Fireblocks around chimneys - InspectionNews

David Edenburn · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:30 PM

My reading of R1003-19 says that there should be fireblocking around steel fireplace flues (or anything else) when they enter the attic. I should never be able to stand in the attic and look down into the 1st floor. However, on > 90% of the chimneys I see a big gaping hole and the top of the steel (or brick) firebox below. I always write it up as a fire hazard but am I being too picky? When I'm not doing HI's I'm a fire inspector so I tend to be tough on fire issues. Any advice from a better expert than me?

Jim Luttrall · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

I always write it up as a fire hazard but am I being too picky?

NO!
Basic home construction 101. One does not need to be an expert to point this out.
JMHO

David Banks · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Edenburn

My reading of R1003-19 says that there should be fireblocking around steel fireplace flues (or anything else) when they enter the attic. I should never be able to stand in the attic and look down into the 1st floor. However, on > 90% of the chimneys I see a big gaping hole and the top of the steel (or brick) firebox below. I always write it up as a fire hazard but am I being too picky? When I'm not doing HI's I'm a fire inspector so I tend to be tough on fire issues. Any advice from a better expert than me?

You are doing the right thing.

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Edenburn

My reading of R1003-19 says that there should be fireblocking around steel fireplace flues (or anything else) when they enter the attic. I should never be able to stand in the attic and look down into the 1st floor. However, on > 90% of the chimneys I see a big gaping hole and the top of the steel (or brick) firebox below.

Being as you are a fire inspector, you hold more power than we, home inspectors, do (we have no power). I recommend you explain to the Fire Chief what you explained above, and ask him to explain it to the Building Official, who can then explain it to his inspectors.

">90%" That's a lot of "not good" building practice and it needs to be curtailed as soon as possible.

Quote:

I always write it up as a fire hazard

It is. Good inspecting.

Quote:

but am I being too picky?

Absolutely not.

Quote:

When I'm not doing HI's I'm a fire inspector so I tend to be tough on fire issues. Any advice from a better expert than me?

As a fire inspector, *YOU* are the expert, not us. \

Home inspectors have no teeth, all we can do is gum them to death. As a fire inspector, you have teeth, bite their arses off!

They (the building department and inspectors) should know better than to allow that.

Jerry McCarthy · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 04:10 PM

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.