Fire stop for gas FP in basement - InspectionNews

Tyler Kent · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:29 AM

Hello everyone. I am new and in dire need of some help. I am very confused. I had my basement inspected and it failed because i needed to have a firestop above my fireplace. I just had the HVAC company that installed it come out and make it code compliant, but all they did was put some sheet metal around the flue. The city inspector said i need to put some insulation around it or something, but i have read alot about how it is NOT compliant to put insulation around the flue. Is this right? What else needs to be done? Do i need to put some plywood at the bottom of the floor joice under the flue?

Thank you all very much for your help.

Richard Pultar · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:41 AM

ask the person who is inspecting to come back and reinspect.
stop thinking

Tyler Kent · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:49 AM

thank you. i will stop worrying about it. I have him scheduled to come out Monday morning and just wanted to make sure it was good before he comes out and it ends up costing me more money to have it inspected a 3rd time.

Richard Pultar · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:57 AM

if they are charging you I would call first and get exactly /do what that guy wants.

Richard Pultar · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 12:09 PM

it looks like that metal might have gone where the vent penitrated the wall

Bob Harper · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 12:17 PM

Can you provide the make and model fireplace?

There should be a listed firestop at the ceiling level installed per the listing. If the listing does not allow for caulking then you cannot do it without voiding the warranty and listing. You certainly can NOT install insulation against the pipe or encroach on the stated clearances. In fact, anywhere insulation could come in contact, you are required to install an insulation shield. The space around the metal firestop is called 'fireblocking' and must comply with the IRC 602.8 or whatever equivalent your code has. This entire chase appears to be open. BTW, firestops must be listed and cannot be site fabricated from blank sheetmetal.

I highly recommend you get a hearth pro in there to make these corrections and ensure proper installation. The mfr. of the fireplace should be able to provide a list of dealers near you. You can also go to NFI Certified to locate the NFI Certified Specialist nearest you.

Bob

Tyler Kent · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 01:20 PM

The fireplace is a Continental CDV33 REAR VENT GAS FIREPLACE

Jim Luttrall · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 06:26 PM

From what I can see, they put the firestop in the wrong place, on the bottom of the I-joist with the sides open. If this is true, the firestop is totally useless. Look above the firestop they installed and see if you can see the metal pipe. If you can see the pipe, then it is wrong and you need to get someone who actually has a clue.

Jerry Peck · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

From what I can see, they put the firestop in the wrong place, on the bottom of the I-joist with the sides open. If this is true, the firestop is totally useless. Look above the firestop they installed and see if you can see the metal pipe. If you can see the pipe, then it is wrong and you need to get someone who actually has a clue.

Jim,

That's what I am seeing in there too - they installed that firestop support in the wrong place.

A couple of more photos from different angles might also help show what was done where.