IBC Draft for 2001
("The Code As We Wish It Were")
9/23/99

SECTION 2111
MASONRY FIREPLACES

2111.1 General Definition. A masonry fireplace is a fireplace constructed of concrete or masonry, hereinafter referred to as masonry. Masonry fireplaces shall be constructed in accordance with this section.

2111.2 Footings and foundations. Foundations Footings for masonry fireplaces and their chimneys shall be constructed of concrete or solid masonry at least 12 inches (305 mm) thick and shall extend at least 6 inches (153 mm) beyond the face of the fireplace or support foundation wall on all sides. Footings shall be founded on natural undisturbed earth or engineered fill below frost depth. In areas not subjected to freezing, footings shall be at least 12 inches (305 mm) below finished grade.

2111.15 2.1 Ash dump cleanout. Cleanout openings located within foundation walls below fireboxes, when provided, shall be equipped with ferrous metal non-combustible doors and frames constructed to remain tightly closed, except when in use. Cleanouts shall be accessible and located so that ash removal will not create a hazard to combustible materials.

2111.3 Seismic reinforcing. Masonry or concrete fireplaces shall be constructed, anchored, supported and reinforced as required in this chapter. In Seismic Design Category D, masonry and concrete fireplaces shall be reinforced and anchored as detailed in Section 2111.3.1, 2111.3.2, 2111.4 and 2111.4.1. for chimneys serving fireplaces. In Seismic Design Categories A, B or C, reinforcement and seismic anchorage is not required. In Seismic Design Categories E and F, masonry and concrete chimneys fireplaces shall be reinforced in accordance with the requirements of Section 2101 through 2109.

2111.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For fireplaces with 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 2103.10. For fireplaces with chimneys greater than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars shall be provided for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.

2111.3.2 Horizontal reinforcing. Vertical reinforcement shall be placed enclosed within 1/4-inch ties, or other reinforcing of equivalent net cross-sectional area, spaced not to exceed 18-inches 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 provided at each bend in the vertical bars.

2111.4 Seismic anchorage. Masonry and concrete chimneys fireplaces in Seismic Design Category D 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 following requirements:

2111.4.1 Anchorage. Two 3/16-inch by 1-inch (4.8 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 (153 mm) beyond the bend. Each strap shall be fastened to a minimum of four floor joists with two 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) bolts.

2111.5 Fireplacebox walls. Masonry fireplacesboxes shall be constructed of solid masonry units, hollow masonry units grouted solid, stone, or concrete. When a lining of firebrick at least 2 inches (51 mm) in thickness or other approved lining is provided, the total minimum thickness of back and side walls shall each be 8 inches (203 mm) of solid masonry, including the lining. The width of joints between firebricks shall not be greater than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm). When no lining is provided, the total minimum thickness of back and side walls shall be 10 inches (254 mm) of solid masonry. Firebrick shall conform to ASTM C 27 or C 1261 and shall be laid with medium-duty refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C 199.

2111.6 5.1 Steel fireplace units. Steel fireplace units incorporating a firebox liner of not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in thickness may be installed with solid masonry to provide a total thickness at the back and sides of not less than 8 inches (203 mm), including the lining. Steel fireplace units with double wall firebox liners with a combined thickness of not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in thickness and an air circulating chamber which is ducted to the interior of the room may be installed with masonry to provide a total thickness at the back and sides of not less than 8 inches (203 mm), of which not less than 4 inches (102 mm) shall be of solid masonry. Warm-air ducts employed with steel fireplace units of the circulating air type shall be constructed of metal or masonry.

2111.116 Firebox dimensions. The firebox of a concrete or masonry fireplace shall have a minimum depth of 20 inches (508 mm) 12 inches (305 mm) and at least one-third of the width of the fireplace opening. The throat shall not be less than 8 inches (203 mm) above the fireplace opening. The throat opening shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) in depth. The cross-sectional area of the passageway above the firebox, including the throat, damper and smoke chamber, shall not be less than the cross-sectional area of the flue.

2111.7 Lintel and throat. Masonry over a fireplace opening shall be supported by a lintel of non-combustible material. The minimum required bearing length on each end of the fireplace opening shall be 4 inches (102 mm). The fireplace throat or damper shall be located a minimum of 8 inches (203 mm) above the lintel top of the fireplace opening and shall be at least 1/20 the cross-sectional area of the fireplace opening..

2111.7.1 Damper. Masonry fireplaces shall be equipped with a non-combustible damper located at least 8 inches (203 mm) above the top of the fireplace opening. Dampers shall be installed in the fireplace or the chimney venting the fireplace, and shall be operable from the room containing the fireplace.

2111.8 Smoke chamber. Smoke chamber walls shall be constructed of solid masonry units, stone or concrete. Corbeling of masonry units shall not leave unit cores exposed to the inside of the smoke chamber. When a lining of firebrick at least 2 inches (51 mm) thick, or a lining of vitrified clay at least 5/8 inch (16 mm) thick, is provided, the total minimum thickness of front, back and side walls shall be 6 inches (153 mm) of solid masonry, including the lining. Firebrick shall conform to ASTM C 27 or C 1261 and shall be laid with refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C 199. Where no lining is provided, the total minimum thickness of front, back and side walls shall be 8 inches (203 mm) of solid masonry. When the inside surface of the smoke chamber is formed by corbeled masonry the inside surface shall be parged smooth.

2111.8.1 Smoke chamber dimensions. The inside height of the smoke chamber, from the fireplace throat to the beginning of the flue, shall not be greater than the inside width of the fireplace opening. The inside surface of the smoke chamber shall not be inclined more than 45 degrees from vertical when prefabricated smoke chamber linings are used, or when the smoke chamber walls are rolled or sloped rather than corbeled. When the inside surface of the smoke chamber is formed by corbeled masonry, the walls shall not be corbeled more than 30 degrees from vertical.

2111.9 Hearth and hearth extension. Masonry fireplace hearths and hearth extensions shall be constructed of concrete or masonry, supported by non-combustible materials and reinforced to carry their own weight and all imposed loads. No combustible material shall remain against the underside of hearths and hearth extensions after construction.

2111.9.1 Hearth thickness. The minimum thickness of fireplace hearths shall be 4 inches (102 mm).

2111.9.2 Hearth extension thickness. The minimum thickness of hearth extensions shall be 2 inches (51 mm) 4 inches (102 mm).

2111.10 Hearth extension dimensions. Hearth extensions shall extend at least 16 inches (406 mm) in front of, and at least 8 inches (203 mm) beyond, each side of the fireplace opening. Where the fireplace opening is 6 square feet (0.557 m2) or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches (508 mm) in front of, and at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond, each side of the fireplace opening.

2111.12 Fireplace clearance. Any portion of a masonry fireplace located in the interior of the building or within the exterior wall of the building shall have a minimum air space clearance to combustibles of 2 inches (51 mm). Fireplaces located entirely outside the exterior walls of the building shall have a minimum air space clearance of 1 inch (25 mm). The air space shall not be filled, except to provide fire blocking in accordance with Section 2111.14.

2111.13 Mantel and trim. Woodwork or other combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches (153 mm) of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches (305 mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) for each 1-inch (25 mm) distance from such opening.

2111.11 Fireplace clearance. All wood beams, joists, studs, and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 inches (102 mm) from the back faces of masonry fireplaces. The air space shall not be filled, except to provide fire blocking in accordance with Section R1003.14.

Reason: To make IBC consistent with the IRC. Permitting sheathing materials to abut the masonry fireplace walls indescriminently is thought by many to be unsafe. The proposed language permits the edge abutment of combustible sheathing material and trim only in certain ways which have been shown by long standing practice to be safe and where there is an increased thickness of masonry.

2111.14 Fireplace fire blocking. All spaces between fireplaces and floors and ceilings through which fireplaces pass shall be fire blocked with non-combustible material securely fastened in place. The fire blocking of spaces between wood joists, beams or headers shall be to a depth of 1 inch (25mm) and shall only be placed on strips of metal or metal lath laid across the spaces between combustible material and the chimney.

2111.16 Exterior air. Factory-built or masonry fireplaces covered in this chapter shall be equipped with an exterior air supply to assure proper fuel combustion unless the room is mechanically ventilated and controlled so that the indoor pressure is neutral or positive.

Reason: Exterior air section moved to new section 2114 to be consistent with IRC organization.

TABLE 2111.1
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR MASONRY FIREPLACES AND CHIMNEYS

NOTE:
This table provides a summary of major requirements for the construction of masonry chimneys and fireplaces. Letter references are to Figure 2111.1, which shows examples of typical construction. This table does not cover all requirements, nor does it cover all aspects of the indicated requirements. For the actual mandatory requirements of the code, see the indicated section of text.

















ITEMLETTERREQUIREMENTSSECTION
Hearth and hearth extension thicknessA4-inch minimum thickness for hearth. 2-inch minimum thickness for hearth2111.9
Hearth extension (each side of opening)B8 inches for fireplace opening less than 6 square feet. 12 inches for fireplace opening greater than or equal to 6 square feet.2111.10
Hearth extension (front of opening)C16 inches for fireplace opening less than 6 square feet. 20 inches for fireplace opening greater than or equal to 6 square feet.2111.10
Firebox dimensionsD20-inch minimum firebox depth. 12-inch minimum firebox depth for Rumford fireplaces.2111.11
Hearth and hearth extension reinforcingEReinforced to carry its own weight and all imposed loads2111.9
Thickness of wall of fireboxF10 inches solid masonry or 8 inches where firebrick lining is used.2111.5
Distance from top of opening to throatG8 inches minimum.2111.7
Smoke chamber Wall thickness DimensionsH6 inches lined; 8 inches unlined. Not taller than opening width; walls not inclined more than 45 degrees from vertical for prefabricated smoke chamber linings or 30 degrees from vertical for corbeled masonry.2111.8
Chimney vertical reinforcingIFour No. 4 full-length bars for chimney up to 40 inches wide. Add two No. 4 bars for each additional 40 inches or fraction of width, or for each additional flue.2111.3.1
Chimney horizontal reinforcingJ1/4-inch ties at each 18 inches, and two ties at each bend in vertical steel.2111.3.2
Fireplace lintelKNon-combustible material with 4-inch bearing length of each side of opening.2111.7
Chimney walls with flue liningL4-inch-thick solid masonry with 5/8-inch fireclay liner or equivalent. 1/2-inch grout or airspace between fireclay liner and wall.2111.6
2111.7
Effective flue area (based on area of fireplace opening and chimney)MSee Section 2116.122116.12
Clearances
From chimney
From fireplace
Combustible trim or materials
Above roof
N2 inches interior, 1 inch exterior or 12" from lining.
2 inches back or sides or 12" from lining.
6 inches from opening.
3 feet above roof penetration, 2 feet above part of structure within 10 feet.
2111.14
2111.11
2111.12
2111.5
Anchorage
Strap
Number
Embedment into chimney

Fasten to
Bolts

O3/16 inch by 1 inch.
Two
12 inches hooked around outer bar with 6-inch extension.
4 joists.feet.
Two 1/2-inch diameter.
2111.4
Footing
Thickness
Width
P12-inch minimum.
6 inches each side of fireplace wall.
2111.2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.

STRIKE EXISTING FIGURE


STRIKE EXISTING FIGURE



FIGURE 2111.1
FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY DETAILS

SECTION 2112
FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES

2112.1 General. Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the conditions of the listing. Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 127.

2112.2 Hearth extensions: Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces and fireplace stoves shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace. The hearth extension shall be readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor area.

2112.3 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of chimneys for factory-built fireplaces except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built fireplace system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

2112.4 Unvented gas log heaters. An unvented gas log heater shall not be installed in a factory built fireplace unless the fireplace has been specifically tested, listed and labeled for such use in accordance with UL 127.

Reason: Add factory-built fireplace section to be consistent with IRC organization.

SECTION 2113
FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACE STOVES

2113.1 General. Factory-built fireplace stoves, consisting of a freestanding fire chamber assembly, that have been tested and are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of said listing and the manufacturer's instructions. The supporting structure for a hearth extension shall be at the same level as the supporting structure for the fireplace unit.

Reason: Add factory-built fireplace stove section to be consistent with IRC organization.

SECTION 2114
EXTERIOR AIR SUPPLY

2114.1 Exterior air. Where a supply of air is provided from the exterior of the dwelling directly to the appliance, the following requirements shall be met:

2114.1.1 Factory-built fireplaces. Exterior combustion air ducts for factory-built fireplaces shall be listed as a component of the fireplace and shall be installed according to the fireplace manufacturer's instructions.

2114.1.2 Exterior air intake. The exterior air intake shall be located on the exterior of the dwelling or from spaces within the dwelling ventilated with outside air such as crawl or attic spaces. The exterior air intake shall not be located within the garage, or basement of the dwelling. The air intake shall not be located at an elevation higher than the firebox. The exterior air intake shall be covered with a corrosion-resistant screen of 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) mesh.

2114.1.3 Clearance. Unlisted combustion air ducts shall be installed with a minimum 1-inch (25 mm) clearance to combustibles for all parts of the duct within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the duct outlet at the appliance.

2114.1.4 Outlet. The outlet shall be closable and designed to prevent burning material from dropping into concealed combustible spaces.

Reason: Add exterior air supply section to be consistent with IRC organization but modified to make optional and safer.

SECTION 2115
MASONRY HEATERS

2115.1 Definition. A masonry heater is a heating appliance constructed of concrete or solid masonry, hereinafter referred to as masonry, having a mass of at least 800 kg (1760 lbs.), excluding the chimney and foundation, which is designed to absorb and store heat from a solid fuel fire built in the firebox by routing the exhaust gases through internal heat exchange channels in which the flow path downstream of the firebox includes at least one 180 degree change in flow may include flow in a horizontal or downward direction before entering the chimney and which delivers heat by radiation from the masonry surface of the heater. which shall not exceed 230 degrees F (110 degrees C) except within 8 inches (203 mm) surrounding the fuel loading door(s).

2115.2 Installation. Masonry Heaters shall be listed or installed in accordance to ASTM E-1602installed in accordance with this section and comply with one of the following:

2115.3 Footings and foundation: The firebox floor of a masonry heater shall be a minimum thickness of 4 in. (100 mm) of non combustible material and be supported on a non combustible footing and foundation in accordance with Section R1001.2.

2115.4 Seismic reinforcing. In Seismic Design Category D-1 and D-2, masonry heaters shall be anchored to the masonry foundation in accordance with Section R1006.3.1. Seismic reinforcing shall not be required within the body of a masonry heater whose height is equal to or less than 2.5 3.5 times it's body width and where the masonry chimney serving the heater is not supported by the body of the heater. Where the masonry chimney shares a common wall with the facing of the masonry heater, the chimney portion of the structure shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R1006.

2115.4 Masonry heater clearance. Wood or other combustible framing shall not be placed within 4 inches (102 mm) of the outside surface of a masonry heater, provided the wall thickness of the firebox is not less than 8 inches (203 mm) and the wall thickness of the heat exchange channels is not less than 5 inches (127 mm). A clearance of at least 8 inches (203 mm) shall be provided between the gas tight capping slab of the heater and a combustible ceiling. The required space between the heater and combustible material shall be fully vented to permit the free flow of air around all heater surfaces.

2115.5 Masonry heater clearance. Combustible materials shall not be placed within 36 inches (765 mm) of the outside surface of a masonry heater in accordance with NFPA 211 Section 8-7 (clearances for solid fuel burning appliances) and the required space between the heater and combustible material shall be fully vented to permit the free flow of air around all heater surfaces.

Reason: Specific weights and temperatures are difficult for a building official to determine in the field and almost have to be provided by a third party testing authority. The Center for Integrated Systems in Housing (Dan Dolan) will not oppose the proposal if heaters are anchored to the foundation in seismic areas. The section on clearances provides no guidance on the installation of heaters with wall thicknesses less than 8 inches thick and any such heaters would have to be listed or tested and labeled but the appropriate listing is not specified.

SECTION 2116
MASONRY CHIMNEYS

(Re-number all section numbers from 2113 to 2116)

2116.1 General Definition. A masonry chimney is a chimney constructed of concrete or masonry, hereinafter referred to as masonry. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed, anchored, supported and reinforced as required in this chapter.

2116.2 Footings and foundations. Foundations Footings for masonry chimneys shall be constructed of concrete or solid masonry at least 12 inches (305 mm) thick and shall extend at least 6 inches (153 mm) beyond the face of the foundation or support wall on all sides. Footings shall be founded on natural undisturbed earth or engineered fill below frost depth. In areas not subjected to freezing, footings shall be at least 12 inches (305 mm) below finished grade.

2116.3 Seismic reinforcing. Masonry or concrete chimneys shall be constructed, anchored, supported and reinforced as required in this chapter. In Seismic Design Category D, masonry and concrete chimneys shall be reinforced and anchored as detailed in Section 2116.3.1 and 2116.3.2. In Seismic Design Categories A, B or C, reinforcement and seismic anchorage is not required. In Seismic Design Categories E and F, masonry and concrete chimneys shall be reinforced in accordance with the requirements of Section 2101 through 2109.

2116.3.1 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 2103.10. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys greater than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars shall be provided for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.

2116.3.2 Horizontal reinforcing. Vertical reinforcement shall be placed enclosed within 1/4-inch ties, or other reinforcing of equivalent net cross-sectional area, spaced not to exceed 18-inches 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 provided at each bend in the vertical bars.

2116.4 Seismic anchorage. Masonry and concrete chimneys and foundations in Seismic Design Category D 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 following requirements:

2116.4.1 Anchorage. Two 3/16-inch by 1-inch (4.8 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 (153 mm) beyond the bend. Each strap shall be fastened to a minimum of four floor joists with two 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) bolts.

2116.5 Corbeling. Masonry chimneys shall not be corbeled more than half of the chimney's wall thickness from a wall or foundation, nor shall a chimney be corbeled from a wall or foundation which is less than 12 inches (305 mm) in thickness unless it projects equally on each side of the wall, except that on the second story of a two-story dwelling, Corbeling of chimneys on the exterior of the enclosing walls may equal the wall thickness. The projection of a single course shall not exceed one-half the unit height or one-third of the unit bed depth, whichever is less.

2116.6 Changes in dimension. The chimney wall or chimney flue lining shall not change in size or shape within 6 inches (153 mm) above or below where the chimney passes through floor components, ceiling components or roof components.

2116.7 Offsets. Where a masonry chimney is constructed with a fireclay flue liner surrounded by one wythe of masonry, the maximum offset shall be such that the centerline of the flue above the offset does not extend beyond the center of the chimney wall below the offset. Where the chimney offset is supported by masonry below the offset in an approved manner, the maximum offset limitations shall not apply. Each individual corbeled masonry course of the offset shall not exceed the projection limitations specified in Section 2116.5.

2116.8 Additional load. Chimneys shall not support loads other than their own weight unless they are designed and constructed to support the additional load. Masonry chimneys shall be permitted to be constructed as part of the masonry walls or concrete walls of the building.

2116.9 Termination. Chimneys shall extend at least 2 feet (610 mm) higher than any portion of the building within 10 feet (3048 mm), but shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) above the point where the chimney passes through the roof.

2116.10 Wall thickness. Masonry chimney walls shall be constructed of concrete, solid masonry units, or hollow masonry units grouted solid with not less than 4 inches nominal thickness.

2116.11 Flue lining (material). Masonry chimneys shall be lined. The lining material shall be appropriate for the type of appliance connected, according to the terms of the appliance listing and manufacturer's instructions.

2116.11.1 Residential-type appliances (general). Flue lining systems shall comply with one of the following:

2116.11.2 Concrete and Masonry Chimneys for Medium Heat Appliances

2116.11.3 Concrete and Masonry Chimneys for High Heat Appliances

2116.12 Flue lining (installation). Flue liners shall be installed in accordance with ASTM C-1283 and extend from a point not less than 8 inches (203 mm) below the lowest inlet or, in the case of fireplaces, from the top of the smoke chamber, to a point above the enclosing walls. The lining shall be carried up vertically, with a maximum slope no greater than 30 degrees from the vertical.

Fireclay flue liners shall be laid in medium-duty refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C-199 with tight mortar joints left smooth on the inside and installed to maintain an air space or insulation not to exceed the thickness of the flue liner separating the flue liners from the interior face of the chimney masonry walls. Flue lining shall be supported on all sides. Only enough mortar shall be placed to make the joint and hold the liners in position.

2116.13.1 Listed materials. Listed materials used as flue linings shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listings and manufacturer's instructions.

2116.13.2 Space around lining. The space surrounding a chimney lining system or vent installed within a masonry chimney shall not be used to vent any other appliance.

2116.14 Multiple flues. When two or more flues are located in the same chimney, masonry wythes shall be built between adjacent flue linings. The masonry wythes shall be at least 4 inches (102 mm) thick and bonded into the walls of the chimney.

2116.15 Flue area (appliance). Chimney flues shall not be smaller in area than that of the area of the connector from the appliance. The sizing of a chimney flue to which multiple-appliance venting systems are connected shall be in accordance with Section M1805.3.

2116.16 Flue area (masonry fireplace). Flue sizing for chimneys serving fireplaces shall be in accordance with Sections 2116.12.1 or 2116.12.2

2116.16.1 Round chimney flues shall have a minimum net cross-sectional area of at least 1/12 of the fireplace opening. Square chimney flues shall have a minimum net cross-sectional area of at least 1/10 of the fireplace opening. Rectangular chimney flues with an aspect ratio less than 2 to 1 shall have a minimum net cross-sectional area of at least 1/10 of the fireplace opening. Rectangular chimney flues with an aspect ratio of 2 to 1 or more shall have a minimum net cross-sectional area of at least 1/8 of the fireplace opening.

2116.16.2 The minimum net cross-sectional area of the flue shall be determined in accordance with Figure 2116.12. A flue size providing at least the equivalent net cross-sectional area shall be used. Cross-sectional areas of clay flue linings are provided in Tables 2116.12a and 2116.12b or as provided by the manufacturer or as measured in the field. The height of the chimney shall be measured from the firebox floor to the top of the chimney flue.

FIGURE 2116.12
FLUE SIZES FOR MASONRY CHIMNEYS

TABLE 2116.12a
NET CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
OF ROUND FLUE SIZES (1)

FLUE SIZE, INSIDE DIAMETER
(inches)
CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
(square inches)
628
738
850
1078
10-3/490
12113
15176
18254

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.16 mm2.
1 Flue sizes are based on ASTM C 315-91.

TABLE 2116.12b
NET CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
OF SQUARE AND RECTANGULAR FLUE SIZES (1)

FLUE SIZE, OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS
(inches)
CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
(square inches)
4-1/2 x 1334
7-1/2 x 7-1/237
8-1/2 x 8-1/247
7-1/2 x 11-1/258
8-1/2 x 1374
7-1/2 x 15-1/282
11-1/2 x 11-1/291
8-1/2 x 17-1/2101
13 x 13122
11-1/2 x 15-1/2124
13 x 17-1/2165
15-1/2 x 15-1/2168
15-1/2 x 19-1/2214
17-1/2 x 17-1/2226
19-1/2 x 19-1/2269
20 x 20286

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.16 mm2.
1 Flue sizes are based on ASTM C 315.

2116.17 Inlet. Inlets to masonry chimneys shall enter from the side. Inlets shall have a thimble of fireclay, rigid refractory material or metal that will prevent the connector from pulling out of the inlet or from extending beyond the wall of the liner.

2116.18 Masonry chimney cleanout openings. Cleanout openings shall be provided within 6 inches (153 mm) of the base of each flue within every masonry chimney. The upper edge of the cleanout shall be located at least 6 inches (153 mm) below the lowest chimney inlet opening. The height of the opening shall be at least 6 inches (153 mm). The cleanout shall be provided with a non-combustible cover.

2116.19 Chimney clearances. Any portion of a masonry chimney located in the interior of the building or within the exterior wall of the building shall have a minimum air space clearance to combustibles of 2 inches (51 mm). Chimneys located entirely outside the exterior walls of the building, including chimneys that pass through the soffit or cornice, shall have a minimum air space clearance of 1 inch (25 mm). The air space shall not be filled, except to provide fire blocking in accordance with Section 2116.16.

Reason: To make IBC consistent with the IRC. Permitting sheathing materials to abut the masonry chimney walls indescriminently is thought by many to be unsafe. The proposed language permits the edge abutment of combustible sheathing material and trim only in certain ways which have been shown by long standing practice to be safe and where there is an increased thickness of masonry.

2116.19 Chimney fire blocking. All spaces between chimneys and floors and ceilings through which chimneys pass shall be fire blocked with non-combustible material securely fastened in place. The fire blocking of spaces between wood joists, beams or headers shall be to a depth of 1 inch (25mm) and shall only be placed on strips of metal or metal lath laid across the spaces between combustible material and the chimney.

R1006.20 Chimney crickets. Chimneys shall be provided with crickets when the dimension parallel to the ridge line is greater than 30 inches (762 mm) and does not intersect the ridge line. The intersection of the cricket and the chimney shall be flashed and counter flashed in the same manner as normal roof-chimney intersections. Crickets shall be constructed in conformity with Figure R1001.17 and Table R1001.17.

FIGURE R1006.21
CHIMNEY CRICKET

TABLE R1006.21
CRICKET DIMENSIONS

ROOF SLOPEH
12 - 121/2 of W
8 - 121/3 of W
6 - 121/4 of W
4 - 121/6 of W
3 - 121/8 of W

2116.21 Chimney spark arrester. Where provided, a spark arrester shall consist of a screen with spaces not exceeding 1/2 inch (13 mm) nor less than 3/8 inch (10 mm). The surface area of the spark arrester screen shall be a minimum of three times the cross-sectional area of the flue.

Reason: Spark arresters are often required by local fire codes to prevent sparks and flaming debris from exiting the flue and causing fires. They also serve to prevent birds and animals from entering the chimney. This added language is needed so that spark arresters, where specified, do not unduly restrict the flue.


SECTION R1007
FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEYS

R1007.1 General. Factory-built chimneys shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

R1007.2 Decorative Shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of factory-built chimneys except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built chimney system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

R1007.3 Solid fuel appliances. Factory-built chimneys for use with solid fuel-burning appliances shall comply with the Type HT requirements of UL 103.

R1007.4 Factory-built fireplaces. Chimneys for use with factory-built fireplaces shall comply with the requirements of UL 127.

R1007.5 Support. Where factory-built chimneys are supported by structural members, such as joists and rafters, such members shall be designed to suppord the additional load.

R1007.6 Medium-heat appliances. Factory-built chimneys for medium-heat appliances producing flue gasses having a temperature above 1,000 degrees F (538 degrees C), measured at the entrance to the chimney, shall comply with UL 959.

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