Fire blocking needed? - InspectionNews

fritzkelly · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 08:37 AM

I had a builder tell me yesterday that fire blocking was not needed at the attic floor because the fireplace is a gas appliance, not a wood burning fireplace. I have never heard this, has anyone?
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Billy Stephens · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 08:56 AM

Fritz,

The Check is in The Mail.

Ask the Builder to put that in Writing, Date and Sign it ( See how fast he back peddles! )

The vent pipe Also needs proper clearance to combustibles.

wayne soper · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 09:09 AM

I would also add that the improperly installed insulation is blocking proper inspection of the flue enclosure. Who know's mabey there is fireblocking down there.

fritzkelly · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 09:22 AM

It is true that I couldn't see the top of the fireplace but I could see the framing for the built in shelves around it. Where defines the attic? Wouldn't any cavity like that need fire blocking at the top?

Jerry McCarthy · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 09:50 AM

I echo Billy.....

From the IRC 2006 - R1003.19 - Chimney Fireblocking. All spaces between chimneys and floors and ceilings through which chimneys pass shall be fireblocked with noncombustible material securely fastened in place. The fireblocking of spaces between chimneys and wood joists, beams or headers shall be self-supporting or be placed on strips of metal or metal lath laid across the spaces between combustible material and the chimney.

fritzkelly · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy

I echo Billy.....

From the IRC 2006 - R1003.19 - Chimney Fireblocking...

I think this was the builder's point, that it was a gas appliance vent, not a fireplace chimney. Any difference, fireblockingwise?

Billy Stephens · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritz Kelly

I think this was the builder's point, that it was a gas appliance vent, not a fireplace chimney. Any difference, fireblockingwise?

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The manufacturers Installation Instructions are Required to be available at the Job site.

Please see attachment ( page 3 ) as the builder is BSing you.

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritz Kelly

Any difference, fireblockingwise?

None.

Go here for one example: http://www.duravent.com/docs/instruct/L204A_apr00.pdf

Scroll down to page 3, look at Fig 2.

Then scroll down to page 4, at the bottom, see 3. Ceiling support. More on page 5.

Besides, the code requires it be firestopped at the ceiling level.

fritzkelly · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008, 10:08 PM

Excellent info, I knew I could count on you guys!

David Banks · #10 (**permalink**) 08-21-2008, 07:08 PM

First week at my new job as Energy Auditor. Class room training. This situation is also very bad as warm air will migrate towards attic due to stack effect. Warm air drawn to cooler air. When you leave a un -fire blocked area like that it is a huge air leak/ potential moisture issue in attic.
Air sealing is big part of building science in New England.
New house should be meeting some type of energy code also.

Jim Zborowski · #11 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008, 06:18 AM

Maybe he thinks its gas burning flame.........need wood burning flame to catch the house on fire.
Once had someone insist water gets hotter if its heated in a coal burning furnace than it would in a gas burning furnace
Right up there with aluminum magnets, checks in the mail, free lunch................

fritzkelly · #12 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 10:41 PM

Well, here is the "repair". I am interested in hearing what you guys think.
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Jerry Peck · #13 (**permalink**) 09-06-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritz Kelly

I am interested in hearing what you guys think.

You don't really want to know what I think ... trust me.

Let me just say "Someone spent a lot of time doing little, or nothing, of consequence, maybe it was practice for when they go back up there and *do it right*."