Codes
We adhere to NFPA-211 inspection codes. An overview of the National Fire Protection Agency Code 211 regarding Levels I, II, and III inspections:
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Level I |
Level II |
Level III |
| Scope |
Readily accessible areas of chimney, structure, and flue
Lack of Obstruction or combustible deposits in flue
Basic appliance and installation and connection
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All subjects of a Level I inspection
Proper construction and condition of accessible portions of the chimney structure and all enclosed flues
Proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
Size and suitability of flues for connected appliances
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All subjects of a Level I and Level II inspection
Proper construction and condition of concealed portions of chimney structure and enclosed
flues
Proper clearances from combustibles.
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| Degree of Access Required |
Shall include readily accessible portion of chimney exterior and interior; accessible portions of appliance and chimney connection
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Shall include all accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including areas within accessible attics, crawl spaces and basement,and accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection. Shall include inspection by video scanningor other means of inspection.
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Shall include external and internal portions of the chimney structure, including concealed areas of the building or chimney. Shall include removal of components of the building or chimney where necessary Removal of such components shall be required only as necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. |
| Circumstances |
Annual inspections as required by Section 10-2.
During routine cleaning of chimney flue
Upon direct replacement of a connected appliance with one of similar type, input rating, and efficiency
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Upon addition or removal of one or more connected appliances or replacement of an appliance with one of the dissimilar type input rating or efficiency.
Prior to relining or replacement of flue lining
Upon sale or transfer of the property.
After an operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage to the chimney
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Where necessary for the investigation of an incident that has caused damage to the chimney or building.
Where a hazard detected or suspected as the result of a Level I or Level II inspection cannot be fully evaluated without access to concealed areas.
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| Indications |
A Level I inspection is indicated when verification of the suitability of the chimney for continued service, under the same conditions and with the same appliance or appliances, is needed |
A Level II inspection is indicated when verification of the suitability of the chimney for new or changed conditions of service is needed, or when a Level I inspection is not sufficient to determine the serviceability of the chimney is needed.
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A Level III inspection is indicated when the construction of all or part of the chimney is deemed critical to the renewed or continued used of the chimney. A LevelIII inspection shall be required ony for those areas that cannot be properly evaluated by a Level I or Level II inspection.
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Below are some of the codes we find most valuable:
8-2.1.5 Where a lining of a low-duty fireclay brick (ASTM C 27, "Standard Classification of Fireclay and High-Alumina Refractory Brick), firebox brick (ASTM C 1261, "Standard Specification for Firebox Brick for Residential Fireplaces), or the equivalent, at least 2 in. (51 mm) thick laid-in medium-duty refractory mortar (ASTM C 199, "Standard Test Method for Pier Test for Refractory Mortars), or the equivalent, or other approved lining is provided, the total thickness of the smoke chamber walls, including the lining, shalll be not less than 6 in. (152 mm). Where unlined, the smoke chamber wall thickness shall be not less than 8 in. (203 mm). The smoke chamber height shall not be greater than the inside width of the fireplace room opening. The smoke chamber depth shall not be greater than the depth of the fireplace fire chamber, . The inner surfaces of the smoke chamber shall be smooth and not inclided more than 45 degrees from vertical.
8-2.3.1 All wood beams, joists, studs, and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 in. (51 mm) from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 in. (102 mm) from the back faces of masonry fireplaces.
10-2 Annual Inspection. Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspedted at least once a year in accordance with the requirements of Section 11-3. Connectors, speak arrestors, cleanouts, and tee fittings connected to chmneys and to oil and pellet venting systems shall be inspected at least once a year in accordance with the requirements of Section 11-3.Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.
10-7 Evidence of Damage. Chimneys, vents, and fireplaces shall be inspected, cleaned, and repaired if there is any evidence of damage to the chimney, fireplace, or vent or to the surroundings. Inspections required by this section shall comply with the requirements for a Level II Inspection in accordance wtih Section 11-4.
10-9 Damaged of Deteriorated Liners. If the flue liner in a chimney has softened, cracked, or otherwise deteriorates so that it no longer has the continued ability to contain the products of combustion (o.e., heat, moisture, creoste, and fluegases), it shall be either removed and replaced, repaired, or relined with a listed liner system or other approved material that will resist corrosion, softening, or cracking from flue gases at temperatures appropriate to the class of chimney service.
You may purchase the entire codebook in a downloadable form on the NFPA website by clicking here. |
