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Firecode lining of zero clearance FP

| Posted in General Discussion on August 19, 2005 04:54am

Does the IRC require that the inside of the chamber and chase, for a zero-clearance fireplace, be fully lined and taped with firecode rock?

Is the lining to go clear to the roof?  Is the bottom surface of the roof sheathing lined as well?

If the actual chamber, the framed box that surrounds the unit, is to be lined, how the heck do you do it and install the unit?

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Replies

  1. BobKovacs | Aug 19, 2005 01:40pm | #1

    The only time we ever had to rock the chase was when the exterior was one-coat stucco over foam.  You had to protect the foam from potential flame.  Other than that, there should be no need to rock the inside of the chase.  Make sure you check the installation manual for required clearances- typically it's 1" to anything combustible.

    Bob

  2. djj | Aug 19, 2005 04:33pm | #2

    You might want to with your local inspector. Ours checks the install manual for the unit you are using and if it says rocks the chase, he requires it.

    Regards, 

    Dennis

  3. AndyEngel | Aug 19, 2005 06:08pm | #3

    Rocking and insulating the chase is a good idea for energy reasons, if not fire ones. Best practice is to insulate, rock, and firestop, bringing the chase into the building envelope. Keeps the flue warm, helps prevent convection currents from forming and creating drafts that blow out around the fireplace, impresses the AHJ. All sorts of good reasons to do this.

    Andy Engel

    Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

    An updated profile is a happy profile.

    Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

    None of this matters in geological time.

    1. User avater
      AdamGreisz | Aug 19, 2005 07:03pm | #4

      Most building departments require a fire break every ten feet in the fireplace chase. Of course many of the inspectors cannot see the chase and do not always call it out.

      For zero clearance chimneys I prefer to box it out at second floor level with floor joists and run subflooring over the entire chase. Of course there needs to be access to cut the hole for the zero clearance installation.

       

       Wood is Good

      Adam Greisz<!----><!---->

      <!----> 

      1. AndyEngel | Aug 19, 2005 07:36pm | #5

        One of the first jobs I ever did was to frame a chimney chase. Never did one before, had no idea of the code. Very dumb kid. I framed it without firestops. The inspector, fortunately enough, picked that up, but only after the chimney was in. Talk about a pain in the neck! Never made that mistake again.Andy Engel

        Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

        An updated profile is a happy profile.

        Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

        None of this matters in geological time.

        1. User avater
          Soultrain | Aug 19, 2005 08:03pm | #6

          Are framed out chimney's required for zc vents provided the top of the vent has the proper clearance? (I believe it's 3 feet above any section of the roof w/i 10 feet)

          Is there any problem with the metal coming straight out of the roof?

          1. AndyEngel | Aug 19, 2005 08:07pm | #7

            Good question. I doubt there's a problem above roofline, but I don't have the code book here. Triple wall might be OK inside, but that's a guess. Ask your BI.Andy Engel

            Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

            An updated profile is a happy profile.

            Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

            None of this matters in geological time.

          2. User avater
            Soultrain | Aug 19, 2005 08:16pm | #8

            Above the roof is what I was asking about - inside the building, it would be in a chase (the fireplace will be on an interior wall).  I'll ask the BI about above the roof.

            Personally, I don't like the look of chimneys with vinyl siding on them.  If I have to frame a chimney, I'll probably stucco it.

             

          3. AndyEngel | Aug 19, 2005 08:19pm | #9

            Yeah, I despise them too. Framed a few, but always felt kind of bad about it....

             Andy Engel

            Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

            An updated profile is a happy profile.

            Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

            None of this matters in geological time.

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