23

What is the minimum thickness of a chimney wall?

Answer 23

At least 4” thick.

Question 24

What is the clearance to combustibles for masonry chimneys?

Answer 24

At least 2” clearance to combustible framing materials.

Question 25

What's the 3/2/10 rule as it applies to chimney termination height?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

What is a common issue with corbelled masonry?

Answer 26

Should not extend more than ½ of the chimney wall thickness past the wall.

Question 27

What should be placed over racked masonry units?

Answer 27

Cover to provide a smooth surface for water to drain.

Question 28

If during an inspection, you find an abandoned chimney, what is the recommendation?

Answer 28

Recommend NFPA Level II inspection by a qualified chimney sweep. (chimney can be cleared to roof level but not a necessary recommendation)

Question 29

Whats the purpose of gas log lighters?

Answer 29

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.)

Question 30

Whats the purpose of the smoke chamber and smoke shelf?

Answer 30

Purpose is to direct combustion gasses into the flue. -located between the fireplace throat and flue

Question 31

During an inspection you observe smoke stains above the firebox. What could this indicate?

Answer 31

Draft problems or someone forgetting to open the damper.

Question 32

Where should the combustion air outlet be located for fireplaces?

Answer 32

at the back or side of the firebox or outside the firebox w/in 24"

Question 33

What does the inspector need to include when inspecting masonry chimneys?

Answer 33

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.