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CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR

BACKDRAFTING HEATING EQUIPMENT
BAROMETRIC DAMPERS

CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CHIMNEY COMPONENT DEFINITIONS
CHIMNEY FIRE ACTION / PREVENTION
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ

FLAME COLOR, BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION

HEATING INSPECTIONS
HOME HEATING SAFETY

Moisture / Frost Damaged Chimney

ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE

Safety Recalls, Chimneys, Vents, Heaters
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS

WOOD, COAL STOVES & FIREPLACES
WOOD STOVE SAFETY

More Information

Wood framed chimney chase surrounding factory built metal chimneys (C) Daniel Friedman How to Build or Inspect Chimney Chases: Wood-Framed Enclosures for Metal Chimneys
     

  • CHIMNEY CHASE - Wood framed chimney chases: tips for inspecting wood-framed chimney surrounds and chases
    • Common Leak points & Hazards at Wood Framed Chimney Chases
    • Why leaks in chimney chases lead to insect damage, rot, mold growth in buildings
    • Should a wood framed chimney chase be insulated?
    • Is fire stopping required in a chimney chaseway?
    • Specifications for wood framed chimney chase construction, codes, fire safety
  • CHIMNEY SHROUD FIRE - separate article
  • CHIMNEY SHROUDS - separate article
  • FIREPLACE INSPECTION PRE-FAB - separate article
  • Questions & Answers about wood-framed metal chimney enclosures
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR - home
  • ABANDONED Chimneys
  • ANGLED Chimneys
  • BRACKET Chimneys
  • BACKDRAFTING HEATING EQUIPMENT
  • BLOCKED CHIMNEY FLUES
  • B-VENT CHIMNEYS
  • B-VENT CHIMNEY CLEARANCES
  • CHIMNEY CAP & CROWN
  • CHIMNEY CHASE
  • CHIMNEY CLEANING PROCEDURE
  • CHIMNEY CLEANING FRAUD
  • CHIMNEY CLEANOUT DOOR
  • CHIMNEY COLLAPSE Risks, Repairs
  • CHIMNEY CRACK DIAGNOSIS
  • CHIMNEY DRAFT & PERFORMANCE
  • CHIMNEY FIRE ACTION / PREVENTION
  • CHIMNEY HEIGHT & CLEARANCE CODE
  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION: FLUE INTERIOR
  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION INDOORS
  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION from GROUND
  • CHIMNEY INSPECTION at ROOFTOP
  • CHIMNEY LEANING, SEPARATION, MOVEMENT
  • CHIMNEY REPAIR METHODS
  • CHIMNEY SAFETY - CPSC Alert
  • CHIMNEY SHOULDER LEAKS
  • CHIMNEY SHROUD, Decorative
  • CHIMNEY SPALLING
  • CHIMNEY STAINS & LEAKS
  • CHIMNEY STAINS, INDOORS
  • CHIMNEY SWEEPS
  • CHIMNEY TYPES & MATERIALS
  • COMBUSTION AIR DEFECTS
  • COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT BUILDINGS
  • CREOSOTE FIRE HAZARDS
  • CURVED BRICK CHIMNEYS - Sulphation
  • DEAD END CHIMNEY FLUE HAZARDS
  • DEFINITIONS OF CHIMNEY TYPES & PARTS
  • DIRECT VENTS / SIDE WALL VENTS
  • DRAFT HOODS - gas fired
  • DRAFT MEASUREMENT, CHIMNEYS & FLUES
  • DRAFT REGULATORS, DAMPERS, BOOSTERS
  • EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED CHIMNEYS
  • EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
  • FIRE CLEARANCES INDOORS
  • FIRE DAMAGED BUILDINGS - home
  • FIRE SAFETY Checklist, CPSC
  • FIRE STOPPING at CHIMNEY PASSAGES
  • FIREPLACES & HEARTHS
  • FLAME COLOR, BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION
  • FLASHING, CHIMNEY Mistakes & Leaks
  • FLUE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS
  • FLUE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS
  • FLUE TILE DAMAGE in CHIMNEY
  • FLUE VENT CONNECTORS - Boilers, Furnaces
  • FUEL CHANGES for Heating Appliances
  • METAL CHIMNEYS & FLUES
  • PLASTIC HEATER VENT
  • SHARED CHIMNEY & FLUE Hazards
  • THREE-SIDED Chimneys
  • TRANSITE PIPE CHIMNEYS & FLUES
  • UNLINED FLUE INSPECTIONS
  • WOOD, COAL STOVES & FIREPLACES
  • WOOD STOVE SAFETY
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

How to build or inspect a wood-framed chimney chase: this article describes wood-enclosed metal chimneys, how a chimney chase should be constructed, and how those structures can be inspected for leaks, damage, or unsafe conditions. This article describes how to perform a visual inspection of wood framed chimney chases used to enclose factory-built metal chimneys for safety and other defects. Chimney inspection methods and chimney repair methods are also discussed.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Wood Framed Chimney Chases around Metal & Insulated Metal Chimneys & Flues

Chimney Chase Construction SNAFUs to Avoid

Wood framed chimney chase (C) Daniel FriedmanWood framed chimney chase (C) Daniel Friedman

Our photographs show a typical wood-framed chimney chase constructed to house an insulated metal chimney and/or a Type-B gas vent. The photo at above left shows an incomplete chimney chase with poor workmanship - incomplete installation of housewrap, missing chimney flashing, and who knows what at the chimney top.

Our photo at above right shows vinyl siding has fallen off of the chimney chase, permitting leaks into the structure. Below we show common leaky conditions at the top of a wood-framed chimney enclosure.

Metal chimney top leaks (C) Daniel FriedmanLeaky metal top on wood framed chimney enclosure (C) Daniel Friedman

The most common defect we find at wood-framed chimney chase ways is an improperly-constructed top flashing that is not sloped to drain properly (above left). Often people try to fix a leak at the the chimney top by smearing on roofing mastic (above right). We find that this is not a durable repair.

A close-look at the top of a mastic-coated wood-framed chimney chase may show that the top is still concave, sloping in towards the chimneys and that the combination of heat and sunlight has dried and cracked the sealant. (Photos below).

Leaks in chimney top sealant (C) Daniel FriedmanLeaks at the top of a wood framed  chimney enclosure (C) Daniel Friedman

Because the top of chimneys is not readily accessible, leaks in this location may remain un-diagnosed for too long, risking insect damage, rot, and mold in the structure below.

Interior of a wood framed chimney enclosure without the metal chimney  (C) Daniel FriedmanThe result is leaks inside of the chimney chaseway where water may lead to a damaged and unsafe fireplace insert or heating appliance, rot, and insect damage.

Our photo (left) shows how the interior of a wood-framed chimney chaseway may be constructed using common framing lumber and drywall. In this particular chase no chimney has (yet) been installed.

But leaks at the top of this structure wet the drywall sides leading to a (hard to see) mold contamination.

How to Build a Wood-Framed Chimney Chase

Wood chimney chase at rooftop (C) D FriedmanWatch out: before buying materials and starting to hammer away at constructing a chimney chase for your home, be sure to check with your local building code officials. A building permit is required in most jurisdictions, and the applicable building codes and inspections are important fire safety checks on your chimney chase design and construction.

Common Specifications & Construction Details for a Wood-Framed Chimney Chase

  • Dimensions for a wood framed chimney chase may be as small as 24" deep x 36" wide, but are more typically 3ft x 5ft x the necessary height to meet roof clearance requirements. Some builders frame the entire chase, beginning inside the structure (where for example a zero-clearance fireplace is to be installed) as wide as six feet to accommodate the fireplace insertion and to support a mantle.

    At our references section you will find referrals to chimney construction & fire building codes. Framing nailing and structure is typically the same as structural wood framed wall construction in dimensions and spacing of framing members.

    Also see: Fire Clearances for Metal Chimneys. Properly framed and constructed, the portion of the chimney chase that extends above the roof surface at a height to meet the roof clearance distances will not require extra bracing.
  • Framing the chimney chase: typically uses 2x4 structural members sheathed with OSB or plywood exterior building sheathing. For wind resistance, if the chimney chase is passing through the roof structure (rather than abutting the roof structure end, it should be framed continuously through the roof structure, not simply tacked on top of the roof sheathing. Take a look at the photo above showing the inside of a wood-framed chimney chase.

    Watch out: the chimney chase support at its base must be able to accommodate the weight of not only the structure and the chimney that may be routed through it (and its supporting brackets) but also the exterior siding (or stone) that may be applied. Extra supporting beams, headers, or a footing may be needed.
  • A chimney chase cricket is recommended between the chimney side facing the roof and the roof surface, otherwise you're asking for leaks in this location. In some jurisdictions (check with your local code officials) builders leave a one-inch space (see local and model building codes such as IRC code R1001.17) between the cricket edges and the chimney chase vertical side and similarly between the cricket and the roof deck.
  • Assembly of the chimney chase: some builders construct the wood-frame of the chimney chase on the ground, perhaps in two sections depending on overall chimney height. By capping each section with solid plywood at each floor height, fire stopping has been added.
Chimney chase indoor passage through living area (C) Daniel Friedman

Our photo (left) shows the remains of a metal chimney passing through the framed chimney chase enclosure as it passed through the first floor of occupied space in a building that suffered severe damage from a chimney chase fire. The factory-built insulated metal chimney was venting an oil fired heating boiler.

  • Chimney chase fire blocking requirements: fire-blocking (perhaps 3/4" thick plywood or OSB (fire rated?)) is intended to slow or even prevent the movement of a chimney chase fire between building floors, and to prevent the increase of fire intensity and spread by the chimney effects that would occur inside the chimney chase without fires topping.

    Fire stopping installed in a wood framed chimney chaseway must comply with local codes

    Also see IRC 602.8. Fire blocking is also referred to as fire stopping or "fire stops". Factory-built metal fireblock shields may be required by and provided by the manufacturer of the metal chimney to be installed through the chimney chase.

    At CHIMNEY SHROUD FIRE we describe and illustrate serious fire damage caused by an unsafe and un-listed chimney top decorative shroud installed on a home in Moorpark CA.
  • Chimney chase insulation - is not normally used; the fire rating and fire safety of the chimney will depend on proper selection and installation of the insulated metal flue that will pass through the structure. If for some reason you are insulating a chimney chase be sure that your insulation is kept back from the metal chimney itself in accordance with its instructions and fire codes.
  • Securing the chimney chase: The chimney chase must be adequately secured to the building to withstand storms and wind loads for your area. Builders use steel framing connectors such as Simpson Strong-Ties™ to secure the vertical framing of the chimney chase to the building structural wall. Connecting the chimney chase sheathing to the building framing adds stiffness and support.
  • Sealing the chimney chase against leaks: we find a lot of leaks into wood framed chimney chases, including at

How to Identify Common Leak points & Hazards at Wood Framed Chimney Chases

Metal chimney top leaks (C) Daniel Friedman
  • The chimney chase top, (chimney chase cover) is usually metal, constructed of formed aluminum or stainless steel. We find leaks here especially where the top is framed and enclosed "flat" and the top flashing lacks adequate pitch and stiffness to avoid collapsing, even becoming concave" where there are snow loads. (See our chimney chase top photo at left).
  • At the flashing between the chimney chase box and the roof and roof cricket - these leaks are almost always because someone was not careful to follow normal roof -to-chimney flashing detailing about flashing size, using step flashing and counter flashing. Do not rely on roof sealants and mastics instead of proper flashing.
  • Through the chimney chase final covering: especially if faux stone or brick are used, but also if vinyl siding or other siding is not properly installed and sealed. Builders installing a stone or brick veneer often cover the entire chimney chase exterior with a stick-on flashing membrane such as WR Grace Ice and Water Shield.
  • Watch out: for animals entering the chimney chase. A bird or squirrel nesting in the chimney chase is likely to create a fire hazard. Building owners or maintenance staff (such as at condominium complexes where many wood framed chimney chases may be installed) should inspect for evidence of squirrel-chewed openings in the chase sides, lost or open combustion air screens, and blown-off siding or chimney top seals.

How to Replace a Defective Chimney Chase Pan & Installing a Listed Decorative Chimney Top Shroud

Details of this topic have been moved to a new article found at CHIMNEY SHROUDS. Excerpts are just below.

A "Chimney Crown" as popularly used in the fireplace industry may refer to a decorative top shroud installed atop a wood-framed chimney chase, as illustrated here. Steve Werner, a home inspector and chimney shroud installer with Chimney King [6], a custom chimney "crown" designer in Gurnee IL, provided us with the following wood framed chimney chase top pans along with comments.

Rusty, undersized chimney chase pan (C) Daniel Friedman Steve Werner - ChimneyKing.com Replacememt wood framed chimney chase top pan (C) Daniel Friedman Steve Werner - ChimneyKing.com

In the photo at above left, the top of the chimney chase was too small to allow for a decorative shroud to function safely according to our UL/OMNI test labs certification. We designed what we call a ‘super chase pan’ to increase the size of the top of the chase so a legal labeled shroud could be placed on top.

At above right we can see the newly fabricated chimney chase top pan that has been corbelled out to increase its footprint or horizontal size dimensions to accommodate a decorative top shroud.

Replacememt wood framed chimney chase top pan (C) Daniel Friedman Steve Werner - ChimneyKing.com

Mr. Werner continues:

In the fireplace industry we use the term “chase pans” for the covering at the top of a wood framed chimney chase.

Our company, ChimneyKing, has bought lots of fireplaces, pipe,  and made many decorative shrouds for testing in these labs to assure that our products are labeled and safe.

 

Contributor & technical review: Stephen Werner General Manager Chimney King, LLC P.O. Box 8 Gurnee, IL 60031 Corporate (847) 244-8860 Fax (847) 244-8694 Email: steve@chimneyking.com

...


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wood chimney chase construction, inspection, hazards, codes, & top terminations or decorative chimney shrouds

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Questions & answers or comments about wood-framed metal chimney enclosures: construction, clearances, fire stopping, leaks, safety.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • [1] International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors, Inc., IAFCI, 5325 N Commerce Ave Ste 5 Moorpark, CA 93021, Website: http://www.membersiafci.org/
  • [2] ...
  • [3] Wood Heating Alliance, "Building Inspector's Checklist for Factory Built Fireplaces", appearing in Baird, David J., C.B.O., "Factory-built Chimney Chase Fires: A case for More Detailed Inspection", Building Standards, March-April 1991, pp. 14-17. Note: The Fireplace Institute (FI) and the Wood Energy Institute (WEI) united to form the Wood Heating Alliance in 1980. The name was then changed again in 1983 to the Hearth Products Association (HPA) a non-profit organization, in order to better reflect the diversity and range of products and services within the industry. The name was changed once more to, Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) in 2001. Pacific HPBA, 2304 Huntington Dr., Suite 218, San Marino, CA 91108 (626) 237-1200 or (888) 332-2472 Fax: (626) 237-0721- info@hpbapacific.org, Website: http://hpbapacific.org/
    Fireplace Safety Tips - Barbecue Safety Tips from the HPBA - see http://hpbapacific.org/pdfs/safetytips.pdf
  • [4] Baird, David J., C.B.O., "Factory-built Chimney Chase Fires: A case for More Detailed Inspection", Building Standards, March-April 1991, pp. 14-17.
  • [5] Copper chimney rain cap - Chimney King, WisconsinStephen Werner, General Manager, Chimney King LLC., P.O. Box 8, Gurnee, IL 60031, Tel: (847) 244-8860, Email: steve@chimneyking.com, Website: www.chimneyking.com . Mr. Werner is also a licensed home inspector serving clients in Wisconsin. Chimney King sells their products through a network of fireplace dealers, chimney sweeps, roofers and builders. Each decorative shroud is custom built because no two chimney/chase are alike.
  • Stephen Werner General Manager Chimney King, op cit, personal communication 3/26/2013 w/attachments:
    • Chimney King Installation Instructions for Chimney Crown, [PDF]
    • Purdie, Roger K., "Chimney Fire Safety Bulletin", Vista Fire Protection District, 2001, report of house fire related to the home's metal chimney. Contains advice for chimney * fire safety & sketches of approved and not-code-approved metal chimney tops, caps & crowns. [PDF]
  • [6] Residential Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook, James E. Amrhein, S.E., MIA, Masonry Institute of America, 2d. Ed., 1995, ISBN 0-940116-29-4. The MIA is in Los Angeles, CA 213-388-0472. This manual reflects the 1994 Uniform Building Code, Energy Conservation Requirements of California, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD. The complete UBC is available from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), Whittier CA 310-699-0541.
  • [7] NFPA 211 - Standards for Chimneys & Fireplaces, NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2006 Edition (older editions and standards are found at the same bookstore)
  • [8] NFPA 211 - Standards for Chimneys & Fireplaces, NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2006 Edition (older editions and standards are found at the same bookstore), NFPA #211-3.1 1988 - Specific to chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel burning appliances.
    • NFPA 211 - 3-1.10 - Relining guide for chimneys
    • NFPA 211 - 3-2 - Construction of Masonry Chimneys
    • NFPA 211 - 3-3 - Termination Height for chimneys
    • NFPA 211 - 3-4 - Clearance from Combustible Material
    • NFPA 54 - 7-1 - Venting of Equipment into chimneys
  • [9] NFPA # 54-7.1 1992 - Specific to venting of equipment with fan-assisted combustion systems.
  • [10] GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers' Association has prepared venting tables for Category I draft hood equipped central furnaces as well as fan-assisted combustion system central furnaces.
  • [11] National Fuel Gas Code, an American National Standard, 4th ed. 1988 (newer edition is available) Secretariats, American Gas Association (AGA), 1515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA22209, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02269. ANSI Z223.1-1988 - NFPA 54-1988. WARNING: be sure to check clearances and other safety guidelines in the latest edition of these standards.
  • [12] Fire Inspector Guidebook, A Correlation of Fire Safety Requirements Contained in the 1987 BOCA National Codes, (newer edition available), Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), Country Club HIlls, IL 60478 312-799-2300 4th ed. Note: this document is reissued every four years. Be sure to obtain the latest edition.
  • [13] Uniform Mechanical Code - UMC 1991, Sec 913 (a.) Masonry Chimneys, refers to Chapters 23, 29, and 37 of the Building Code.
  • [14] New York 1984 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Article 10, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Requirements
  • New York 1979 Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code, The "requirement" for 8" of solid masonry OR for use of a flue liner was listed in the One and Two Family Dwelling Code for New York, in 1979, in Chapter 9, Chimneys and Fireplaces, New York 1979 Building and Fire Prevention Code:
  • [15] "Top Ten Chimney (and related) Problems Encountered by One Chimney Sweep," Hudson Valley ASHI education seminar, 3 January 2000, contributed by Bob Hansen, ASHI
  • [16] Chimney Inspection Checklist, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
  • [17] "Rooftop View Turns to Darkness," Martine Costello, Josh Kovner, New Haven Register, 12 May 1992 p. 11: Catherine Murphy was sunning on a building roof when a chimney collapsed; she fell into and was trapped inside the chimney until rescued by emergency workers.
  • [18] "Chimneys and Vents," Mark J. Reinmiller, P.E., ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 1 No. 2 July 1991 p. 34-38.
  • [19] "Chimney Inspection Procedures & Codes," Donald V. Cohen was to be published in the first volume of the 1994 ASHI Technical Journal by D. Friedman, then editor/publisher of that publication. The production of the ASHI Technical Journal and future editions was cancelled by ASHI President Patrick Porzio. Some of the content of Mr. Cohen's original submission has been included in this more complete chimney inspection article: InspectAPedia.com/chimneys/chimneys.htm. Copies of earlier editions of the ASHI Technical Journal are available from ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
  • [20] Natural Gas Weekly Update: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/ngw/ngupdate.asp Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government
  • [21] US Energy Administration: Electrical Energy Costs http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelelectric.html
  • [22] Fireplace & Chimney Design, Repair Books - Fireplaces, Chimneys: design, repair
  • [23] Fireplace & Chimney Inspection Books - Inspecting and diagnosing chimney problems, fireplace problems, chimney & fireplace standards
  • [24] Ceramic Roofware, Hans Van Lemmen, Shire Library, 2008, ISBN-13: 978-0747805694 - Brick chimneys, chimney-pots and roof and ridge tiles have been a feature of the roofs of a wide range of buildings since the late Middle Ages. In the first instance this ceramic roofware was functional - to make the roof weatherproof and to provide an outlet for smoke - but it could also be very decorative. The practical and ornamental aspects of ceramic roofware can still be seen throughout Britain, particularly on buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Not only do these often have ornate chimneys and roof tiles but they may also feature ornamental sculptures or highly decorative gable ends. This book charts the history of ceramic roofware from the Middle Ages to the present day, highlighting both practical and decorative applications, and giving information about manufacturers and on the styles and techniques of production and decoration. Hans van Lemmen is an established author on the history of tiles and has lectured on the subject in Britain and elsewhere. He is founder member and presently publications editor of the British Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society. Also available at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
  • [25] Chimney Inspection Checklist, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
  • [26] Chimney & Stack Inspection Guidelines, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2003 - These guidelines address the inspection of chimneys and stacks. Each guideline assists owners in determining what level of inspection is appropriate to a particular chimney and provides common criteria so that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the scope of the inspection and the end product required. Each chimney or stack is a unique structure, subject to both aggressive operating and natural environments, and degradation over time. Such degradation may be managed via a prudent inspection program followed by maintenance work on any equipment or structure determined to be in need of attention. Sample inspection report specifications, sample field inspection data forms, and an example of a developed plan of a concrete chimney are included in the guidelines. This book provides a valuable guidance tool for chimney and stack inspections and also offers a set of references for these particular inspections.
  • [27] Fireplaces, a Practical Design Guide, Jane Gitlin
  • [28] Fireplaces, Friend or Foe, Robert D. Mayo
  • [29] Principles of Home Inspection: Chimneys & Wood Heating (Principles of Home Inspection), Carson Dunlop
  • [30] U.S. vs. Canadian Unlined Masonry Chimney Flue Requirements & Case Study
  • [31] Brick Institute of America - Flashing Chimneys
    Brick Institute of America - Proper Chimney Crowns
    Brick Institute of America - Moisture Resistance of Brick
  • [32] American Gas Association - New Vent Sizing Tables
  • [33] Chimney Safety Institute of America - Chimney Fires: Causes, Effects, Evaluation
  • [34] National Chimney Sweep Guild - Yellow Pages of Suppliers
  • [35] "Building Codes that Regulate Decorative Chimney Shrouds", provided by Stephen Werner [5], [copy on file as Chimney_Decorative_Shroud_Regs.pdf] cites:
    • International Mechanical Code IMC (2000), M74-98 806.6, ratified 9.98, model building code for the United States,
      806.6 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys, except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and are installed in accordance with section 304.1. Reason: Decorative shrouds have been the cause of roof and chase fires
    • International Residential Code (IRC) (2000), R1002.2 ratified 9/99, 1000.2 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys, except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and are installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions. Reason: Decorative shrouds often allow for the creation of temperatures in excess of those permitted in UL 103 and UL 127. Decorative shrouds have been the cause of chase top fires ...
    • International Fire Code (IFC) (2000), IFC 603.6.3, 603.6.3 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative shrouds installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys shall be removed, except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and are installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions. Reason: Decorative shrouds have been the cause of dozens of chase fires. As a non-listed part to a listed assembly, their use should not have been allowed in the first place.
  • [36] International Residential Code IRC R100.11 - Fireplace Clearance:
    International Residential Code was recently amended:
      R1001.11 Fireplace clearance. Combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 inches (102 mm) from the back faces of masonry fireplaces. The air space shall not be filled, except to provide fire blocking in accordance with Section R1003.12.

      Exceptions:

      1. Masonry fireplaces listed and labeled for use in contact with combustibles in accordance with UL 127, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, are permitted to have combustible material in contact with their exterior surfaces.

      2. Combustible materials, including framing, wood siding, flooring and trim, shall be permitted to abut the sides and hearth extensions, but not the backs, of masonry fireplaces, in accordance with FIGURE R1003.12, provided such combustible materials are a minimum of 12 inches (306 mm) from the inside surface of the nearest firebox lining.IRC FIgure R1003.11 fire clearance

      3. Exposed combustible mantels or trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening provided such combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches (153 mm) of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches (305 mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) for each 1-inch (25 mm) distance from such opening

  • Carson, Dunlop &
Associates Ltd., TorontoCarson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
    • Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
    • Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
    • Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
      Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
  • Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com 11/06
  • Roger Hankey is principal of Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN. Mr. Hankey is a past chairman of the ASHI Standards Committee. Mr. Hankey has served in other ASHI professional and leadership roles. Contact Roger Hankey at: 952 829-0044 - rhankey@hankeyandbrown.com. Mr. Hankey is a frequent contributor to InspectAPedia.com.
  • Arlene Puentes, an ASHI member and a licensed home inspector in Kingston, NY, and has served on ASHI national committees as well as HVASHI Chapter President. Ms. Puentes can be contacted at ap@octoberhome.com
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Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
    Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
  • Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment
    Special Offer
    : Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

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