Outdoor wood burning FP with B-vert liner but no cap

[Dave Hahn]

Curious...builder's Super is telling me no cap is required for this outdoor FP meant to burn solid fuel. Claims a cap makes it soot-up too much.
Doubting he's correct, need more to go on.

[Jim Luttrall]

Curious...builder's Super is telling me no cap is required for this outdoor FP meant to burn solid fuel. Claims a cap makes it soot-up too much.
Doubting he's correct, need more to go on.

I call B/S.
Since it is a factory made fireplace from all appearances, the entire fireplace and chimney must be installed to the manufacturers installation instructions. Ask the builder to show you that installation proviso in the manufacturers instructions or the listing and labeling.... crickets chirping...

- - - Updated - - -


I call B/S.
Since it is a factory made fireplace from all appearances, the entire fireplace and chimney must be installed to the manufacturers installation instructions. Ask the builder to show you that installation proviso in the manufacturers instructions or the listing and labeling.... crickets chirping...

By the way, that is not a b-vent pipe. Bvent is not for solid fuel appliances.

[Dave Hahn]

Thanks Jim.
Yeah, knee-jerk typo on calling that B-vent.

[Bob Harper]

Factory built fireplace--must be installed in accordance with the listed instructions. That includes a chase flashing, storm collar, rain cap and minimum chimney height. Moreover, factory built fireplaces used outdoors must be tested and listed as such. If it is not on the rating plate and note made of stainless steel, then it is improper and should be called out. No, it's air cooled factory chimney and cannot cool the firebox if the listed termination is not installed to separate the cooling air from the exhaust.

[Dave Hahn]

UPDATE:
OK, so the builder claims no cap needed and not required by code (love that one don't we).
Manual for the FMI brand m/n VS36 (looked-up on line) says cap.

Go back today and here's builder's solution.
Trying to clarify (R1003.9.1) whether this grate is OK (not in lieu of the cap).

[Scott Patterson]

UPDATE:
OK, so the builder claims no cap needed and not required by code (love that one don't we).
Manual for the FMI brand m/n VS36 (looked-up on line) says cap.

Go back today and here's builder's solution.
Trying to clarify (R1003.9.1) whether this grate is OK (not in lieu of the cap).

Heck no that is not OK..... The cap/shroud must be approved for that unit. Look at the entire fireplace, cap included as an entire system. It has specific components that are all designed to work together.

[Lon Henderson]

UPDATE:
OK, so the builder claims no cap needed and not required by code (love that one don't we).
Manual for the FMI brand m/n VS36 (looked-up on line) says cap.

Go back today and here's builder's solution.
Trying to clarify (R1003.9.1) whether this grate is OK (not in lieu of the cap).
Don't be surprised if the builder is also incorrect about what code says....check with your AHJ.

[Jerry Peck]

Heck no ... and I see someone else has a Crack Comparator. :)

[Billy Stephens]

UPDATE:
OK, so the builder claims no cap needed and not required by code (love that one don't we).
Manual for the FMI brand m/n VS36 (looked-up on line) says cap.

Go back today and here's builder's solution.
Trying to clarify (R1003.9.1) whether this grate is OK (not in lieu of the cap).

An expanded metal sheet attached with screws is not a "Spark Arrestor." :p
*but they do work Great on the Barb Q Grill.

Chapter 10 - Chimneys and Fireplaces (http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2009/icod_irc_2009_10_par039.htm)

[Bob Harper]

UPDATE:
OK, so the builder claims no cap needed and not required by code (love that one don't we).
Manual for the FMI brand m/n VS36 (looked-up on line) says cap.

Go back today and here's builder's solution.
Trying to clarify (R1003.9.1) whether this grate is OK (not in lieu of the cap).

That's not a grate--its screening and its not the listed termination. This is cut and dried. Tell the moron to read the stupid manual. The listed cap costs a lot less than litigation. Have the weenie read my post. The cap is required to maintain the warranty and listing. It is against the code and thus against the law to install this fireplace without the listed termination-period. Is any part of that enclosure combustible? Is the fireplace listed for outdoor use? Rain will destroy the fireplace as is. I'd send the idiot a certified letter ret. rec't. to comply with the code and listing and Cc the fire marshal.

R1003.9.1 is for masonry chimneys--this is factory built. Your applicable section is R1004.1 which basically says install the %@&! fireplace in accordance with the listed instructions-period. Is he brain dead? I'm sure the weenie is worried about the aesthetics and the few bucks cost. It needs a chase top, storm collar and rain cap. Sheesh!

[Dave Hahn]

Thanks to all.
I forgot to add one of those little emoticons. I was joking about needing to see if the grate was an acceptable alternative to the cap. I expressed all of the same frustration with the builder to my client and have provided him the manufacturer's link on the product so he can stick it in the builders face.

http://fmisupport.hcents.com/supportdocs/111026-01L1.pdf

Thanks again.
And Jerry, yes, I grabbed 5 or so of those crack gauges somewhere long ago. Handy little things.

[Jerry Peck]

And Jerry, yes, I grabbed 5 or so of those crack gauges somewhere long ago. Handy little things.

The company that made those used to send them to you for free - this was years ago, I ordered 50 for our local chapter down in South Florida and offered them to whoever wanted them ... only a few of the guys took some. I then took the rest to our state association at a meeting and offered the rest (I kept a few for myself) - it is almost like no one wanted them, but enough did take two or three that all I was left with were my few ... maybe 15 people out of 200 I offered them to took some.

"Handy little things." I agree.