International Residential Code (IRC)
For One- and Two-Family Dwellings

First Draft April 1998

CHAPTER 10
CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES


SECTION 1001
MASONRY CHIMNEYS

1001.1 General. Masonry chimneys shall be constructed, anchored, supported and reinforced as required in this chapter and the applicable provisions of Chapters 3, 4 and 6. In Seismic Zones 3 and 4, masonry and concrete chimneys shall be reinforced and anchored as detailed in Section 1003 for chimneys serving fireplaces. In Seismic Zone 0, 1 or 2, reinforcement and seismic anchorage is not required. Chimneys shall be structurally sound, durable, smoke tight and capable of conveying flue gases to the exterior safely.

1001.1.1 Support. Masonry chimneys shall be supported on foundations of solid masonry or concrete at least 12 inches (305 mm) thick and at least 6 inches (153 mm) beyond each side of the exterior dimensions of the chimney. Footings shall be founded on natural undisturbed earth below frostline. In areas not subject to freezing, footings shall be located a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) below finished grade.

1001.2 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.

1001.3 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.

1001.4 Offsets. Where a masonry chimney is constructed with a fireclay clay 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 1001.2.

1001.5 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 reinforced concrete walls of the building.

1001.6 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.

1001.7 Wall thickness. Masonry chimney walls shall be constructed of solid masonry units or hollow masonry units grouted solid with not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nominal thickness.

1001.8 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.

1001.8.1 Residential-type appliances (general). Flue lining systems shall comply with one of the following:

1001.8.2 Flue linings for specific appliances. Flue linings other than covered in Section 1001.8.1, intended for use with specific types of appliances, shall comply with Section 2111.8.2 and Section 2111.8.3.

1001.9 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.

1001.9.1 Listed materials. Listed materials used as flue linings shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listings and manufacturer's instructions.

1001.9.2 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.

1001.10 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.

1001.11 Flue area (appliance). Chimney flues shall not be smaller in area than that of the area of the connector from the appliance. The sizing and installation of a chimney flue to which multiple-appliance venting systems are connected shall be in accordance with Section 2104.3.2.

1001.12 Flue area (masonry fireplace). The net cross-sectional area of the chimney flue shall be determined in accordance with Figure 1001.12. 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 1001.12a and 1001.12b 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 1001.12
FLUE SIZES FOR MASONRY CHIMNEYS

TABLE 1001.12a
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 1001.12b
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 315-91.

1001.13 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.

1001.14 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 noncombustible cover.

1001.15 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). Sheathing materials shall be be permitted to abut the masonry chimney walls. The juncture of the sheathing materials and the chimney walls shall be sealed by methods approved by the code official. See Figure XXX. The air space shall not be filled, except to provide firestopping in accordance with Section 602.8.

When masonry chimneys are constructed as part of masonry walls or reinforced concrete walls, combustible materials shall not be in contact with the masonry wall less than 12 inches (306 mm) from the inside surface of the nearest flue lining.

1001.16 Chimney fireblocking. All spaces between chimneys and floors and ceilings through which chimneys pass shall be fireblocked with noncombustible material securly fastened in place. The fireblocking 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.

1001.17 Chimney crickets. Chimneys shall be provided with crickets when the dimension parallel to the ridgeline is greater than 30 inches (762 mm) and does not intersect the ridgeline. The intersection of the cricket and the chimney shall be flashed and counterflashed in the same manner as normal roof-chimney intersections. Crickets shall be constructed in conformity with Figure 2111.17 and Table 2111.17.

FIGURE 1001.17
CHIMNEY CRICKET

TABLE 1001.17
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


SECTION 1002
FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEYS

1002.1 General. Factory-built chimneys shall conform to the conditions of their listing and the manufacturer's instructions. Factory-built chimneys that are listed as part of an assembly with factory-built fireplaces shall conform to Section 2114.1.


SECTION 1003
MASONRY FIREPLACES

1003.1 General. Masonry fireplaces shall be constructed in accordance with this section and the applicable provisions of Chapters 3 and 4.

1003.2 Footings and foundations. Foundations 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 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.

1003.3 Seismic reinforcing. Masonry or concrete chimneys in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 shall be reinforced. Reinforcing shall conform to the requirements set forth in Table 1003.1 and Section 607, Grouted Masonry.

1003.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical bars shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry, or within the cells of hollow unit masonry, and grouted in accordance with Section 607. 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 flue incorporated in the chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.

1003.3.2 Horizontal reinforcing. Vertical reinforcment shall be placed within 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) ties, or other reinforcing of equivalent net cross-sectional area, placed in the bed joints according to Section 607, 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.

1003.4 Seismic anchorage. Masonry and concrete chimneys in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 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:

1003.4.1 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.

1003.5 Fireplace walls. Masonry fireplaces shall be constructed of solid masonry units, hollow masonry units grouted solid, stone, or reinforced 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 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.

1003.6 Steel fireplace units. Steel fireplace units incorporating a firebox liner of not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in thickness and an air chamber 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.

1003.7 Lintel and throat. Masonry over a fireplace opening shall be supported by a lintel of noncombustible 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.

1003.8 Smoke chamber. Smoke chamber walls shall be constructed of solid masonry units, stone or reinforced concrete. Corbelling 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.

1003.8.1 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.

1003.9 Hearth and hearth extension. Masonry fireplace hearths and hearth extensions shall be constructed of concrete or masonry, supported by noncombustible 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.

1003.9.1 Hearth thickness. The minimum thickness of fireplace hearths shall be 4 inches (102 mm).

1003.9.2 Hearth extension thickness. The minimum thickness of hearth extensions shall be 2 inches (51 mm).

1003.10 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.

1003.11 Firebox dimensions. The firebox of a concrete or masonry fireplace shall have a minimum depth of 20 inches (508 mm). 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.

1003.12 Fireplace clearance. Wood or combustible framing shall not be placed within 2 inches (51 mm) of the outside back or side surface of a masonry fireplace, including the smoke chamber, and not less than 6 inches (153 mm) from the inside surface of the nearest flue lining. Sheathing materials shall be be permitted to abut the masonry chimney walls. The juncture of the sheathing materials and the chimney walls shall be sealed by methods approved by the code official. See Figure XXX. A combusitble mantel or trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace surround in accordance with 1003.13.

When masonry chimneys are constructed as part of masonry walls or reinforced concrete walls, combustible materials shall not be in contact with the masonry wall less than 12 inches (306 mm) from the inside surface of the nearest firebox, smoke chamber or flue lining.

1003.13 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.

1003.14 Fireplace fireblocking. See Section 602.8.

1003.15 Ash dump cleanout. Cleanout openings, when provided, shall be equipped with ferrous metal 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.

TABLE 1003.1
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 1003.1, 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 hearth1003.9
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.1003.10
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.1003.10
Firebox dimensionsD20-inch minimum firebox depth. 12-inch minimum firebox depth for Rumford fireplaces.1003.11
Hearth and hearth extension reinforcingEReinforced to carry its own weight and all imposed loads1003.9
Thickness of wall of fireboxF10 inches solid masonry or 8 inches where firebrick lining is used.1003.5
Distance from top of opening to throatG8 inches minimum.1003.7
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.1003.8
Chimney vertical reinforcing1IFour 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.1003.3.1
Chimney horizontal reinforcing1J1/4-inch ties at each 18 inches, and two ties at each bend in vertical steel.1003.3.2
Fireplace lintelKNoncombustible material with 4-inch bearing length of each side of opening.1003.7
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.1003.6
1001.7
Effective flue area (based on area of fireplace opening and chimney)MSee Section 1001.111001.11
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.
1001.14
1003.11
1003.12
1001.5
Anchorage1
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.
1003.4
Footing
Thickness
Width
P12-inch minimum.
6 inches each side of fireplace wall.
1003.2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
1 Required only in Seismic Zones 3 and 4.

FIGURE 1003.1
FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY DETAILS

SECTION 1004
FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES

1004.1 Installation. Factory-built fireplaces that consist of a fire chamber assembly, one or more chimney sections, a roof assembly and other parts as tested and listed as an assembly by an approved agency may be installed when complying with all the following provisions:

SECTION 1005
FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACE STOVES

1005.1 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.

SECTION 1006
EXTERIOR AIR SUPPLY

1006.1 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.

1006.1.1 Factory-built fireplaces. Exterior combustion air ducts for factory-built fireplaces shall be a listed component of the fireplace and shall be installed according to the fireplace manufacturer's instructions.

1006.1.2 Masonry fireplaces. Listed combustion air ducts for masonry fireplaces shall be installed according to the terms of their listing and manufacturer's instructions.

1006.2 Exterior air intake. The exterior air intake shall be capable of providing all combustion air from the exterior of the dwelling. The exterior air intake shall not be located within the garage, attic, basement or crawl space of the dwelling nor shall the air intake 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.

Reason: Exterior air ducts that are built with vertical portions rising to an exterior "intake" above the firebox can get warm and draw like a chimney and flow backwards adding to the risk of fire.

1006.3 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.

1006.4 Passageway. The combustion air passageway shall be a minimum of 6 square inches (3870 mm2) and not more than 55 square inches (0.035 m2) except that combustion air systems for listed fireplaces or for fireplaces tested for emissions shall be constructed according to the fireplace manufacturer's instructions.

1006.5 Outlet. The exterior air outlet is permitted to be located in the back or sides of the firebox chamber, or within 24 inches (610 mm) of the firebox opening on or near the floor. The outlet shall be closable and designed to prevent burning material from dropping into concealed combustible spaces.

IRC 1997 version
IRC current draft version - 10/10/98
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