Buckley Rumford Fireplaces
Code Change Proposals for 2012-13
6/7/13

Group B code change proposals and the results of the Dallas hearing

International Building Code (IBC)
5/3/12 - Dallas

S229-12
2111.1, 2111.3, 2111.4, 2113.1, 2113.3, 2113.4
Mostly editorial. Approved.

S230-12
2111.1
Editorial change of definition. Disapproved in favor of S229 - Changed from "general"

S231-12
2111.2, 2111.3, 2111.4, 2111.12, 2113.3, 2113.3.1, 2113.3.2
S229-12 is approved but we still need to replace reinforcing with reinforcement - better English - a noun as opposed to a verb.
Disapproved but editorial. Let staff deal with it.

S232-12
2111.11 Fireplace clearance. Fill air space with non-combustible insulation. Disapproved (didn't like definition of non-combustible insulation.

S233-12
2111.12
Get rid of "to a depth of 1 inch (25 mm)" and change "chimney" to "fireplace".
Disapproved 11 to 3 - One didn't like "self supporting" another was not impressed that it was mirroring language in the fireplace section. Committee not in a good mood.

S234-12
2112.2, 2112.5, Chapter 35 (NEW)
Add EN 15250
Approved

S235-12
2112.5, Table 2112.1 (NEW), Chapter 35 (NEW)
Revise masonry heater clearances.
Disapproved - Tim asked for disapproval. Smart move. Preserves issue for consideration at plenary session but encourages masonry heater community to work together.

S236-12
2112.5
Editorial. Correction of reference to NFPA 211.
Approved

S237-12
2113.19
Fire blocking with non-combustible insulation and 12" to 8".
Disapproved over definition of non-combustible insulation. 8" issue not mentioned.

Check Chimney fireblocking - 2113.20 approved in 2010 and 2111.12 still not consistent.

See "IBCclearancestestimony"

International Residential Code (IRC)
4/21-30/13 - Dallas

RB455-13 AS - because in UBC
Proponent: Timothy N. Seaton, B.S.C.E.; Empire Masonry Heaters LLC (tseaton@timelyconstructon.com)
R1002.2, R1002.5, Chapter 44
Add new European standard for masonry heaters.
MACS NO POSITION unless heater guys agree. Mirrors IBC.

RB456-13 D - wrong 211 section
Proponent: Timothy N. Seaton, B.S.C.E.; Empire Masonry Heaters LLC (tseaton@timelyconstructon.com)
R1002.5
Revises NFPA 211 to reduce clearances for masonry heaters
MACS SUPPORT

RB457-13 D - motion by Bob Eugene, UL
Proponent: Timothy N. Seaton, B.S.C.E.; Empire Masonry Heaters LLC (tseaton@timelyconstructon.com)
R1002.5, Chapter 44
Add another (alternative?) new TRVB 105 standard for Fireplaces for Solid Fuels
MACS NO POSITION unless heater guys agree

RB458-13 AS
Proponent: Jim Buckley, Buckley Rumford Co. representing Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards and Clay Lining Institute (buckley@rumford.com)
R1003.18 Chimney clearances ... exception 3
Reduce 12" wall thickness to 8" and eliminate "Combustible material and trim shall not overlap the corners of the chimney by more than 1 inch (25 mm)." - this time with test results
MACS PROPOSAL. SUPPORT. This code change will make building an exposed masonry chimney easier and less expensive. The testing and engineering Report backing up this proposal shows that a chimney with an 8" thick chimney wall in contact with combustible materials is at least as safe as a chimney with 4" thick walls plus a 2" air space to combustibles which is current code. I urge approval. Gary Ehrlich gave strong endorsement lauding test. So did a NCHBA builder. Approved 10:0

RB20-13 AS
R202
Proponent: Bob Eugene, representing UL LLC (Robert.Eugene@ul.com)
Eliminates: Masonry chimney. A field-constructed chimney composed of solid masonry units, bricks, stones or concrete.
Leaves in: Masonry fireplace. A field-constructed fireplace composed of solid masonry units, bricks, stones or concrete.
MACS SUPPORT: With the comment that the definition of "masonry fireplace" in the IRC, IBC and IMC should be made consistent.

RB459-13 AS
Proponent: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc, UL (robert.eugene@ul.com), David Hall CFM, Georgetown Texas representing the ICC PMG Code Action Committee (dave.hall@georgetown.org)
THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-PLUMBING/MECHANICAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.
R1004.5 (NEW)
R1004.5 Gasketed fireplace doors. A gasketed fireplace door shall not be installed on a factory-built fireplace except where the fireplace system has been specifically tested, listed and labeled for such use in accordance with UL 127.
MACS SUPPORT. Gasketed or tight-fitting fireplace doors may create a fire hazard for any fireplace.

RB460-13 D
R1005.2
Proponent: Jim Buckley, Buckley Rumford Co., representing Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards and Clay Lining Institute (buckley@rumford.com)
Decorative shrouds
Add "or comply with Section R1003.9 Temination."
MACS PROPOSAL. SUPPORT. We would like a prescriptive alternative. Late and weak. Eugene said inappropriate because cited a masonry section of code. King opposed.
(See SelkirkShroudGuide or ICC Custom Shrouds)

RB461-13 AS
R1006.2, R1006.5
Proponent: David Hall CFM, Georgetown Texas representing the ICC PMG Code Action Committee (dave.hall@georgetown.org)
THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-PLUMBING/MECHANICAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.
Rearrange wording about location of exterior air intake and outlet without changing anything for masonry fireplaces.
MACS WATCH. to make sure exception for balance is maintained.

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Monitor

ADM62-13
IBC, IECC, IEBC, IFC, IFGC, IgCC, IMC, IPC, IPMC, IRC, and the ISPSC
Updating 4.5.1 Standards referenced in the I-Codes .....

Z21.60/CSA 2.26-2012 - Decorative Gas Appliances for Installation in Solid-fuel Burning Fireplaces. IFGC, IRC

Z21.84-2012 - Manually-lighted, Natural Gas Decorative Gas Appliances for Installation in Solid Fuel Burning Fireplaces. IFGC, IRC

SECTION G2432 (602)
DECORATIVE APPLIANCES FOR
INSTALLATION IN FIREPLACES
G2432.1 (602.1) General. Decorative appliances for installation in approved solid fuel burning fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.60 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Manually lighted natural gas decorative appliances shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.84.
G2432.2 (602.2) Flame safeguard device. Decorative appliances for installation in approved solid fuel-burning fireplaces, with the exception of those tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.84, shall utilize a direct ignition device, an ignitor or a pilot flame to ignite the fuel at the main burner, and shall be equipped with a flame safeguard device. The flame safeguard device shall automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burner or group of burners when the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative.
G2432.3 (602.3) Prohibited installations. Decorative appliances for installation in fireplaces shall not be installed where prohibited by Section G2406.2.
Are Z21.60 and Z21.84 standards for gas logs? And do we call them "appliances" or "accessories"?

See Rett's comments.

C1261-10 - Specification for Firebox Brick for Residential Fireplaces. IBC, IRC

NFPA 211-13 - Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. IFC, IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC

103-2010 - Factory-Built Chimneys, for Residential Type and Building Heating Appliances with Revisions through July 2012. IBC, INC, IFGC, IRC.

127-2011 - Factory-Built Chimneys, for Residential Type and Building Heating Appliances with Revisions through July 2012. IBC, IMC, IFGC, IRC.

737-2011 - Fireplace stoves. IRC, IMC.

907-2010 - Fireplace Accessories - with revisions through July 2006 April 2010. IMC. What are "fireplace accessories"?

959-2010 - Medium Heat Appliance Factory-Built Chimneys. IRC, IMC, IFGC.

CE177-13 D/AMF
C402.4.1.2 (NEW), R402.1.2 (NEW), (IRC N1102.4.1.2 (NEW))
Proponent: Brent Ursenbach, Salt Lake County representing Utah Chapter ICC and Utah Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Chapter ICC (bursenbach@slco.org)
THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE PROPOSAL. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE COMMERCIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
Combustion air openings - exception for fireplaces complying with IMC 901-5 and IBC 2111,13 and Section 402.4.2 and Section R1006.
MACS WATCH - Can't do pressure test with open exterior air vents.

CE179-13 D
C402.4.2, Table R402.4.1.1 (IRC Table N1102.4.1.1)
Proponent: Jeffrey M. Hugo, CBO, National Fire Sprinkler Association (hugo@nfsa.org)
THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE PROPOSAL. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE COMMERCIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.TABLE R402.4.1.1 (N1102.4.1.1) AIR BARRIER AND INSULATION INSTALLATION - An air barrier shall be installed on fireplace walls. Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors.
MACS OPPOSE

RE71-13 D
Dan Buuck, representing National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) (dbuuck@nahb.org)
RE72-13 AS
Don Surrena, CBO, representing National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) (dsurrena@nahb.org)
RE73 D
R402.4 (IRC N1102.4), R402.4.1.1 (IRC N1102.4.1.1), R402.4.1.2 (IRC N1102.4.1.2), R402.4.1.3 (NEW) (IRC N1102.4.1.3 NEW), R403.2.2 (IRC N1103.2.2), R403.2.2.1 (NEW) (IRC N1103.2.2.1 NEW), R403.2.2.2 (NEW) (IRC N1103.2.2.2 NEW), R403.2.2.3 (NEW) (IRC N1103.2.2.3), Table 405.5.2(1) (IRC Table N1105.5.2(1))
R402.4.1.3 (N1102.4.1.3) Leakage rate (Prescriptive). The building or dwelling unit shall have an air leakage rate not exceeding 5 air changes per hour in Climate Zones 1 and 2, and 3 air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3 through 8, when tested in accordance with Section R402.4.1.2.
MACS WATCH

RE73-13 D
Proponent: Brian Dean, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition; Garrett Stone, Brickfield Burchette Ritts & Stone, PC; Jeff Harris, Alliance to Save Energy; Harry Misuriello, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; and Bill Prindle, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition
R402.4.2 (N1102.4.2) Fireplaces (Mandatory). New wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight-fitting flue dampers and outdoor combustion air.
MACS SUPPORT. But define "outdoor combustion air" to include balance.

RE76-13 D
R402.2 (IRC N1102.2), R402.2.1 (NEW) (IRC N1102.2.1 (NEW)), Table R402.4.1.1 (NEW) (IRC Table N1102.4.1.1 (NEW))
Proponent: Eric Makela, Britt/Makela Group, Inc., representing Northwest Energy Codes Group (Eric@BrittMakela.com); Jim Meyers, Southwest Energy Efficiency Partnership; Robby Schwarz, Energy Logic Revise as follows: ...
Exterior walls adjacent to fireplace enclosures shall have an air barrier installed encapsulating and separating interior conditioned space and exterior wall insulation. Fireplaces shall have tight fitting doors
OPPOSE? Explain - what is meant by air barrier encapsulating and what is "tight fitting"?

RE77-13 D
Table R402.4.1.1 (IRC Table N1102.4.1.1)
Proponent: Brian Dean, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition; Garrett Stone, Brickfield Burchette Ritts & Stone, PC; Jeff Harris, Alliance to Save Energy; Harry Misuriello, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; and Bill Prindle, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition
Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors.
MACS OPPOSE.

RE81-13 D
Table R402.4.1.1 (IRC N1102.4.1.1)
Proponent: Michael Schmeida, Divisional Manager-Sustainability and Government/Regulatory Affairs representing Tremco Commercial Sealants and Waterproofing, Beachwood, Ohio (mschmeida@tremcoinc.com)
An air barrier shall be installed on fireplace walls. Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors.
MACS OPPOSE.

RE85-13 AS - How does that square with RE86-13? Stroud says RE86-13 rules and RE85-13 will be changed. Taecker says this is a general provision and the more specific RB86 will rule.
Table R402.4.1.1 (IRC Table N1102.4.1.1)
Proponent: Shaunna Mozingo, City of Cherry Hills Village, representing Colorado Chapter of ICC, Inc. smozingo@coloradocode.net
An air barrier shall be installed on fireplace walls. Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors
MACS OPPOSE.

RE86-13 AM - more specific and will trump RB85
Table R402.4.1.1 (IRC Table N1102.4.1.1), R402.4.2 (IRC N1102.4.2)
Proponent: Thomas Stroud, Senior Manager, Codes & Standards, representing Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (stroud@hpba.org)
Out of table and ...
R402.4.2 (N1102.4.2) Fireplaces. New wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight fitting flue dampers or doors, and outdoor combustion air. When using tight-fitting doors on UL 127 fireplaces, they must be tested and listed for the fireplace.
Reason: In 2012 Table R402.4.1.1 Fireplace criteria states an air barrier shall be installed on fireplace walls. Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors. In Section R402.4.2 it states new wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight-fitting flue dampers or doors, and outdoor combustion air. We interpret this to mean traditional, field-fabricated, "masonry fireplaces" in accordance with 2009 IRC Section R1001, and constructed of concrete or solid clay-masonry units; NOT "factory-built," UL 127 fireplaces in accordance with IRC Section R1004. Because of requirements in the IECC that require all fireplaces to be provided with gasketed doors, a great deal of controversy has resulted. Most factory-built fireplaces are not listed for use with sealed glass doors and installing such doors on fireplaces that are not tested for these doors could cause overheating of the fireplace resulting in a fire hazard. Without testing, the effect of the doors will be an unknown. In this regard, the intent of Section R402.4.2 is to mitigate air leakage during periods of non-use, but not where the conditions of fireplace installation are in violation of the UL 127 listing. Regarding the requirement for an air barrier on "fireplace walls", this is an unclear statement and is clarified by the addition in Shafts, Penetrations that the air sealing is to be on the chase and not on the fireplace. This will address chase sealing details that are needed and gives clarification to address framed wall construction.
MACS SUPPORT/MODIFY to eliminate "on UL 127 fireplaces," Allows "tight fitting dampers" but all fireplaces are made more dangerous with gasketed doors.
Modification: R402.4.2 (N1102.4.2) Fireplaces. New wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight fitting flue dampers or doors, and outdoor combustion air. When using tight-fitting doors on factory-built UL 127 fireplaces listed and labeled in accordance with UL 127, they must the doors shall be tested and listed for the fireplace. When using tight-fitting doors on masonry fireplaces, the doors shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 907.

RE87-13 D
Table R402.4.1.1, (IRC Table N1102.4.1.1), R402.4.2 (IRC N1102.4.2)
Proponent: Brenda A. Thompson, Clark County Development Services, Las Vegas NV, representing ICC Sustainability, Energy & High Performance Building Code Action Committee (bat@clarkcounty.gov)
Gets rid of gasketed doors in Table R402.4.1.1 and requires only tight fitting dampers in R402.4.2
MACS SUPPORT because allows "tight fitting dampers".

RE146-13 AS/DF
R403.10 (NEW) (IRC N1103.10 (NEW))
Proponent: Steve Rosenstock, Edison Electric Institute, representing Edison Electric Institute (srosenstock@eei.org)
R403.10 (N1103.10) Fireplace systems (Mandatory). Fuel gas fired fireplace systems shall not have continuously burning pilot lights.
MACS WATCH or oppose depending on Rett's response - increases cost, pilot lights aren't on that much and don't cost that much.

F181-13 W
908.7 (IBC [F] 908.7); 1103.9
Proponent: Thomas G. Daly, The Hospitality Security Consulting Group, LLC, representing Hilton Worldwide, Inc.
Would require CO detectors if you have a fireplace.
MACS WATCH or support in lieu of removing dampers.

F182-13 AS
908.7 (IBC[F] 908.7) , 908.7.1 (New) [IBC [F] 908.7.1 (New)], 908.7.1.1 (New)
[IBC [F] 908.7.1.1 (New)], 908.7.1.2 (New) [IBC [F] 908.7.1.2 (New)]
Proponent: Roger Evans, Park City Municipal Corporation, representing the Utah Chapter of ICC (revans@parkcity.org)
Would require CO detectors if you have a fireplace.
MACS WATCH or support in lieu of removing dampers.

RB80-13 and RB81-13 D
R302.2, R302.2.4, R313.1, R313.2 and R313.3 (New)
Proponent: Jason Thompson, P.E., National Concrete Masonry Association representing Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (jthompson@ncma.org)
MACS SUPPORT townhouse firewalls

RB87-13 D
R302.3, R302.4, R302.7, R302.9, R302.11, R302.12, R310.1, R314.5
Proponent: Brenda A. Thompson, Clark County Development Services, Las Vegas NV, representing ICC Sustainability, Energy & High Performance Building Code Action Committee (bat@clarkcounty.gov)
Fireblocking refers to R1003.19 for fireplaces, not changed.
MACS WATCH or oppose.

RB332-13 AS
R606.2 , R606.2.1, R606.2.2, R606.2.3, R606.2.4, R606.2.5 (NEW), R606.2.6 (NEW), R606.2.7 (NEW), R606.2.8 (NEW), R606.2.9 (NEW), R606.2.10 (NEW), R606.2.12 (NEW), R606.3, R606.3.4 (NEW), R606.3.4.1 (NEW), R606.3.4.2 (NEW), R606.3.4.3 (NEW), R606.8, R606.11, R606.12, R606.12.3, R606.13, R606.14 (NEW), R606.14.1 (NEW), R606.14.2 (NEW), R606.15, R606.15.1, Table R606.15.1, R607.1.1, R607, R607.1.2, R607.1.3, R607.2.1, R607.2.1.1, R607.2.2, R607.2.2.1, R607.2.2.2, R607.3, R608, R608.1, R608.1.1, R608.1.1.1, R608.1.1.2, R608.1.2, R608.1.2.1, R608.1.2.2, R608.1.2.3, R608.1.3, R608.1.3.1, R608.1.3.2, R608.2, R608.2.1, R608.2.2, R609, R609.1, R609.1.1, Table R609.1.1, R609.1.2, Table R609.1.2, R609.1.3, R609.1.4, R609.1.4.1, R609.1.5, R609.1.5.1, R609.1.5.2, R609.2, R609.2.1, R609.2.2, R609.2.3, R609.3, R609.3.1, R609.4, R609.4.1, Chapter 44
Proponent: Jason Thompson, National Concrete Masonry Association representing Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (jthompson@ncma.org)
Reorganizes Sections R606, R607, R608, and R609
MACS SUPPORT Check out for reinforcement and splice overlaps ala Swink and Bufford

RB352-13 AS
R202, Table R702.3.5, R1001.11, Table N1102.4.1.1 (IECC R402.4.1.1)
Define "gypsum board" to replace "drywall"
MACS WATCH

RB372-13
R301.2.2.2.1, R301.2.2.2.2, R301.2.2.3.2, Table R301.7, Table R403.1, Table R403.4, R404.1.5.1, R404.1.5.2, R602.10.3, Table R602.10.3(4), Table R602.10.4, R602.10.6.5, Figure R602.10.6.5, R603.9.5, R703.7, Figure R703.7, Table R703.7(1), Table R703.7(2), R703.7.2, R703.7.2.1, Figure R703.7.2.1, R703.7.2.2, Figure R703.7.2.2, R703.7.3, Table R703.7.3.1, R703.7.3.2, Table R703.7.3.2, Figure R703.7.3.2, R703.7.4, R703.7.5
Proponent: Charles Clark, Brick Industry Association representing Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (cclark@bia.org)
MACS SUPPORT - watch others on same issue

RB376-13 AS
Figure R703.7
Proponent: Gary J. Ehrlich, P.E., National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) (gehrlich@nahb.org)
Ads "typical" to FIGURE R703.7 TYPICAL MASONRY VENEER WALL DETAILS

RB473-13
Appendix R (New)
Straw bale walls plasterd with 3/8" treated like combustibles.
MACS WATCH or support

RM44-13 D
M1508.1 (New)
Proponent: Craig Conner, representing self
Add text as follows: Requires direct or power venting of gas and oil fired space heating appliances
HPBA alerted - effect gas logs?

RM60-13 WP
M1806 (New), M1805.4 through M1805.4.4 (New)
Proponent: Guy McMann, Jefferson County Co. representing Colorado Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (CAPMO) (gmcmann@jeffco.us)
UL listings for UL103HT, UL103 exception for UL103 for open fireplaces extracted from IMC. MACS SUPPORT - Another reason to ban doors on open fireplaces.

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Comments about joint reinforcing by John Bufford and John Swink.
Green Building Code - gasketed fireplace doors
Energy Code - Another perspective on 2" around chimney - fill with non-combustible insulation?
Existing Buildings Code
Commentary

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