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  1. #1
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    Jun 2008
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    Maryland
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    1,096

    Default unsupported chimney

    This is an upcoming inspection so I don't have any details or measurements yet. I'm a bit concerned by the looks of this.

    What are some general rules and guidelines about chimney support that might apply in this case? What are sources to back up opinions?

    Thanks

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    5,851

    Default Re: unsupported chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr View Post
    This is an upcoming inspection so I don't have any details or measurements yet. I'm a bit concerned by the looks of this.

    What are some general rules and guidelines about chimney support that might apply in this case? What are sources to back up opinions?

    Thanks
    I thought all masonry chimneys are to be self supporting?

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Charlotte NC Licensed in NC and SC
    Posts
    597

    Default Re: unsupported chimney

    There is a table in the IRC for lateral bracing I think.
    IRC Table R606.8 ?

    Sorry, I don't have it handy.

    Height is limited to something like 10 times the longest width unless properly braced. Also depends on the wind rating for your area.

    Bruce King, B.A. King Home Inspections, LLC
    www.BAKingHomeInspections.com
    Certified Master Inspector, Independent Inspectorwww.IndependentInspectors.org

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    5,851

    Default Re: unsupported chimney

    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce King View Post
    There is a table in the IRC for lateral bracing I think.
    IRC Table R606.8 ?

    Sorry, I don't have it handy.

    Height is limited to something like 10 times the longest width unless properly braced. Also depends on the wind rating for your area.
    That section is for walls.

    The section that covers chimneys is R1003

    R1003.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40
    inches (1016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical bars,
    anchored in the foundation, shall be placed in the concrete,
    or between wythes of solid masonry, or within the cells of
    hollow unit masonry, and grouted in accordance with Section
    R609.1.1. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with
    the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal
    expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches (1016
    mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars shall be
    installed for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width
    or fraction thereof.

    R1003.3.2 Horizontal reinforcing. Vertical reinforcement
    shall be placed enclosed within 1/4-inch (6 mm) ties, or other
    reinforcing of equivalent net cross-sectional area, spaced
    not to exceed 18 inches (457 mm) on center in concrete, or
    placed in the bed joints of unit masonry, at a minimum of
    every 18 inches (457 mm) of vertical height. Two such ties
    shall be installed at each bend in the vertical bars.

    R1003.4 Seismic anchorage. Masonry and concrete chimneys
    and foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2 shall
    be anchored at each floor, ceiling or roof line more than 6 feet
    (1829 mm) above grade, except where constructed completely
    within the exterior walls. Anchorage shall conform to the
    requirements in Section R1003.4.1.

    R1003.4.1 Anchorage. Two 3/16-inch by 1-inch (5 mm by
    25 mm) straps shall be embedded a minimum of 12 inches
    (305 mm) into the chimney. Straps shall be hooked around
    the outer bars and extend 6 inches (152 mm) beyond the
    bend. Each strap shall be fastened to a minimum of four
    floor joists with two 1/2-inch (13 mm) bolts.

    That is about all that really covers chimneys....

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,096

    Default Re: unsupported chimney

    It turns out that the house chimney was the one to worry about. 72" wide with a roof sloping into it and no cricket. It was a brick masonry chimney and the entire exterior side had recently been parged with concrete and that was beginning to crack up from the crown and downward. Water stains were in the firebox and the hearth extension projected only 12" into the room.

    The roof to chimney junction was gooped up with sealer and there was water damaged sheathing around the penetration seen from the attic.


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